Kazakhstan is huge country located in Central Asia that also counts as being part of Eastern Europe geographically speaking.

Unfortunately, the country has suffered immensely in terms of branding due to the parody film Borat. 

In fact, when I recently visited the country, there were absolutely no good travel vlogs showing you the hot spots for the big cities like Almaty and Astana, like you’d see for every other big city in the broader region.

Nonetheless, I have visited this terrific country a few times and thoroughly enjoyed the lifestyle in Almaty and Astana. Here are my impressions of Almaty in southern Kazakhstan from my month-long stay there in October 2022:

1. Rich Cultural Heritage

Kazakhstan is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, with a fascinating history spanning centuries. Visitors can explore ancient cities such as Turkestan, which was once an important stop on the Silk Road, and marvel at the intricate Islamic architecture of the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. The country is also home to numerous museums, galleries, and cultural centers that offer a glimpse into Kazakhstan’s past and present.

The ancient cities such as Turkestan and the Silk Road vibe carry on into neighboring Uzbekistan, which I visited just before the 2020 covid pandemic travel shutdown.  In this vlog, you can travel with me on my adventures there:

2. Natural Beauty

Kazakhstan boasts stunning natural landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains to the vast steppes and deserts. Visitors can go trekking, horseback riding, or skiing in the mountains, or explore the wildlife and natural wonders of the country’s many national parks and reserves.

The ‘natural beauty’ also applies to its local female denizens with quite an array of diversity with over 20% of Kazakhstanis being more Slavic in appearance. Whilst Kazakhstanis are not as internationally renowned for their beauty as say Ukrainians and Russians, there are certainly not far behind. 

After my last trip, I received a few questions from clients about the sexual mores of Kazakhstani society and how open the country is to interfaith relationships in this majority Muslim country. It’s actually a topic I’ve touched on before in a previous vodka vodkast here:

3. Hospitality and Cuisine

Kazakh people are known for their hospitality and warmth towards visitors. Traditional Kazakh cuisine is also a must-try, with dishes such as beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), kazy (horse meat sausage), and shubat (fermented camel milk) showcasing the country’s unique culinary traditions.

4. Modern Infrastructure

Kazakhstan has made significant investments in its infrastructure in recent years, with modern airports, high-speed trains, and world-class hotels and resorts. This makes travel within the country comfortable and convenient, allowing visitors to easily explore all that Kazakhstan has to offer.

5. Adventure and Entertainment

Kazakhstan offers a wide range of activities and entertainment options, from skiing and snowboarding to hot air balloon rides and camel safaris. The country is also home to numerous cultural festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Astana Opera Ball and the Almaty Jazz Festival, which showcase the best of Kazakh arts and culture.

To give you a much more visual representation for the reasons to visit Kazakhstan, I’ve put together this summary from the country itself: