Where Steppe Meets Skyscraper
Historic homeland of a semi-nomadic horse-culture, vast Kazakhstan encompasses jagged snow-topped mountains and boundless scrub steppe. In the south, the former capital, Almaty, is a sophisticated European showplace, while sprouting up on the northern steppe is the new capital, Astana, a mini-Dubai with cutting-edge architecture paid for with petro-dollars.
Why Travel with MIR to Kazakhstan
- 30 years of Kazakhstan travel experience
- Travel programs such as Vassar, Dartmouth and the Harvard Museum of Natural History have chosen MIR to guide them to Central Asia
- Twice named one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”
- MIR affiliate office in nearby Uzbekistan
- On-the-ground support and quality you can trust
- Personalized travel planning from start to finish
- Guides and tour managers that clients rave about
Signature Experiences
We regularly garner applause from our travelers for the inspired opportunities we provide to help them get to know the local people, architecture and accomplishments of Kazakhstan. Below is just a sampling of the experiences MIR has designed to take our clients far from the familiar.
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Savor the cuisine and the music of KazakhstanRead More
Savor an authentic Kazakh lunch and a musical performance at a local restaurant....Savor the cuisine and the music of Kazakhstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Savor an authentic Kazakh lunch and a musical performance at a local restaurant.
Journeys with this Signature Experience
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Witness the thrilling launch of a Soyuz rocketRead More
Witness the launch of a Soyuz rocket on its way to the International Space Station from the VIP viewing area at Baikonur Cosmodrome....Witness the thrilling launch of a Soyuz rocket
Baikonur, Kazakhstan
Witness the launch of a Soyuz rocket on its way to the International Space Station from the VIP viewing area at Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Journeys with this Signature Experience
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Attend a demonstration of traditional Kazakh falconryRead More
Attend a demonstration of traditional Kazakh falconry at a falcon farm outside of Almaty, where hunters on horseback put the beautiful birds through their paces...Attend a demonstration of traditional Kazakh falconry
Outside Almaty, Kazakhstan
Attend a demonstration of traditional Kazakh falconry at a falcon farm outside of Almaty, where hunters on horseback put the beautiful birds through their paces.
Next Steps
- Start to design your own custom trip
- Read more information about this region
- Find out how Custom & Private Travel works
- Contact a Private Journeys Specialist with any questions
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Spot a camel from your private train windowRead More
Cross the Kara Kum (Black Sands) Desert of Kazakhstan, perhaps spotting a camel or two wandering through the low brush...Spot a camel from your private train window
Kara Kum Desert, Kazakhstan
Cross the Kara Kum (Black Sands) Desert of Kazakhstan, perhaps spotting a camel or two wandering through the low brush.
Journeys with this Signature Experience
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The Silk Route ‘Stans by Private Train: Eastbound
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The Silk Route ‘Stans by Private Train: Westbound
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The Silk Route by Private Train: Eastbound
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The Silk Route by Private Train: Westbound
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Ways to Travel to Kazakhstan with MIR
We love Kazakhstan. We design every one of our trips here to enable you to get to know a little about the modern Kazakhstani people (and we don’t mean Borat).
Take a look at your options, from small group escorted tours to independent trips, from luxury rail journeys to custom and private travel:
Small Group Tours
Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans
A Classic Silk Road Survey
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
21 Days / Departures in September, October 2019
Small Group land tour from $7,895, plus $375 internal air
See Trip
Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans
A Classic Silk Road Survey
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
22 Days / Departures in April, May, August, September, October 2020
Small Group land tour from $7,995, plus $350 internal air
See Trip
Inside the Russian Space Program
From Star City to the Baikonur Cosmodrome
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Western Russia
10 Days / Departures in October 2020
Small Group land tour from $13,995
See TripRail Journeys by Private Train
Essence of the Silk Road & Beyond by Private Train
From Almaty to Tashkent aboard the Orient Silk Road Express
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
16 Days / Departures in September 2019
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $6,295
See Trip
Caspian Odyssey by Private Train: Eastbound
South Caucasus to Central Asia Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, South Caucasus, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
16 Days / Departures in September 2019
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $22,595
See Trip
Caspian Odyssey by Private Train: Eastbound
South Caucasus to Central Asia Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, South Caucasus, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
16 Days / Departures in September 2020
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $22,995
See Trip
Essence of the Silk Road by Private Train: Westbound
From Almaty to Ashgabat Aboard the Orient Silk Road Express
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
14 Days / Departures in October 2019
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $5,895
See Trip
Essence of the Silk Road by Private Train: Westbound
From Almaty to Ashgabat Aboard the Orient Silk Road Express
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
14 Days / Departures in April 2020
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $6,095
See Trip
Essence of the Silk Road by Private Train: Westbound
From Almaty to Ashgabat Aboard the Orient Silk Road Express
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
14 Days / Departures in October 2020
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $6,550
See Trip
Essence of the Silk Road by Private Train: Eastbound
From Ashgabat to Almaty Aboard the Orient Silk Road Express
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
14 Days / Departures in October 2019
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $5,895
See Trip
Essence of the Silk Road by Private Train: Eastbound
From Ashgabat to Almaty Aboard the Orient Silk Road Express
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
14 Days / Departures in April 2020
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $6,095
See Trip
Essence of the Silk Road by Private Train: Eastbound
From Ashgabat to Almaty Aboard the Orient Silk Road Express
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
14 Days / Departures in October 2020
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $6,550
See Trip
The Silk Route by Private Train: Westbound
Beijing to Moscow via Central Asia Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Central Asia, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Western Russia
21 Days / Departures in April, October 2020
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $26,295
See Trip
The Silk Route ‘Stans by Private Train: Westbound
Almaty to Moscow Across Central Asia Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Western Russia
13 Days / Departures in April, October 2020
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $18,195
See TripCustom and private travel is our specialty. We’ve been designing unforgettable custom itineraries across the vast steppe and desert of Kazakhstan for 30 years; a majority of our guests travel on custom itineraries.
