General information about the country

Capital: Astana.

Official language: Kazakh language, language of interethnic communication – Russian.

Currency: Tenge.

Religion: A secular state.

Time zone: (GMT+5).

Location: Kazakhstan is located in the center of the Eurasian continent and borders Russia to the northwest, north and northeast, China to the southeast, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the south. It shares the waters of the Caspian Sea with Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia and Turkmenistan .

Form of government: Presidential republic.

RESORTS AND TOWNS

Almaty

Almaty is a unique city: noisy in the Oriental way and elegant in the European way, charming at any time of the year. Tourists can walk around this modern metropolis, and after a 30-minute drive from its center – observe the beauty of nature or relax at a ski resort. According to long-term tourism statistics, Almaty attracts tourists with an ideal combination of different types of recreation.

Astana

Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, attracts tourists with masterpieces of modern architecture. Being the political, economic and cultural center of the country, Astana often becomes a venue for summits, conferences, festivals and concerts.

Borovoye

Borovoye is a land of pine forests, huge rocks and clean lakes, which is often called “Kazakhstan’s Switzerland”. There is a developed infrastructure here, many sanatoriums, hotels and ski complexes. Visitors here can improve their health away from the hustle and bustle of the city, go horseback riding, conquer mountain peaks or swim in clean lakes.

Aktau

Aktau is one of the most interesting and unusual cities in Kazakhstan. Its name translates from Kazakh as “white mountain” and it suits the city very well, because Aktau stands on a cliff of white limestone-shell. The sea and beaches are what the city attracts tourists in the first place. Not far from the city you can see incredible, truly Martian landscapes, as well as historical and religious sights.

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Almaty hotels

Three-star hotels:

  • Holiday Inn Express;
  • Mildom Premium;
  • Mildom Hotel.

Four-star hotels:

  • Sadu;
  • Novotel City Center;
  • Mercure Almaty;
  • Kazzhol Park;
  • Renion Park;
  • Resident City;
  • Park Hotel.

Five-star hotels:

  • Rixos Almaty;
  • Swissotel Wellness Resort Alatau Almaty;
  • The Ritz Carlton Almaty;
  • Rahat Palace.

Ski resorts:

  • Shymbulak Ski Resort;
  • Oi Qaragai Mountain Resort;
  • Tenir Eco Hotel;
  • Qazaq Auyl Resort.
Astana hotels

Three-star hotels:

  • Hampton by Hilton;
  • Holiday Inn Express;
  • Ibis Astana;
  • Inn OZZ Astana.

Four-star hotels:

  • Ramada by Wyndham Astana;
  • Neos;
  • Comfort Hotel;
  • Jumbaktas;
  • Best Western Plus Astana;
  • Kazzhol Astana.

Five-star hotels:

  • The Veil, St. Regis Astana;
  • The Ritz Carlton Astana;
  • Sheraton Astana.

 

Borovoye hotels

Five-star hotels:

  • Rixos Borovoe.
Hotels in Aktau

Three-star hotels:

  • Silk Way Hotel;
  • Aktau Hotel.

Four-star hotels:

  • Holiday Inn Aktau;
  • Holiday Inn Seaside Aktau;
  • Grand Hotel Victory.

Five-star hotels:

  • Rixos Water World Aktau;
  • Caspian Riviera Grand Palace Hotel.

 

Hotels in Turkestan

Three-star hotels:

  • Hampton by Hilton.

Four-star hotels:

  • Ramada by Wyndham Turkistan;
  • Olympic Hotel, Royal Grand.

Five-star hotels:

  • Karavansaray Turkistan;
  • Rixos Turkistan.

 

TRANSPORT

Buses and shuttles are present in all cities. Buses run in a given direction, boarding/disembarking through all doors.

Streetcar network exists in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Pavlodar, Temirtau.

Trolleybuses and metro operate only in Almaty. The metro includes one line with 11 stations and runs through the center.

