Hotels in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth-biggest country and is considered as one of the most economically stable out of all the previous Soviet Republics. It is also the biggest landlocked country and has borders with Russia, China, and the Central Asian countries of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Much of the country is covered in vast steppe, broken by mountains, forests, lakes, and cities. Despite its Kazakhstan has a relatively well-developed infrastructure, meaning that tourism in Kazakhstan is growing and expanding. The official language in Kazakhstan is Kazakh, but most of its citizen speak Russian. However, you will find English speaking citizens in major cities such as Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent.

Almaty is the historic capital and the biggest city, full of tree-lined streets, cute cafes, and beautiful museums. Astana is the modern capital, where buildings were designed by international architects and the streets are wide and clean. Almaty and Astana are global cities, where it’s easy to find world-class dining, accommodations, and entertainment. However, Kazakhstan’s charm is more than just its cities. You'll find great travel adventures, whether through hiking in the high mountains and green valleys of the Tian Shan, searching for wildlife on the lake-dotted steppe, enjoying homespun hospitality in village guesthouses, or jolting across the western deserts to remote underground mosques.

Kazakhstan has an 'extreme' continental climate, with warm summers and very cold winters. One can experience all four seasons in the territory of Kazakhstan with frosty winters, blossoming spring, sweltering summers and scarlet autumn. Winter starts in November and lasts till the end of April. The influence of Arctic air masses can lead to extreme cold (up to -50 С°). Astana is the considered the second coldest capital city in the world after Ulaanbaatar. Springs are short and unpredictable – from mid-April to end of May. Clear warm days can suddenly turn cold. Dry, hot summer begins at the end of May and lasts till mid-September, with temperatures at times going up to +35 to +40 С°. Autumn with its stable weather and frosty nights begin at the end of September and lasts till the beginning of November. Despite the extreme weather conditions in Kazakhstan, it is not an obstacle for the capital city to warm guests with its warm hospitality.

Kazakhstan also has a rich culture and history, from spiritual leaders to artisans and performers. Alongside modern concert halls and international-level performers are traditional musicians, keeping alive generations of songs and poems. Applied arts are still popular for decorating houses and yurts, while museums hold some of the finest examples of workmanship by Kazakh artists.

Kazakh nomads have always lived in harmony with nature, so the many natural sights are important in Kazakhstan. From ancient days, when people were leaving drawings on the rocks ,in Tamgaly, to the modern day, where there are vast nature reserves across the country. Whether you want to head out on a short hike, a quick picnic, or a longer trek through the mountains or steppes, there’s no shortage of beautiful places.

Foodies will also enjoy trying out different Kazakh cuisines. However, vegetarians should be aware that meat is the staple ingredient in most dishes. Even if the dish does not have meat in it, it is most probably cooked with meat stock. Some recommended dishes for visitors to try would be the Beshbarmak, Kazy, Laghman and Baursaky. Beshbarmak is the traditional national dish of Kazakhstan most often served for special occasions. It is horse meat and pasta dish with potatoes and onions. Alternatively, it can also be made with beef or lamb. Kazy is a handmade horse meat sausage, which could be cooked and served with beshbarmak. It is usually served as a cold meat appetizer. Laghman is a thick noodle dish with meat, carrots and onions, usually served as a soup. Lastly, Baursaky is a type of bread resembling unsweetened doughnut. It is best served piping hot.

Foreigners require a visa to enter Kazakhstan unless their country is in the visa-free list. In general, you might need one of the following three:

• Visa-free entry;
• Visa upon arrival;
• Visa at the Embassy.

Citizens of all European Union countries, plus Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Uzbekistan may enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. Whereas citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, and Ukraine may enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 90 days. Another important issue is registration at the immigration police upon arrival in Kazakhstan. Depending on your citizenship one of the following three rules are applicable:

• Registration should be obtained within 5 days of arrival;
• After 30 days of stay;
• Registration is not required, two stamps are put upon arrival.

How to Get There?

By Plane

The main airlines to Kazakhstan would Air Astana which flies to Almaty, Astana and other destinations in Kazakhstan from Abu Dhabi, Uralsk, Kyzylorda, Moscow, Delhi, Beijing, Istanbul, Bangkok, Hannover, London, Amsterdam, Baku, Kuala Lumpur, Frankfurt, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hong Kong. Other airlines such as British Airways, KLM and Turkish Airlines would require travellers to stop at a transit point and then take a connecting flight to Almaty.

