Ulytau (from Kazakh  “the great mountains») is an incredibly interesting part of Central Kazakhstan, justly considered “the cradle of the Kazakh nation”. The Ulytau mountains always attracted the attention of nomads. Here was situated the headquarters of the oldest son of Genghis Khan – Zhoshy (Jochi), the ancestor of most of the Kazakh rulers. Moreover, here graphic evidence of historical events, connected […]

Many guests associate Karaganda with coal mines and Karlag. And these two associations are interconnected, although the history of each began at a different time. This tour will allow you to immerse yourself in the history of the city from the very foundation of the first mines, learn more about coal mines and see their […]

We’ve all been waiting for this for so long and finally! We are glad to announce that from September 27, 2021, the Republic of Kazakhstan resumes the visa-free regime for citizens of 30 countries: Italy, Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Poland Denmark, Chile, Hungary, Korea, Czech Republic, Bahrain, Qatar, Monaco, Cyprus, […]

During the Soviet Union, Central Kazakhstan became a place for testing various types of weapons. There was a decision to use the vastness of the Betpak-Dala desert, spread west of Lake Balkhash, due to its sparse population, for testing new anti-aircraft missile systems and anti-ballistic missile defense systems. Since 1956, it was here that the State Research and […]

The Bayanaul Mountains located in the south-west of Pavlodar region, in the north-eastern part of the Kazakh Upland — Saryarqa. The forested mountain range is literally saturated with history and legends. Every rock, every lake, every stone: everything here is connected with a historical or legendary event. The name of the mountain forest area refers […]

Buiratau national park located on the east from the capital of Kazakhstan on the territory of Akmola and Karaganda regions. Here, spacious steppes shifts with small mountainous areas, the most famous of which are the Falcon Mountains and the surroundings of mountain Akdym. It is not difficult to see argali, moose, roe deer or deer […]

Along with urban sightseeing and tours, knowledge and experience of nomadic life are demanded quite often. Generally, after collectivization, industrialization and consequent urbanization, there are almost no nomads in Kazakhstan anymore, for almost 90 years. Nevertheless, this interest may be satisfied. Ethno-awul (nomadic village) still bears many old-fashion features of nomadic life. Host party is […]

Day 1 Moving from Almaty to Baiseit village (140 km, 2.5 hours), lunch at a roadside cafe. Transfer to Lake Kaiyndy (144 km, 3 hours). A small walking tour to the lake (3 km, 1 hour). Transfer to Kurmety village (25 km, 1.5 hours). Accommodation in a guesthouse, dinner. Day 2 Breakfast. Journey from Kurmety […]

Day 1 Moving from Almaty to Baiseit village (140 km, 2.5 hours). Lunch at a roadside cafe. Transfer to the Lake Kaiyndy (144 km, 3 hours). A small walking tour to the lake (3 km, 1 hour). Transfer to Kurmety village (25 km, 1.5 hours). Accommodation in guesthouses. Dinner. Day 2 Breakfast. Horse riding for […]

Program of excursion Meeting with the driver and the guide. Visiting the archaeological museum of Saryarka Archaeological Institute at Karaganda State University (1 hour). Way from Karaganda to the Taldy river valley: to the Karazhartas burial ground (124 km, 2 hours). Excursion to the necropolis of the Bronze Age, the central part of which was […]

We are glad to offer a winter version of the tour to our beloved (and many tourists agree with us) Kyzylarai mountains and Shabanbai Bi village. The 3-days and 2-nights program is offered. During this time you will be able to hike in snow-covered mountains, ride a horse or have a sleigh ride, visit banya […]

The Karkaraly and the Kent Mountains, located within the bounds of the Karkaraly National Nature Park, are one of the most popular pleasure resorts among the inhabitants of Central Kazakhstan. This is especially true about the Karkaraly mountains, which have not only mountain peaks and pine forests, but also various lakes at tourists’ disposal. The […]