There are cabs in big cities. In Astana, Almaty fares are stable due to the existence of large transportation companies. In other settlements, it is preferable to negotiate the cost of cab fare in advance.

The country has 20 major airports, of which 11 serve international traffic.

Railway transport is the main mode of transportation of passengers and cargo. The length of railroads in Kazakhstan exceeds 15,000 km. 16 junction points connect the railway system of Kazakhstan with neighboring countries – 11 with Russia, two with Uzbekistan, one with Kyrgyzstan, two with China. As of today, passenger transportation is carried out on 116 routes.

Public transport is also well developed in Kazakhstan, designed to transport the population according to a certain schedule and route. Passenger traffic is high, especially during “peak” hours. The fare on Kazakhstani public transportation is 120 tenge. Payment in Almaty is usually made via ONAY terminal or SMS.

All cities have shuttle buses, some cities have operating streetcar fleets. There is a subway in Almaty. You can also use a cab service, or rent a car for self-driving. In the summer period, bicycles are quite popular. In large cities there are special points where you can rent them. For tourists traveling in a small group, it is advantageous to use a cab in Kazakhstan.

USEFUL TIPS

Excursions

On excursions it is better to have sports shoes, headgear, sunglasses and cream, water, mini first aid kit. Before each excursion check the availability of tickets. Do not be late for boarding the bus.

During the tour, arrive on time to your guide’s designated spot during stops.

Papers

Do not carry original documents, except for health insurance, you can take copies.

When walking in the city, it is advisable to have your hotel’s business card with you. This will help you in case you get lost. Show your business card to a local or cab driver and they will help you get back to your hotel.

If your bank card is lost/stolen, call your bank and report the incident. It is advisable to have a cash reserve with you in case there are problems with card payments.

Do not tell outsiders your hotel room number.

Money

US Dollars, Euros and Rubles can be easily exchanged for Tenge at any of the numerous exchange bureaus operating both in conjunction with banks and independently. Banks in Kazakhstan are generally open on weekdays from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Exchange offices are open from early morning to late evening, working at airports, railway stations, in places of mass congestion, in large shopping centers. Major European and international credit cards are accepted.

Other

Naked shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting holy places regardless of their religious affiliation.

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THINGS TO DO IN ALMATY

Natural Places:

  • Almarasan Gorge;
  • Big Almaty Lake;
  • Charyn Canyon;
  • Kolsay and Kayindy lakes;
  • Singing Barkhan;
  • Assy Plateau.

Museums:

  • Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
  • Museum of Archaeology, Museum named after D. A. Kunayev;
  • Museum of History of Almaty;
  • Military History Museum;
  • Central Museum of Railway Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

If you want to take a walk, we advise you to visit such places as Botanical Garden, Central Park of Culture and Recreation, Terrenkur or Health Path, Park of the First President. You can also visit Almaty Central City Mosque, Nedelka Fountain, Republic Square.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF ALMATY

High-altitude sports complex Medeo

The complex is located at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level, 15 km west of Almaty. It was introduced to the public in 1951, when the first official competitions were held here. “Medeu” is the world’s largest complex for winter sports, here is the largest ice field with an area of 10,500 square meters, where hockey, figure skating and speed skating are practiced.

Ascension Cathedral

The Holy Ascension Cathedral is an unusual architectural landmark of the city. It is the tallest Orthodox wooden temple, as well as one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. The capacity of the cathedral is 1800 people.

Green Bazaar

The Green Market is one of the oldest marketplaces in the city, which is regularly included in the list of the top 10 best sights in Almaty for a reason. Trade has been carried out here since 1868, and the market building in the style of Soviet constructivism was built in 1975 and, by the way, at that time it was one of the most technological and modern buildings of the market. Even the seismic situation in the region was taken into account during construction.