For ideas, peruse one of our Regional Travel Planners, a roundup of the must-sees from our savvy staff.
Take a look at our suggested Private Journey, Essential Kazakhstan, or read more about how to design your own trip. Also, consider this: You can customize our Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans small group tour or other MIR small group Central Asia tour to match your preferred dates of travel.
Design Your Own Custom Trip
Traveling privately on a custom program means flexibility:
- You set the dates, the focus and the level of accommodations.
- You are met on arrival and seen off at the end of your trip.
- Your in-country transportation is pre-arranged hassle-free.
- Your own expert local guides ensure that you get the most out of your visit.
- And the best part? You travel at your own pace on an itinerary exclusive to you.
Check out just a handful of our Kazakhstan signature experiences below and then get in touch with a MIR Private Journey Specialist to craft an itinerary that suits your travel goals, budget and style. Or get started planning now.
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Swoop over the mountains near AlmatyRead More
Enjoy a breathtaking cable-car ride up to Chimbulak ski resort, where the 2011 Asian Winter Games were held....Swoop over the mountains near Almaty
Shymbulak, Kazakhstan
Enjoy a breathtaking cable-car ride up to Chimbulak ski resort, where the 2011 Asian Winter Games were held.
Next Steps
- Start to design your own custom trip
- Read more information about this region
- Find out how Custom & Private Travel works
- Contact a Private Journeys Specialist with any questions
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Picnic in a gorgeous canyonRead More
Picnic amid the striated colors of spectacular Charyn Canyon, cut by the swift Charyn River cascading down from the Tien Shan Mountains....Picnic in a gorgeous canyon
Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan
Picnic amid the striated colors of spectacular Charyn Canyon, cut by the swift Charyn River cascading down from the Tien Shan Mountains.
Next Steps
- Start to design your own custom trip
- Read more information about this region
- Find out how Custom & Private Travel works
- Contact a Private Journeys Specialist with any questions
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Admire candy-colored Zenkov CathedralRead More
Admire the candy-colored Orthodox Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park in the center of Almaty; built without the use of nails, it is a survivor from czarist times....Admire candy-colored Zenkov Cathedral
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Admire the candy-colored Orthodox Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park in the center of Almaty; built without the use of nails, it is a survivor from czarist times.
Next Steps
- Start to design your own custom trip
- Read more information about this region
- Find out how Custom & Private Travel works
- Contact a Private Journeys Specialist with any questions
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Visit the delightful Museum of Folk Musical Instruments in AlmatyRead More
Enjoy a guided tour where you can see the instruments of the steppe and hear the time-honored music of the Kazakh people...Visit the delightful Museum of Folk Musical Instruments in Almaty
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Enjoy a guided tour of the refurbished Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, where you can see the instruments of the steppe and hear the time-honored music of the Kazakh people.
Next Steps
- Start to design your own custom trip
- Read more information about this region
- Find out how Custom & Private Travel works
- Contact a Private Journeys Specialist with any questions
Suggested Itineraries for Private Travel
Whether you’re looking for a compact trip with all the highlights or something a little roomier with some of the extras, MIR offers itineraries that are available on a private departure basis with your choice of dates. They can also serve as inspiration for your own custom itinerary.
Our itinerary, your dates – great for solo travelers, couples or small groups.
Essential Kazakhstan
From the New Capital to the Old
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan
Departures in August, September, October, November 2019
This itinerary available as a private journey
See Trip
Weather
Taking into account the range of terrains, from mountain to desert, from steppe to canyon, the variation in Kazakhstan’s weather, from hot desert summers to frigid steppe winters, is not at all surprising. A landlocked country, Kazakhstan has a continental climate. Weather patterns move in from Siberia, chilling the winters, and move up from southern Central Asia, warming the summers. MIR recommends travel to Kazakhstan in the spring months of April-May or the fall months of September-October, when the average daytime temperatures in the former capital, Almaty, range from the low 60s to the 70s. Temperatures do fall at nighttime and the average ranges from the low 40s to the 50s during the spring and fall. Summer months of June, July and August are warmer on average and can range from 60s at night to upper 80s during the day. Rain in Almaty is more common in the late spring and early summer, but rarely accounts for more than about four inches a month.