Trip to Northern Tien-Shan We actually had a great time with Miraz! Super cool guy, excellent knowledge and a great fun person. Thanks so much for all the support and putting together an agenda for an unforgettable trip through the beautiful country of Kazakhstan! We definitely will come back. All the best for you and […]

The Mine Museum offers a sufficient insight into the history of the coal capital of Kazakhstan — Karaganda city. Here you will find out how coal deposits were discovered in this region, when and how the first mines were established. This is a unique place to get a real-life experience of the coal mine. Having […]

Trip to Syrdarya River I engaged NOMADIC Travel Kazakhstan for a research trip in the South along the Syr Darya river. I was looking into the life of Queen Tomyris and the death of King Cyrus for a libretto I was writing. I came with a Russian-speaking colleague and we had a really memorable experience, […]

Darija cycling tour We really enjoyed the tour to Darija. It was great that we were so flexible with the timing and that we could choose where and when to start. It was also very convenient that we were picked up at home. Our guide was already there when we went downstairs and the driver […]

If you need transport with driver for transportation in Kazakhstan (urban or field trips) on an hourly basis or for a few days, we can also help you with this.  Car type  Transfer from/to airport  Transfer from/to train station  Hour rent  City car/minivan/ SUV (4-7 seats)  3 000 KZT  2 000 KZT  2 500 KZT […]

Even if your plans do not include purchasing a full tour to the Semipalatinsk Test Site and Baikonur Cosmodrome, but you still want to visit one of these places on your own, a special permission for visiting these territories is required. We can assist you with issuing these permits, find more information below. Also, if […]

We can assist with booking accommodation for your trip (hotels, resorts, recreation areas, rural guest houses, and campsites) across Central Kazakhstan and beyond it. KARAGANDA «Cosmonaut» Hotel «Chaika» Hotel KARKARALY Guesthouse in Karkaralinsk town KYZYLARAI Guesthouses in Shabanbai Bi village ULYTAU Guesthouses in Ulytau village

Afghanistan (embassy) Kabul, Wazir Akbar Khan Street 13, House 436 Telephone: (+9320) +93230-05-52; +93787555011, 702-842-96, 705-015-05 Fax: (+9320) 230-600-09 E-mail: kabul@mfa.kz Armenia (embassy) 0019, Erevan, Armenakyana st.153 Telephone: (+374-10) 65-20-01 Fax: (+374-10) 65-03-40, E-mail: erevan@mfa.kz Website: http://www.kazembassy.am Austria (embassy) Wipplingerstrasse 35, Floor 3 1010 Wien Telephone: +43 1 890 8008 10 Fax: +43 1 890 […]

Individual photo-tour in Central and East Kazakhstan In Autumn 2008 I organized a trip in Kazakhstan and in a region far from the beaten tracks, in places you are not supposed to go (please don’t ask me for details). I needed an organization with good equipment, people familiar with the difficulties of the country and […]

Oases of the Kazakh Steppes Am 6. August werden wir in Karaganda von der temperamentvollen, eloquenten Oksanaam Busbahnhof empfangen. Nach einer Stadtbesichtigung treffen wir auf zwei weitere Mitreisende, Brigitte aus Österreich und Marian aus Astana. Mittagessen in einem hübschen Gartenlokal, dann geht es über zunächst noch manierliche Straßen durch die Steppe. Unser Ziel heißt Schabanbey Bin. […]

Kyzylarai — the highest, the oldest What better way to begin our trip with Nomadic to the hidden away felt making the village of Shabanbai Bi than began with a speedy and spectacular rush across a slice of Kazakhstan’s remote and dramatic steppe? With not a fencepost, stone wall or building to be seen in […]

Kazakhstan: back in the USSR Thank you, Nomadic, for a wonderful five-day adventure centered on the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site! Our group of six Americans has returned home with a new perspective on this place, and a travel experience to remember for the rest of our lives. I’m impressed with your abilities to coordinate such […]

