Planning a road trip in Kazakhstan is an adventure worth taking, whether you’re drawn to its vast landscapes, majestic mountains, or cultural history. Moreover, with growing international mobility and simplified travel access, exploring Kazakhstan has never been more convenient.

Travelers from 81 countries can currently enter Kazakhstan visa-free or with visas on arrival, with six more agreements in progress. These developments make the country an increasingly attractive and accessible destination for global travelers.

If you’re considering hitting the open road through this Central Asian gem, here’s everything you need to know.

Woman Sitting on Gray Stone in Almaty, Almaty Province, Kazakhstan. Photo by: Natasha Yakupova.

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Lake Dubygalinskoe (also known as Lake Okun’ki) is located in Ulansky district of East Kazakhstan Oblast, at the foot of the northern slopes of Mount Dubygaly. This lake and the surrounding rocks are like an oasis in the middle of the endless Kazakh steppe. It is about 70 km from Oskemen (former Ust-Kamenogorsk) and 140 km from Semey.

Besides the fact that it is a great place for fishing, the lake attracts travelers for its amazing giant boulders picturesquely scattered along the shore. Lake Okun’ki on Google Maps. Photos by Alexey Maznicin.

really huge boulders

Tags: East Kazakhstan oblast · landscapes

The chalk mountains of Aktau (literally “white mountains”), located about 260 km northeast of Almaty, is a unique natural monument that is part of the Altyn Emel National Park.

These multi-colored hills formed from bluish-gray sandstone and red clay, interspersed with yellow and pink cornelian, jasper, and white quartz, look like a layer cake. The height of the geological deposits reaches hundreds of meters. The Aktau Mountains on Google Maps. Photos by: Sergey Terekhov.

amazing scenery

Tags: Almaty oblast

Southern Kazakhstan is the most densely populated part of the country. Here the largest cities of Kazakhstan, Almaty and Shymkent, are located.

The landscapes of Southern Kazakhstan are surprisingly diverse and represent a combination of arid, rather cold (in winter) and hot (in summer) sparsely populated steppes and deserts, snow-capped mountains, and densely populated foothills. Photos by: Dmitry Balakirev.

Famous boundless steppes of Kazakhstan – one of the symbols of the country.

fly over Southern Kazakhstan

Tags: Almaty oblast · South Kazakhstan oblast

Mangyshlak Peninsula is located on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan. Mangystau Oblast is located on its territory.

One of the natural attractions of the peninsula is the Torysh Tract, which is located about 105 km north of the city of Aktau on the western end of the Western Karatau Ridge, 17 km east of the village of Tauchik.

picturesque geological formations

Tags: Aktau city · Mangystau oblast

Exploring national parks worldwide offers a unique opportunity to experience some of nature’s most breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. From the dramatic fjords of New Zealand to the vast savannas of Tanzania, these protected areas are celebrated for their stunning beauty, rich biodiversity, and outdoor adventure opportunities.

Each park provides a distinct glimpse into the natural world, whether it’s through witnessing the annual wildebeest migration in the Serengeti or hiking the rugged trails of Torres del Paine. Whether you seek thrilling wildlife encounters, serene natural beauty, or challenging hikes, these national parks offer unforgettable experiences that highlight the wonders of our planet and inspire a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Image by trejlerfilms from Pixabay

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The Aktau (“White”) Mountains, located in the Altyn Emel National Park in the south-east of Kazakhstan in Almaty Oblast, arose on the territory where the waters of an ancient ocean used to splash in the era when dinosaurs inhabited the Earth. They are about 400 million years old.

These colorful chalky hills, formed from bluish-gray sandstone and red clay, interspersed with yellow and pink cornelian, jasper and white quartz, reminiscent of a layer cake. These lifeless slopes, made of fragile rocks, intricately cut by erosion, are so unusual that it is impossible to take your eyes off them. Photos by: Sergey Terekhov.

amazing mountains

Tags: Almaty oblast

The Kent Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, is a very picturesque and unique natural and historical area. It is located in the Karkaraly district of Karaganda Oblast in central Kazakhstan and is part of Karkaraly National Park.

These mountains (the highest point is Mount Tursun, 1,469 meters high) is an island massif that rises like an impregnable granite wall above the surrounding steppe. A lot of mountain rivers and streams flow down from the mountains; through their valleys you can get inside this huge granite island and enjoy majestic views of pristine nature with bizarre rocks, boulders and ridges. The Kent Mountains on Google Maps. Photos by: Zekkadrb.

trekking in the ancient mountains

Tags: Karaganda oblast

Kazakhstan may seem like an exotic and expensive destination, but with some planning, you can explore this beautiful country even if you’re on a tight budget. From securing cheap flights to using public transportation, here are some top tips for keeping costs low during your trip to Kazakhstan.

Image by Vladimir Fayl from Pixabay.

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Issyk is a picturesque lake located in the Issyk gorge of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range, about 40 km east of Almaty, in the southern part of Almaty Oblast.

It was formed about 8-10 thousand years ago in a landslide that created a natural dam about 300 meters high. Initially, the length of Issyk was 1,850 m, width 500 m, depth 50-79 m. The water is green-blue. The height above sea level is about 1,700 m. Lake Issyk on Google Maps. Photos by: Leonid Dyachenko.

beautiful lake

Tags: Almaty oblast