Please remember, weather at all times of year has an element of the unpredictable. This information comes from weatherbase.com and is based on data from previous temperatures on record. It is always advisable to check with weatherbase.com closer to your departure date for current conditions and forecasts for the specific region of Kazakhstan you will be visiting
Our Favorite Places in Kazakhstan
Almaty
Spread out at the foothills of the Zaili Alatau Mountains in the Tien Shan range, Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan. Present-day Almaty sits on the site of an old Silk Road oasis town called Almatu; laid waste by the Mongols in 1211, the city left no ancient remains. Almaty’s name means “the place with apples,” and the many varieties of wild apple in the vicinity give scientists reason to believe that this is where apples were first domesticated.
A city tour of Almaty includes Panfilov Park, the St. Nicholas Cathedral, and a visit to the local bazaar where all types of produce, nuts and dried fruits are for sale. Stop in at the delightful Museum of Musical Instruments for a tour and short performance, and take a drive through Small Almaty Gorge up to 5,000 feet to visit the Medeo Sports Complex. Set among the craggy peaks and alpine slopes that bear the traces of an ancient glacier, the Olympic-size skating rink housed here has seen 180 world records set.
View trips that travel hereJourneys that travel to Almaty
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Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans
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Caspian Odyssey by Private Train: Eastbound
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Chinese Turkestan & Central Asia
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Essential Kazakhstan
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The Silk Route ‘Stans by Private Train: Eastbound
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The Silk Route ‘Stans by Private Train: Westbound
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The Silk Route by Private Train: Eastbound
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The Silk Route by Private Train: Westbound
Astana
Astana has been the capital of Kazakhstan only since 1997, when President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed a decree moving the capital from Almaty. Located in remote north central Kazakhstan on the Ishim River and surrounded by sparsely-populated steppe, Astana seemed at first a strange place for a capital city. Today its ultramodern buildings glow with technicolor lights and its flourishing economy lures energetic young people from every corner of the vast country.
View trips that travel here
Baikonur
Russia’s premier space launch facility, Baikonur Cosmodrome is located deep in the arid Kazakh steppe. This is the place where the first spacecraft to orbit the earth, Sputnik I, was launched, and where Yuri Gagarin began his historic space flight, making him the first human being in space. Today Baikonur Cosmodrome includes nine launch complexes with 15 launch pads. The giant Soyuz rocket, ferrying astronauts and cosmonauts to the International Space Station, is launched here.
View trips that travel here
Charyn Canyon
Spectacular Charyn Canyon is known locally as Dolina Zamkov, or “Valley of Castles.” The Charyn River, flowing rapidly down from the Tien Shan Mountains, has carved a deep and beautiful canyon into Kazakhstan’s “hungry steppe.” The 50-mile canyon is a place of strange rock formations, colorful strata and the swift Charyn River, a favorite with expert rafters.
View trips that travel hereWhen to Travel to Kazakhstan
National Holidays
National Holidays in Kazakhstan, such as Constitution Day, Victory Day and Independence Day are often celebrated with national games, fireworks, street fairs and parades.
Local Festivals
In addition to national holidays, festivals celebrating both Kazakhstan’s nomadic past and its contemporary culture are held throughout the year. These events include demonstrations of traditional craft, hunting techniques, song, dance and costume. However, due to the unscripted nature of life in Kazakhstan, celebrations are often planned at the last minute, making it impossible to plan to visit a year in advance. Happening upon a holiday or cultural festival is all the more special as a result.
Navruz (March)
The tradition of Navruz started as a Zoroastrian festival to celebrate the spring equinox. The ancient people closely followed the celestial cycle and noticed that when the hours of daylight started to equal the hours of darkness, the seasons changed and new life was born.
The Persians celebrated the start of the new year at this time, and spent the thirteen days following Navruz settling debts and mending relationships in order to set a positive tone for the upcoming year. In Kazakhstan, families burn archa twigs to rid their houses of evil spirits. The celebration continues with a plentiful feast of traditional dishes such as plov, boiled mutton and kok-samsa pies. The abundant meal is symbolic of a year of good crops and health. Navruz is also fêted with traditional horse games, song and dance.
Ramadan (dates vary by year)
The Islamic holiday, Ramadan, is a time when Muslims focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and strengthening their relationship to God. The holiday lasts a month, and during this period, Muslims fast during daylight hours, eating only before sunrise and after sunset. Islamic teachings explain that without the distraction of attending to physical needs and worldly matters, one is better able to focus on reforming one’s spiritual self. The religious pray more often than the rest of the year, and dedicate themselves to acts of charity. Some scholars believe the name is derived from the Arabic word for “scorching,” referring to the holiday’s power to “scorch” away past sins.
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