Saiga Photo Safari I was stunned by the beauty of a country that is under traveled and mysterious to most of the world. In just one short week with an excellent guide, Kazakhstan offered some of the most amazing travel experiences I’ve ever had. The wildlife was fascinating and the scenery breathtaking. For those who appreciate a […]

Kyzylarai — the highest, the oldest The Kyzylarai tour is really great if you want to experience the true magnificent desolateness of Kazakhstan. After arriving in Karaganda I arranged the trip at the office of Nomadic Kazakhstan and I was really surprised by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the young staff. At day 1 of […]

Kyzylarai — the highest, the oldest Kyzylarai was the second trip I arranged through Nomadic Travel Kazakhstan. These were two of the most worthwhile, enriching days I have experienced in Kazakhstan, giving me the opportunity to take quality, exotic photographs that I plan to exhibit in the Unites States. What impressed me most was experiencing the authentic Kazakh culture, including […]

Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve and Kyzylarai Tour This was a great tour: exclusive, extravagant, full of off-the-track surprises, lovely people, and grandiose nature, countryside, birds, and flowers! Well, that is really in a nutshell what this tour means now for me. The first part with wonderful ornithologist Alexej was utter to my liking. Passionate to help […]

Kyzylarai Tour Now it’s about 3 months ago that I left Kazakhstan and flew home, but still, think a lot about that trip. Not only because I have some of the photos as the background on my computer. In Shabanbai Bi I got a real authentic and permanent impression of the hard life in a […]

Darija Biking Trip This biking trip on the steppes near Karaganda is not for the faint-hearted! We spent three days on the steppes for a biking trip. Unfortunately, our trailing bus was not able to cope with the terrain and after pushing it out of the mud several times, on the first day, it got […]

Bronze Ring of Sary-Arka We made a 4-week trip to different parts of Kazakhstan This was our second time in this country, we visited the southeast of Almaty in 2001. This time we were interested in the Soviet history in central Kazakhstan, the landscapes of the east, Baikonur and the Aral sea. (Too much to […]

The official language of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the Kazakh language, that is a part of the Kipchak group of the Turkic languages (kindred languages are, for instance, Tatar, Bashkir and Karakalpak languages; there are some parallels with the Turkish language). Russian language is widely spread almost in all regions along with the Kazakh, […]

The supply pressure in Kazakhstan is 220 volts with the frequency of 50 Hz. Two-pin plugs (and respective sockets) of 2 types are in use: two round pins of light section (4,7 mm.) without ground connection (Soviet standard); two round pins of greater section (5 mm.) with ground connection or without it (European standard), which […]

The import of national and foreign currencies in cash into Kazakhstan is unrestricted for all people irrespective of the nationality. The import and/or export of foreign and/or national currency in cash into/from the territory of the RK in the equivalent exceeding 3000 US dollars are liable to the customs declaration with the indication of the […]

In winter, you will undoubtedly need warm clothes, meant for the temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius below zero. In summer, we recommend you to have the head-dress, that will protect you against the Sun, as well as a sunblock. The repellents against mosquitos and midges will be of use, too (it is especially true […]

Dear clients of Nomadic Travel Kazakhstan! As a tourist company committed to responsible travel and promoting sustainable ecological tourism we would like to share with you our views on climate change and carbon footprint of tourism in Kazakhstan. We all know that CO2 emissions from most of the transport means and particularly from flying have […]

For accommodation of our clients we try to use the opportunities of local communities to the maximum. One of the most widely spread ways of accommodation is the country guest-houses, where tourists live together with the locals. The Kazakh house in rural area is usually a one storey building, made of stone or brick, quite […]

Kazakhstan is a country with a rather favorable epidemiological situation. Those who are planning to travel in Kazakhstan do not have to undergo compulsory vaccination. However, those who wish may get inoculated against hepatitis A and B, hydrophobia and tick-borne encephalitis (the latter may be useful during visiting the mountainous regions of South-eastern and Eastern […]

