Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world, equal in size to the whole of Western Europe, a huge land encompassing two time zones, stretching from China to the Caspian Sea. It has an ethnically mixed population of 15 million people including Kazakhs, Russians, Ukranians, Uzbeks and others. Kazakhstan is potentially the richest of all the Central Asian countries with huge mineral and oil reserves. Until 1997, the capital of Kazakhstan was Almaty but the seat of political power was moved to Astana in this year.

The Eastern part of Kazakhstan and the area around Almaty is extremely mountainous, with beautiful alpine scenery, densely forested valleys, multicoloured lakes and pristine glaciers. The mountain peaks are home to many species of wildlife, including almost 200 species of mammals and 480 species of birds. Travelling to the west in Kazakhstan the mountains give way to the vast steppes and also the desert.

Nomadic people have inhabited the vast steppes of Central Asia for many thousands of years but the Kazakh, a Turkic people, distantly related to Genghis Khan’s hordes, emerged as a distinct nationality in the 15th century. By the 17th century the Russians had arrived and in 1640, Guriyev (now Atyrau) became part of the Russian Empire. By 1848 all of Kazakhstan was under Russian rule and in 1854 the Russians established a fort called Verny, which later became Almaty. Kazakhstan became one of the constituent republics of the Soviet Union until 1991 when it gained its independence.

A branch of the Silk Road passed though southern Kazakhstan, and the towns of Taraz, Otrar, Chimkent and Turkestan were important staging posts on the trade routes. These days however, most visitors come to Kazakhstan more for the beauty of its scenery than its historical monuments and now you can be amongst the first Westerners to journey to this remote and little visited land.

Weather
Kazakhstan has different climactic zones. The area around Almaty, the capital has warm summers and very cold winters. The best months to explore the mountainous areas around the capital are June, July, August and the first two weeks of September. The rest of the country is made up of desert and steppe with very hot summers and cold winters. The best time to travel to the Silk Road cities of Kazakhstan such as Chimkent and Turkestan are April, May, June, September and October.

Local Customs
When visiting any foreign country it is always polite to respect the local customs and if you can manage a few words of the local language or Russian, this will be very much appreciated.
Ladies should carry a headscarf for use when visiting mosques and shoes should be removed before entering. Shoes should also be removed when entering a private house. If you are invited to someone’s house you will be overwhelmed by hospitality. Always take a present with you.

Visas
British passport holders must obtain a Kazakhstan visa before arrival. The consular fee for a single entry tourist visa is currently £25.00. Most other nationalities also require a visa, visas cost change frequently, please check with your consular office. Please contact us regarding the visa application process which can take some time.

Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend that your protection against Tetanus, Typhoid, infectious Hepatitis and Polio is up to date. If you are trekking in the mountains in early summer, you should contact your doctor about immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis. It is your responsibility to check all relevant recommendations and also to get the most up-to-date health information for the destinations being visited. You can contact your GP or any of the following organisations:

MASTA: Telephone: 0906 822 4100 www.masta.org
Live Travel Health Line: 09068 633414
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Flight Duration
Flight time to Almaty from London is 9hrs 50mins with British Airways.

Accommodation and Transport
Kazakhstan’s infrastructure is developing fast and Almaty now has a good selection of international and small private hotels. We only use quality 4 star hotels of a good standard and centrally located. In more remote areas where the choice of accommodation is limited, we will use the best available small hotels or local pensions.

A variety of transportation will be used on tour: cars, 4 wheel drive vehicles, minibuses or coaches, depending on the size of the party.