Koktobe Park, the TV tower

At the top of the mountain, at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level, there is Kok Tobe Park. There is also a TV tower – the symbol of Almaty and one of the highest TV towers in the world, its height is 371 meters. At night, the TV tower is illuminated by spotlights, so you can see it from anywhere in the city. Kok Tobe Park at the top of the mountain is a great place for walks and family vacations. Here you will find a 30-meter Ferris wheel, a small zoo, amusement park, Lovers’ Alley, cafes and restaurants with dishes of national and European cuisine, several observation decks, from which you can enjoy a picturesque panorama of the city.

Memorial of Glory in the Park named after 28 Panfilov Guardsmen

The famous Memorial of Glory, which was unveiled on May 8, 1975, on the 30th anniversary of the Victory in World War II.
The center of the memorial is the Eternal Flame, around which there are cubes made of labradorite, where capsules with earth from the cities that received the status of hero-city are placed. The Eternal Flame was lit in 1975, on the day of the park’s opening.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF ASTANA

Baiterek Tower

The main symbol of the city was built in 1997 in honor of granting Astana the status of the capital of Kazakhstan. This 100-meter monument made of concrete, metal and glass is supported by 500 piles. The tower is a tribute to the historical heritage of the republic. Such a monumental structure has a legend. It tells about the tree of life Baiterek. The sacred bird Samruk lives in its thick crown. It lays an egg – the Sun, which gives life to everything in the world. However, Samruk is threatened by danger. In the shadowy branches lurks the dragon Aidakhar, who dreams of eating the Sun. And every time the insidious beast fails. Samruk symbolizes good that always wins, Aidakhar – evil that never slumbers, and the sacred tree – life itself. Its roots hold the balance of the universe.

Khan Shatyr Shopping Center

Forbes magazine included it in the list of environmentally friendly man-made landmarks of the Earth. This 150-meter tent structure was covered with polymer sheets, which can withstand neither frost, nor heat, nor strong winds. Almost 200 stores with clothes, shoes, home textiles and other items are located on several levels.

Expo Exhibition Complex

Fans of futuristic paintings, designs and modern achievements will be interested in the Expo complex. The complex was built specifically for the international exhibition, which was hosted by Kazakhstan in 2017, at which time it touched on energy issues. The central place is occupied by the pavilion “Nur-Alem” of unusual spherical shape, which in diameter reaches 80 meters. The Museum of Future Energy is located inside. The guests are accompanied by robot guides.

Palace of Peace and Concord

A simple and monumental building that can be seen from any point of Astana. Interesting architectural and technological solutions were realized in the pyramid, which are worth looking at. The shape of the pyramid for the palace was not chosen by chance. After all, the four faces are directed to different parts of the world, which symbolizes unity, peace and friendship with everyone on the planet. At the same time, the interior decoration was also chosen with meaning. The entrance in the underground part with a dark finish passes into a light and airy space. And the dome is decorated with 130 doves, which symbolize the peoples living on the territory of Kazakhstan. Inside there are halls, press center, restaurant, exhibition rooms, library and many other things. But many are attracted by the hanging gardens of plants that have been collected from all over the world, elevators that move diagonally at an incline of 60 degrees, and the mesmerizing view. And some believe the pyramid is a center of power.

Khazret-Sultan Mosque

The largest mosque in Kazakhstan. It was erected in memory of the poet and philosopher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. The building occupies 18 square meters. The central hall for prayers is under the main dome. On the lower levels there are rooms for Muslim wedding – nikah, classrooms for studying the Koran.

Other places of interest: Nurzhol Boulevard, Independence Square, Kazak Ely Monument, ALZHIR Museum, Museum of the First President, etc.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF AKTAU

Rock trail

The pedestrian zone on the shore of the Caspian Sea along the rocky promontory is the most important attraction of Aktau city. Benches, observation platforms and piers have been installed along the entire trail, and the trail also features dynamic rock lighting and music, which create a magical atmosphere at night.