If a foreign national hasn’t got a registration mark in the migration card, which had been given to him upon arrival in the Republic of Kazakhstan (migration cards of the foreign nationals are usually marked upon their arrival through the international airports, as well as some railway and car check-points), he has to get registered […]

Foreign nationals enter the territory of Kazakhstan and depart from it through the border checkpoints open for international and passenger traffic on the basis of the passports or other documents, substituting them, with the visas of the RK stamped in them with the exception of the nationals of the countries, that have a visa-free regime with […]

Kazakhstan has a visa-free regime with the following countries: Azerbaijan, Georgia (for a maximum stay of up to 90 days), Kyrgyzstan, Thailand (tourist visa is issued at the airport for the period of 15 days), Mongolia (for a maximum stay of up to 90 days), Armenia (for a maximum stay of up to 90 days), Belarus, […]

In Kazakhstan, meat food mostly prevails. Vegetarian’s meals are not common in the Kazakh traditions. However, such dishes may be included in the menu upon the tourists’ request. As for meat, beef, mutton, pork, horse-flesh and chicken are widely spread. Among vegetables, potatoes, cabbage, carrot, cucumbers and tomatoes are common. Such groats, as rice, millet […]

The official public holidays of Kazakhstan are: New Years Day – January 1-2 International Women’s day – March 8 Nauryz Meyramy – March 21-23 Kazakhstan People’s Unity Day  – May 1 Victory Day – May 9 Capital City Day – July 6 Constitution Day – August 30 First President’s Day — December 1 Independence Day […]

Kazakhstani tenge was introduced as the currency in 1993. Robles, US Dollars, and Euro can be exchanged at any bank or exchange office.  The currencies of other countries will be more difficult to change. Most places are reluctant to accept coins. The rates are often better in exchange offices and all-day exchanges also offer a «night rate». […]

The territory of Kazakhstan is divided into 2 time zones: UTC +5 (Western Kazakhstan) and UTC +6 (the rest of the territory). Switch to the daylight saving time is not practiced.

«Baikonur» — the first and the largest cosmodrome in the world is located on the territory of Kazakhstan. We will be happy to organize this unforgettable trip for you!   Program of the tour with launch observation Day 1 Arrival to Tyuratam train station in Baikonur. Transfer to the “Central” hotel and accommodation. Dinner. Day […]

Program of the tour Arrival to the city. City excursion with visiting the «Chaika» hotel, Akimat (city administration), sights of the Old Town, Nurken Abdirov Sports Palace and the Abdirov Monument, the Miners’ Culture Palace, Circus. Excursion to Karaganda Ecological museum. Excursion to the Mine Museum (optional). Visiting the Mosque, Catholic Cathedral and Orthodox Church (optional). […]

The Kyzylarai mountain and forest oasis, located in Central Kazakhstan, gives truly exclusive opportunities for a traveler. Where else can you make a journey, figuratively speaking, “3000 years back” and “1500 metres up” just within a few days? Just here, in the Kyzylarai mountains, the highest point of Sary Arka, Aksoran peak (1565 metres), is situated. […]

Ulytau (from Kazakh  “the great mountains») is an incredibly interesting part of Central Kazakhstan, justly considered “the cradle of the Kazakh nation”. The Ulytau mountains always attracted the attention of nomads. Here was situated the headquarters of the oldest son of Genghis Khan – Zhoshy (Jochi), who became the ancestor of most of the Kazakh […]

Thread of the route Astana city  – Aksu — Kurchatov town –Atomic lake – Kurchatov town – Chagan town – Astana city The total length of the route is about 1700 km. Program of the tour Day 1 Meeting with a guide in Astana. Journey to Kurchatov (610 km, about 7 hours) with lunch at […]

Program of the tour Day 1 Arrival in Astana. Travel to Korgalzhyn. Tour in the Visitor Center of Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve (UNESCO natural World Heritage Site «Saryarka»). An Introduction to the wetlands and steppe ecosystems around Tengiz Lake are given. Lunch in one of the home stays in the village. Travel to the north Shore […]