By Train

Train travel is the best option in Kazakhstan in terms of price- and quality-wise. There are high-speed trains routing across Kazakhstan that connect cities of Almaty, Astana, Shymkent and others. Trains in Kazakhstan are slow but comfortable and clean. Popular routes include Almaty to/from Moscow (77 hours), Novosibirsk (35 hours) and Ürümqi, China (34 hours). All train rides will stop at the border in order to settle immigration issues. Travellers can count on a 3–4 hours stop at Russian border or 6–8 hours at a Chinese border.

By Car

Driving to Kazakhstan from any of its neighbouring countries can be a long and tiring trip. However, for those who want to brave the trip, you can enter Kazakhstan by car through many of the border checkpoints on main roads into the country. However, be prepared to wait up to 36 hours in the queues at the immigration point which has rather poor facilities.

By Bus

It is fairly easy to travel from Ürümqi to Almaty via sleeper bus, especially if you aren't in a hurry and don't mind staying in the bus for a good 24 to 36 hours. The bus trip and "baggage fees" are around USD45. You can pick up your Kazakhstan visa at the consulate in Urumqi. However, travellers are warned that the waiting period to obtain the visa is at least a week. Travellers will be required to make a copy of their passport before getting their visa.

What to Do There?

Astana

Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, is a modern city with a favourable environment attractive for tourists and comfortable for residents and guests of the Kazakh capital to live in. Astana is not only the country’s major administrative centre, it is also located at the intersection of major development networks of the country. Interesting sites in Astana include Ak Orda, Atameken, Baiterek monument, Duman, Hazrat Sultan Mosque, Khan-Shatyr, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

Almaty

Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest metropolis, scientific and educational, cultural and historical, economic and financial, banking and industrial centre of the country. It is located in the south-east of Kazakhstan, at the foot of the northern of Tien Shan ridge - Zaili Alatau. The urban territory of Almaty, the hometown of the famous variety of apples “Almaty aport“ has more than eight thousand hectares occupied by gardens and parks, squares and boulevards. Ile-Alatau National Park, whose territory includes nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary, begins right in the Almaty vicinity. Interesting sites in Almaty include Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, Republic Square, Zelyony (Green) Bazaar and Zenkov Cathedral.

Kolsai Lakes National Park

Located on the north slope of the Tian Shan Mountains, southeast of Kazakhstan (10 km from the border with Kyrgyzstan), the park is often referred to as "Pearls of Tien Shan". The park's main feature is the Kolsay Lakes located between the Raiymbek District and Talgar District of Almaty Region. The scenic Lake Kaindy is also within the park. The park boundary is 120 kilometres southeast of Almaty. Located around 12 km from City village, the park offers picturesque hiking trails, picnic areas and even horse-riding and mountain biking tracks.

Where to Stay?

Renion Hills Hotel

Renion Hills Hotel is a business class hotel established in 2008. The 7-floor hotel is located in a picturesque and ecologically clean area in Almaty. Guests can enjoy the picturesque and serene beauty of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains right from the comfort of their hotel rooms. It is strategically located 5 minutes from educational establishments, banks, restaurants, museums, parks, theatres and monuments. It’s about 15 minutes away from the famous alpine skating rink "Medeo", and 25 minutes away from the Almaty International Airport.

Atyrau Dastan Hotel

Atyrau Dastan Hotel is a 4-star hotel that located in downtown Almaty, close to the river and offices of international companies, museums and theatre, and at the same time around 4-6 km from airports and railway stations. The hotel offers 94 rooms from standard to "Presidential suite". All rooms are fully air-conditioned which is a necessity in the extreme continental climate of Western Kazakhstan.

Rixos Almaty Hotel

This luxury 5-star hotel is located in Almaty city centre, 1km from Nikolai Cathedral. Rixos Almaty Hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi internet and a spa with swimming pool. All rooms at Rixos Almaty feature air conditioning, a work desk and a balcony with impressive views. All bathrooms include a bath and shower. The 7.2 ft² spa also includes a gym, sauna, Turkish bath, indoor gardens and 7 massage rooms. Rixos Hotel is also located around 2 km from Almaty Opera House and 5km by cable car from Köktöbe Mountain.