Cave

It is a natural museum located on the city’s embankment, which is also part of the rock trail. The cave is equipped with benches, in the evening the cave, as well as all the rocks are illuminated by dynamic lighting. Also in front of the entrance to the cave there is another attraction of Aktau city – a bronze mermaid on the rocks.

Lighthouse and Anchor

This is a gift to the city residents from the seaport of Aktau in honor of the 50th anniversary of the city and the seaport. The memorial monument is installed on the embankment of the 14th microdistrict and is a composition of a lighthouse and an anchor. The height of the lighthouse is 3.5 meters, it is made of natural stone and glossy tiles, as well as inside installed decorative lighting.

Tetysblu Theme Park

The park is located in the tourist zone of Aktau, it has installed BluPower, Watermania, Snorri and more than 30 other unique attractions that have no analogues in Central Asia.

MAIN SIGHTS OF TURKESTAN

Arystanbab Mausoleum

Arystan-bab mausoleum is located 60 kilometers from Turkestan, not far from Otrar settlement and Shaulder village of Otrar district. Many tourists stay here for the night and make a wish. And only afterwards they go to Turkestan to visit the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi.

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi

The mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui is the pantheon of the Kazakh people, where many great Kazakh khans, batyrs and biys are buried. Here Khan Ablai found his last shelter. Tauke Khan, Zhanibek Khan, Kazdauisty Kazybek-bi are buried here.

Tourist complex “Caravan Saray”.

Caravanserai

The main tourist attraction in the city after the reserve-museum “Azret-Sultan” became the complex “Caravan-Saray”. It has no analogues in Central Asia. Here are reproduced streets of the period of the Great Silk Road, shops of traders and craftsmen, oriental bazaar, built amphitheater for horse show. The complex also has a modern family entertainment center. All the buildings are erected along the city’s water canal, where boat shows are held.

Ethnoahole

One of the unique places in Turkestan is ethno-aul. This project has become an organic continuation of the museum and memorial complex of Kh. A. Yassaui, which tells about the history of the past centuries. Here one can get acquainted with traditions, customs and culture of the Kazakh people.

Structurally, the ethno-aul consists of an entrance area decorated with flowerbeds and lawns, as well as small architectural forms, a trading row; a wooden platform for performances in the form of a wagon; arbors for topchanes. There are also altybakan swings, yurts of various sizes, a sculptural composition “Tabun”, an ancient well, a shooting range for archers, the Street of Craftsmen with five thematic workshops and much more.

Akmeshit Cave

The Akmeshit Cave (translated from Kazakh as “White Mosque”) has an extraordinary energy. It is called one of the ten wonders of Kazakhstan and tourists are advised to visit it. You can go down into the cave by a long metal staircase. The huge underground hall amazes with its scale. It resembles the scenery of a fantastic movie with dragons and paradise plants. The stones from which the cave was formed date back to the Eneolithic period. The cave resembles a dome, which is why it was nicknamed “White Mosque”.

Gauhar Ana Mausoleum

Gauhar Ana Mausoleum was erected in honor of the daughter of the great poet and thinker Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. It is located 400-500 meters on the left side of the Turkestan-Shauyelder highway. According to folk legends, Gauhar Ana had the gift of a healer, thanks to which she helped many people. The mausoleum of Gauhar Ana was built of burnt brick and was similar in architecture, although it was a little smaller in size, to the mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begim. An interesting fact is that there is a well near the mausoleum and its water is considered curative.

KITCHEN

Since Kazakhstan is a multinational state, the cuisines of the most diverse peoples of the world are, as a consequence, represented quite extensively. Contrary to popular belief, the gastronomic preferences of the population are not limited only to traditional Kazakh or oriental motifs. Therefore, in any city of this vast country you can find numerous cafes, restaurants and other establishments that serve dishes popular in the most diverse and remote corners of the planet. Russian, European, Oriental, Asian, Pan-Asian and even American cuisine – no matter how much of a gourmet you are or how much you have strictly defined taste preferences, you will definitely find what you need here.