The Karkaraly and the Kent Mountains, located within the bounds of the Karkaraly National Nature Park, are one of the most popular pleasure resorts among the inhabitants of Central Kazakhstan. This is especially true about the Karkaraly mountains, which have not only mountain peaks and pine forests, but also various lakes at tourists’ disposal. The […]

The Kyzylarai mountain and forest oasis, located in Central Kazakhstan, gives truly exclusive opportunities for a traveler. Where else can you make a journey, figuratively speaking, “3000 years back” and “1500 metres up” just within a few days? Just here, in the Kyzylarai mountains, the highest point of Sary Arka, Aksoran peak (1565 metres), is […]

The Kazakhstani part of Soviet heritage is presented in the central part of the country in the best way. It was in this region that the notorious correctional camps of the Stalin epoch – “Karlag” and “Alzhir” were situated in. These lands became witnesses of the nuclear explosions, which were produced during the Cold War […]

Thread of the route Karaganda – the Kent mountains – Shabanbai Bi village – Akshkol village – Shabanbai Bi – Aksoran peak – Aulie place – Shabanbai Bi – Bektau-Ata mountains – “Golfstream” recreation zone on the Balkhash lakeside – Balkhash town – Karaganda. Program of the tour Day 1 Journey from Karaganda to the […]

Central Kazakhstan is the place where the enormous number of Bronze Age archaeological monuments is situated. At the same time, there is a number of mountainous and forest oases of the Kazakh Melkosopochnik (the Scythian Mountains was its name according to the writings of Greek historians and geographers) at the territory of the region. This whole […]

Central Kazakhstan is the place where the enormous number of Bronze Age archaeological monuments is situated. At the same time, there is a number of mountainous and forest oases of the Kazakh Melkosopochnik (the Scythian Mountains was its name according to the writings of Greek historians and geographers) at the territory of the region. The […]

The Bugyly mountain oasis (or Darija, as it is usually called by Karaganda citizens, after the neighbouring railway station) – is an ideal place for those, who want to see extremely much within a short period of time. It is meant for those who want to see steppe sceneries, alternating with small mountain ranges, which […]

The history of Temirtau as a city which was founded on the bank of the Nura river in the 1930’s is connected to the industry development and the natural resources exploration. According to geologists’, the location of Samarkandskiy settlement (the previous name of this city) could not give a better fit to be the future […]

Korgalzhyn State Nature reserve is the biggest reserve of Kazakhstan, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is situated 130 km to the southwest of Astana city and comprises huge steppes and lakes. On the territory of the Korgalzhyn nature reserve the unique sites of wetlands, providing a home for the biggest and the […]

Korgalzhyn State Nature reserve is the biggest reserve of Kazakhstan, included in the UNESCO World heritage list. It is situated 130 km to the southwest of Astana city and comprises huge steppes and lakes. In the territory of Korgalzhyn nature reserve are protected the unique sites of wetlands, providing the home for the biggest northernmost […]

“Karlag” (i.e. Karaganda Corrective Labor Camp of The People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs – the NKVD) was one of the hundred camps that bore the collective name of GULAG (i.e. Central Administrative Board of Camps) and were organized by Josef Stalin in the period of mass political repressions. Aside from «Karlag”, there were also other […]

Birdwatching is a popular hobby for a lot of people all over the world. More than 60 millions people are fond of it. They travel solely for the purpose of watching new species of birds. And the Korgalzhyn State Nature reserve is considered the best place for birdwatching in Kazakhstan. Korgalzhyn State Nature reserve is […]

The Bugyly mountain oasis (or Darija, as it is usually named by Karaganda residents same as the neighboring railway station)  – is an ideal place for those, who want to see extremely much within a short period of time. It is meant for those who want to see steppe sceneries, alternating with small mountain ranges, which […]