Kazakhstan

Culture and Religion

Kazakhstan is a country with a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its nomadic heritage, various ethnic groups, and historical connections with neighboring regions. The country is known for its warm hospitality and strong sense of community.

The Kazakh people, the largest ethnic group in the country, have preserved their nomadic traditions and customs over centuries. Traditional music, dance, and oral storytelling play a significant role in their cultural expression. The dombra, a two-stringed instrument, is a symbol of Kazakh music, often accompanied by melodic singing and lively dances.

Religion in Kazakhstan reflects its multicultural society. Islam is the dominant religion, practiced mainly by the ethnic Kazakhs, who follow Sunni Islam. However, the country is known for its religious tolerance and respect for different faiths. Other major religions include Russian Orthodox Christianity, practiced by the Russian minority, and various forms of Christianity followed by Ukrainians, Germans, and other Christian communities.

Kazakhstan celebrates a diverse array of cultural festivals and holidays. Nauryz, a spring holiday celebrated on March 22nd, marks the revival of nature and the start of the Kazakh New Year. This ancient tradition is characterized by feasting, music, and games. Kurban Ait and Orozo Ait are important Muslim holidays, while Christmas and Easter are celebrated by Christian communities.

The Kazakh people are renowned for their culinary traditions, featuring dishes such as beshbarmak (a meat and dough dish), kazy (horse meat sausage), and kumis (fermented mare’s milk). The nomadic lifestyle heavily influenced the cuisine, with an emphasis on meat, dairy products, and various grains.

Overall, Kazakhstan’s culture and religion showcase the country’s unity in diversity. The blending of traditions, the acceptance of different faiths, and the preservation of nomadic customs create a vibrant and harmonious cultural mosaic that defines the Kazakh identity.

How to get there

Getting to Kazakhstan is relatively easy as the country is well-connected with international air routes and has land borders with several neighboring countries. Here are some common ways to reach Kazakhstan:

By air: The easiest and most convenient way to reach Kazakhstan is by air. The country has several international airports, including Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana) and Almaty International Airport in Almaty. These airports serve as major hubs for both domestic and international flights, with connections to various cities around the world.

By land: Kazakhstan shares borders with several countries, including Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. If you are traveling from one of these neighboring countries, you can enter Kazakhstan by road or railway. There are border crossings and train routes available, making overland travel a viable option.

Visa requirements: Before traveling to Kazakhstan, make sure to check the visa requirements for your country of residence. Many nationalities, including citizens of the European Union, the United States, and Canada, can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for a certain period. However, some countries require a visa, which can be obtained through the Kazakhstani embassy or consulate.

Once in Kazakhstan, domestic travel is convenient with a well-developed transportation system. Domestic flights connect major cities, and there are trains, buses, and shared taxis available for intra-country travel.

It’s important to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and requirements, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as entry restrictions and regulations may change. Consulting with travel agencies or checking official embassy websites can provide the most up-to-date information for planning your trip to Kazakhstan.

Travelling Budget

The cost of traveling to Kazakhstan can vary depending on your travel style, preferences, and the duration of your stay. Here is a general breakdown of the average expenses you can expect when budgeting for a trip to Kazakhstan:

Accommodation: Accommodation options in Kazakhstan range from budget hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts. On average, you can expect to find budget accommodation starting from around $15-30 USD per night, while mid-range options typically range from $30-75 USD per night. Luxury hotels and resorts can go beyond $100 USD per night.

Transportation: Transportation costs in Kazakhstan are generally affordable. Domestic flights between major cities are relatively cheap, and prices can vary depending on the distance and time of booking. Train and bus fares for travel within the country are also reasonably priced. Within cities, public transportation such as buses and metros are affordable, with fares usually less than $1 USD per ride. Taxis are another option, and prices can vary depending on the city and distance.

Food: Dining out in local restaurants and eateries in Kazakhstan can be economical. You can find affordable meals starting from $3-5 USD in local establishments. Mid-range restaurants may cost around $10-15 USD per meal, while upscale dining options can be higher. Sampling local street food is also a budget-friendly option.

Sightseeing and Activities: Entrance tickets for museums, historical sites, and national parks in Kazakhstan are generally inexpensive, ranging from a few dollars to around $10 USD per person. Various recreational activities like hiking, trekking, and guided tours might have additional costs, depending on the specific activity and operator.

Overall, budget travelers can expect to comfortably travel in Kazakhstan with a daily budget of around $40-60 USD, including accommodation, transportation, food, and sightseeing. However, costs can vary based on preferences and activities, so it is recommended to plan accordingly and allow for some flexibility in your budget.