However, the “cherry on the cake” of this gastronomic diversity was and will be traditional Kazakh cuisine, which most clearly conveys the national flavor of the steppe region. The main national dish of Kazakhs is beshbarmak. National drinks are koumiss, shubat, kymyran. Shubat is the most valuable drink among dairy products after koumiss, it is made of camel milk. By adding cow’s or sheep’s milk to camel’s milk, katyk is obtained, and by adding suzbe (thick sour curd) or kurt, yezhigey (tender kurt) is obtained. In Central and Western Kazakhstan – shubat, in Southern Kazakhstan – kymyran, in Eastern Kazakhstan – tuye kymyz (camel koumiss). Bread is most often baked in the form of flatbread, of baked products the most popular are bauyrsaki.

Recommended establishments in Almaty:

The most important dish of Kazakhstan – beshbarmak – can be tasted in any national institution. The Navat teahouse and the Shafran café are considered especially tasty. This is where the locals dine.

Other Kazakh food can be tasted at Abay restaurant on Kok-Tob, Qaimaq and Tyubeteika restaurants.

Restaurant Sandyq is the original Kazakh name of a unique household item, one of the most ancient types of furniture, in which precious items for each family were stored and transported.

Restaurant Alasha – offers everything traditional associated with Kazakhstan: feel the atmosphere of nomads and taste their traditional food.

Parmigiano Italian Restaurant – If you love good Italian food and excellent wines, you should probably visit this restaurant. Apart from Italian food, you can try European and vegetarian food here. There is always a huge choice of seafood in the restaurant’s aquarium: different kinds of oysters, lobsters and Kamchatka crabs.

The institution “Oven” is one of the must-visit places in Almaty. The name speaks for itself, and everything is cooked in the oven, even the bread, which is always crispy fresh.

Recommended establishments in Astana:

Arnau is a respected institution where beshbarmak, kuirdak and other Kazakh specialties are served in the format of haute cuisine with local wine.

Astana Nury is a restaurant of traditional cuisine with a beautiful view of the embankment, excellent summer veranda and unhurried service.

Korean House is a trendy restaurant whose menu features not only classic Korean cuisine, but also koryo-saram – an amazing local fusion created by the large Korean diaspora – descendants of Koreans exiled from the Far East by Stalin in the 30s.

Darejani is the most popular Georgian cuisine establishment in the city with incredibly hearty atmosphere.

Provino is an atmospheric European-style wine bar with gastronomic cuisine, homemade sauces and jams.

The Hop – a huge selection of craft beers from all over the world from Flemish ales to Scandinavian ciders, there are also interesting local brands.

Recommended establishments in Turkestan:

If you want to feel the notes of real Turkish cuisine, we advise you to visit the favorite Turkish cafe “Antalya”. From the entrance you will feel the very oriental aroma of dishes, which with their incredible smells will beckon you to sit down and make an order.

Turkestan has the most delicious and affordable kebabs. In all establishments of the city wherever you go, shashliks are served with different types and distinctive serving. Places where the best shashliks of the city are served: No. 1 shashlik house, cafe “Diadora”, all kinds of shashliks from mutton and chicken to liver shashliks, teahouse “Daulet”.

Also a recommended institution of national cuisine is Sandyq Restaurant.

Recommended establishments in Aktau:

There are several good restaurants in town that can offer traditional Kazakh dishes as well as popular Russian and European cuisine.

The Seasons restaurant offers Japanese, Italian and European cuisine. Fitness dishes are also on the restaurant’s menu.

Aidyn is an institution that serves delicious pishbarmak made of freshly caught fish.

Caspian Riviera Aktau Hotel’s restaurant serves hot dishes, steaks, pasta, burgers and sturgeon panini. Sets for company are also available. The largest aquarium with sturgeon can be seen in the restaurant.

