The Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan: Seasonal Highlights and Travel Tips
When thinking about visiting Kazakhstan for the first time, one of the most important things that will come to your mind is when is the best time to go. This large and stunning nation in Central Asia has something to offer at every time of the year, though some activities are seasonal. The Kazakhstan country has a variety of geographical features and cultural events that are worth to be seen during the whole year. If you are a traveler interested in the natural beauty of the country or if you are a city person who wants to discover what the country has to offer, knowing when to go can make a big difference.
When deciding on your trip, you must decide when to go before booking your flights. General speaking, the best time to visit Kazakhstan depends on what activities you want to engage in. If you are a traveler coming from India, then you should consider checking on the Kazakhstan visa from India. Regardless of whether you are planning your winter vacation or summer vacation, it will be useful to know more about the seasonal attractions. Now let’s have a closer look at Kazakhstan’s seasons and some important pieces of advice to make your trip as successful as possible.
Here are the Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan: Seasonal Highlights and Travel Tips
Spring (March to May) – A Fresh Start
According to the weather conditions, spring in Kazakhstan is replenishment. Winter turns into spring, the snow melts, flowers come out and it gets warmer. It is advisable to visit Almaty and Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), as well as national parks and mountains at this time. For the hiker, the early spring is a perfect time to be out in the field without having to deal with the scorching heat of summer.
Highlights:
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Many tourists prefer hiking in the Tian Shan and Altai mountain systems.
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The Red Colour of sandstone formation is the most popular canyon in the world known as Charyn Canyon.
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Taking cultural tours in the city such as the Ascension Cathedral and the Central State Museum.
The prices of travelling are also low in spring and there are not many tourists like those that are there in summer.
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Summer (June to August) – Sun, Adventure, and Festivals
Kazakhstan has summer, which means higher temperatures and as a result, it is the right time for all kinds of outdoor activities, fairs and to discover the natural resources of the country. Summer in Kazakhstan has everything starting from visiting the vast steppes to enjoying the weather by the lake. Expect to be very sunny with normal temperatures ranging between 25 – 40 degrees Celsius or 77 – 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Highlights:
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Engaging in water activities for instance taking a boat ride in the gorgeous Balkhash Lake or just taking a peaceful holiday in the Issyk-Kul Lake.
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Observing the Kazakh horse riding traditions during the course of Nauryz, the Persian New Year celebration.
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Going to the historical city of Turkestan and the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi which is on the list of UNESCO.
This is also the best time for tourists to taste the delicious Kazakh dishes like barbeque of lamb, fresh fruits in season. But be ready for the people, especially in the most visited attractions.
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Autumn (September to November) – Perfect for Sightseeing
Autumn in Kazakhstan is even warmer than in the summer, but the sightseeing is nearly as picturesque as in the summer. It is autumn in Kazakhstan and the trees are golden, and it is quite hot for sightseeing and photographing. This is the best time for those who love moderate weather which falls between 10°C to 25°C or 50°F to 77°F and less crowd moving around.
Highlights:
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Traveling to the Kazakh desert or the beautiful hills of the steppes in order to have an amazing view.
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Exploring the city of Almaty with its fine cafes and beautiful parkage including the Panfilov park.
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Going through the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi – a cultural site of UNESCO or checking out the old town of Almaty.
It is also the time for harvest and therefore you are likely to find the local markets filled with different fruits and vegetables. This is also the best time to try the hospitality of the Kazakh people and to try such a national dish as beshbarmak or kazy.
Winter (December to February) – A Winter Wonderland
The winter in Kazakhstan is rather severe but, for those who enjoy winter and its activities as well as festive mood, it is the best time. Because most areas of the country are covered with snow during the winter season, Kazakhstan is a winter country. The temperatures, however, can go below freezing (-10°C to -20°C or 14°F to -4°F but the ski resorts in the vicinity of Almaty are perfect for winter sport lovers.
Highlights:
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Skiing or snowboarding on the Ile-Alatau mountains or on the Shymbulak ski slope near the city of Almaty.
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Enjoying winter in Kazakhstan like the new year’s event in Almaty and Nur-Sultan.
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To make a warm indoor activity with culture we are going to Astana Opera.
For those who are not afraid of frost, winter in Kazakhstan is fine as the number of tourists is not so high, and the evenings are rather calm and, sometimes, even quiet to spend them in a traditional Kazakh yurt or to drink hot Kazakh tea.
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Travel Tips for Visiting Kazakhstan
No matter when you decide to visit Kazakhstan, here are a few travel tips to ensure you have a smooth and memorable trip:
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Kazakhstan Visa: To enter Kazakhstan most of the travelers including the Indians need a visa for their stay. Always ensure that you confirm the visa requirements and then apply for the Kazakhstan visa early enough to avoid any inconvenience. If you are planning your trip from India, then, you should read about how to get a Kazakhstan visa from India to avoid any complications.
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Weather Preparedness: Despite the fact that the climate in Kazakhstan is rather continental, during the so-called ‘’shoulder seasons’’ it may be quite changeable. Make sure to layer and always consult the weather before going out on the trip.
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Language: Kazakh and Russian are the two recognized languages in Kazakhstan but English is widely used especially in the big cities especially in the tourism and hotel businesses.
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Local Currency: The official mode of money in Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge with the international code of KZT. One should always carry some local currency and fortunately, most big cities have banks with ATM’s and shops that accept international credit/debit cards.
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Cultural Etiquette: The Kazakhs are friendly and welcoming people. In homes or traditional environment, one is supposed to greet by shaking hand and take some token of appreciation with him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to state that the best time to visit Kazakhstan is quite subjective and depends on the kind of experience the traveler is interested in. If you are interested in the warm summer adventures or the snowy attractiveness of the country, Kazakhstan will be always ready to welcome you. The best season for sightseeing and outdoor activities is spring and autumn, summer is good for festivals and adventure. Winter is, however, a quiet season that is ideal for winter sporting activities or cultural activities.
However, you need to know that you would need a Kazakhstan visa, therefore, before you go, ensure you have applied for a visa. Thus, Indian travelers should also look into the process of getting a Kazakhstan visa from India in order to avoid any issues with travel. If you are going to plan and attend a trip to Kazakhstan, you will surely have an amazing time, and many stunning views, unique culture, and amazing experiences.