In the institution “Shashlyk from Uncle Gadim” gourmets are offered baked lamb neck, sturgeon steaks, assortment of homemade sausages.

SHOPPING IN ALMATY

Shopping lovers should go to Arbat, Dostyk Plaza, Esentai Mall, Mega Alma-Ata.

Zelenyi Bazar is a market with more than 100 years of history. Regardless of the time of year, there is everything that Kazakhstan is rich in: vegetables, fruits, cheeses, pickles and much more. You can try everything and, having bargained, leave satisfied with your purchase.

Mega Center Alma-Ata is the largest shopping and entertainment center in Kazakhstan. Here you can buy clothes and footwear of various famous brands, goods for children, jewelry, household appliances, home goods, and digital equipment. Also in the shopping center you can find entertainment for all tastes: a climbing wall, an ice rink, a cinema, a family amusement park.

French House is a store selling perfumes and cosmetics and pret-a-porte collections of leading French brands.

Esentai Mall is a modern six-storey shopping mall offering a wide range of goods and services for Almaty residents and visitors. It houses boutiques of such world famous brands as Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Prada, Gucci. There is also a cinema, entertainment center, cafes, restaurants and an art center.

SHOPPING IN ASTANA

Khan Shatyr is a shopping and entertainment center that has a unique neo-futurist design, like a giant glowing tent created to manage the extreme temperature range of the Central Asian steppe. It’s a space of stores and entertainment venues that has everything from boat rides to a miniature golf course.

Mega Silk Way is the largest shopping center in Central Asia. Get ready to walk because Mega Silk Way contains the country’s widest range of shopping and entertainment facilities, the scheme includes restaurants, a food court, a movie theater with 10 screens (including an IMAX screen) and many other leisure offerings.

Keruen – claims to be the most fabulous and luxurious shopping center in Astana. It is located in the heart of the city. Keruen caters to all age groups. Ladies will love the large number of clothing stores, magnificent jewelry and perfume salons. There is an incredibly beautiful square with benches and fountains in front of the complex.

Saryarka shopping center is located on the same street as Keruen City and Khan Shatyr, just a five-minute walk from each. But Saryarka doesn’t lose its popularity and therefore, it’s a good choice for those looking for a quieter location. Two dozen clothing stores, mostly of Western origin, are located on two floors, as well as several good home decor stores and a gift store across from the atrium café selling Kazakh souvenirs. The atrium cafe is also worth a stop to try the local tea.

SHOPPING IN TURKESTAN

  • Karavan Saray;
  • Khanshaiym Plaza;
  • Turkistan Plaza;
  • Turan Mall.

 

SHOPPING IN AKTAU

  • Aktau shopping center;
  • Astana shopping center;
  • Shopping Center Noise;
  • Ak Kala shopping center.

 

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CULTURE AND ART

Holidays and festivals

  • January 1-2 – New Year’s Eve;
  • March 8 is International Women’s Day;
  • March 21-23 – Nauryz meiramy;
  • May 1 is the Day of Unity of the People of Kazakhstan;
  • May 7 – Defender of the Fatherland Day;
  • May 9 is Victory Day;
  • July 6 is Capital Day;
  • August 30 is Constitution Day;
  • October 25 is Republic Day;
  • December 16-17 – Independence Day.

WHAT TO BRING

From Kazakhstan you can bring felt products, jewelry with national motifs, caskets and chests, shubat, kumys, chapan.

USEFUL PHONES

101 – fire department

102 – police

103 – emergency medical service

104 – gas service

112 – emergency service

171 – ordering long-distance and international calls

118 – local telephone operators’ inquiry service

169 – paid reference and information services

KAZUNION CARE SERVICE

We take care of tourists around the clock. You can always contact the KAZUNION BY RUSTAR tour operator’s care service
by phone: +7 775 111 10 31