Kazakhstan.travel · We are more than sure that not every traveler, who have traveled around Kazakhstan many times or even those who live here since they were born, knows everything

Kazakhstan.travel

Commissioned by the Tourism Industry Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan

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We are more than sure that not every traveler, who have traveled around Kazakhstan many times or even those who live here since they were born, knows everything about beauty of the local nature and great variety of these parts. It is enough to say that many people couldn’t have named even a few attractions of this unbounded country without mentioning “steppe” or “mountain” used in a very broad sense. And there are lots of places! In order to thoroughly explore and enjoy each of them you will need many years and there is no need to even cross Kazakhstan’s border. Here you will find attractions from all six continents of the world: travelling to historical sites and ruins of ancient civilizations, resort vacation with so much fun, driving rally across the deserts and sand dunes, snow skiing and snowboarding at internationally recognized high-altitude resorts or mountain hiking in summer.

All these are accompanied by incredibly picturesque landscapes that will make even the most pessimistic tourist sauvore their charm. So, in this article we have prepared ten unique sites in Kazakhstan that looks like they stepped out from the paintings of great artists. Here you can make beautiful photos; therefore, if you have any type of camera it will be working hard throughout your whole journey.

10 must-see landscapes in Kazakhstan

Borovoe

Rakhmanov’s Springs

Sining Dune

Kaindy Lake

Bozzhyra

Korgalzhyn Lakes

Kolsay Lake Charyn Canyon

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Do you know how happy and successful people from different countries of the world advise to cope with stress? The solution is to have an active lifestyle. When the wave of doubts and anxieties surged over, you should get right into the saddle! Either a horse saddle or a bicycle saddle! By the way, many people do it intuitively, without any scientific evidence. In Kazakhstan the number of people who lead an active lifestyle is increasing year after year, which is very encouraging. And here the top five of the most popular and affordable types of active tourism in our country: hiking and mountain hiking, horseback riding, cycle travel and mountain biking.

Only mountains can be better than mountains

The greatest variety of offers, both from travel agencies and single guides, in the organization of mountain hikes

today can be found in Almaty Region, of course. And it is rightly so, here in half an hour you can reach the beginning of the route from the metropolis, that is, the actual foothill of the mountain. Therefore, both experienced climbers and people, who just enjoy the mountain, come here from the CIS countries.

Go farther and see moreThe hiking routes are usually laid on wild, uninhabited

areas in different countries of the world. People tend to get away from civilization, to merge with nature, as if to become one with it. In our country we have quite a lot of such remote, beautiful, and wild places. But professional guides or travel agencies specializing in this area are not sufficient.

About horseback ridingIt is logical to go to horseback ridingaftera hiking tour.

The thing is that the horseback tours are very popular in the Protected Areas. Besides, here it will be appropriate to mentionnew direction in Kazakhstan tourism, such as agritourism or rural tourism.

Bicycle adventures

The bicycle is becoming increasingly popular in Kazakhstan today as a transportation mean, including travel. In any region of the country there are local communities, clubs of cyclists.

Going to the mountains by bicycleТThe bicycle touring topic is huge and immense, in

particular the mountain biking is one of the directions.

Top 5 affordable outdoor activities in Kazakhstan

Extreme means a certain risk. Therefore, all of the following types of extreme leisure require either hard training or work in tandem with an experienced instructor. There is no independence in the beginning!

Luckily, today the tourism industry, including the extreme one, is developing by leaps and bounds in Kazakhstan, the offers at the market are very diverse. These include air trips on small triple planes where the active piloting is provided at the client’s request including a combat turn, a corkscrew, a slide. These include training in paragliding and hang-gliding, parachuting, river rafting, and much more.

We have identified for you the top five most popular and affordable types of extreme recreation.

At a wind pace. Mountain skiing and snowboarding

During winter time the mountain skiing and snowboarding hit record numbers.

Today the mountain skiing services are of better quality and much more diverse than some ten years ago. The slopes both for the beginners and the professionals are practically everywhere.

In the water column. DivingIt would seem that in Kazakhstan, the country of the

Great Steppe, there could not be a large number of divers. You will be surprised but during a warm season it is the most sought-after type of extreme activities.

Overwater adrenaline. RaftingIf you do not feel very comfortable under the water, then

you can experience adrenaline over the water! Of course, we are talking about rafting! This is a fascinating slide down a mountain river on canoe or special rafts. Rafting is one of the most visited tours.

Out to the sky. ParachutingOf course, a parachute jump from a height of 1,000

meters will long remain in your memory! I will immediately answer a question that tormented me in my time: what if I forget to press the button and the parachute will not open? And you know what? There is nothing to worry about! The instructor will explain to you that «in order to operate the main parachute canopy the deployment bag is extracted forcibly and the parachute canopy is deployed immediately after a paratrooper is separated from the aircraft, within three seconds. You just have to go to the sky!»

In Almaty region paratroopers are trained by highly qualified specialists, instructors of the parachute training air unit, the members of the Bayserke Wings team.

Under the paraglider wingThe colorful wings of paragliders on Ushkonyr in

Almaty region always attract an eye. The training flights, competitions take place almost all year round here. And during the Christmas Holidays, you can even see Ded Moroz and Snegurochka in the sky!

Top 5 extreme travel experiences in Kazakhstan

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If you haven’t passed, at least, one trekking route, you can’t consider yourself a true traveller.

Each of us since childhood has got a desire for new discovery and for bright and unforgettable adventures. That’s why each year we pack our bags and start a journey – no matter whether it is fishing at the neighbouring lake or a distant trip/flight. Many people consider themselves as quite experienced travellers after travelling around Kazakhstan or visiting many cities, countries. But… If you haven’t passed, at least, one trekking route, you can’t consider yourself a true traveller. You are just a tourist moving from home comfort to a hotel with all facilities. True emotions, wild drive, unforeseen adventures, unplanned events, bright impressions and memories for life are hiding not in the hotels and spa points. These are much closer to the earth. That earth that you have to walk on with your legs in order to feel the power and speechless beauty of the nature, to feel grandeur of uncontrollable force of nature. Only in that way you will realize that we, people, are tiny and insignificant in comparison with nature; how beautiful this world is and it is desperately resisting human’s domination. Trekking is an activity for soul.

10 best trekking routes in Almaty region

Butakovskoye Gorge

Charyn Canyon

Talgar Peak Kolsai Lake

In Kazakhstan, in order to go on a trip, you just need to get in the car. We have all conditions to do this: the unique nature and available infrastructure. And depending on how much free time you have, you can spend from a few hours to days in a journey. Travelers and experts from the field of tourism shared some of the most interesting places in Kazakhstan where you can go by car.

5 places for traveling by car in Kazakhstan

Akmeshit Cave

Bestobe CanyonDzungarian Alatau

Waterfall near Zerenda village

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Breathing in sweet forest air and admiring beauty of mountains and sparkling lakes while sitting comfortably in your saddle – that is a perfect travel, isn’t it?

Amazing nature of Kazakhstan, the promised land of ancient nomads, opens up from a new side when you discover its beauties in the way the ancestors of modern Kazakhs did – sitting on horseback. Stocky but strong and enduring horses will take you along the mountain paths through dense forests; they will ford turbulent rivers without hesitation and gallop at full speed across hot desert for a long time. You will definitely recall such travel in your memory again and again; at least, until that time when your legs will stop aching after long sitting in the saddle. Of course, this is a joke and light discomfort after horseback riding will mean that your muscles exposed to some physical exercise – kind of exercise with steppe flavour.

Above all you should add an invaluable positive experience of interaction with this proud animal: horses are very smart and sensitive, that’s why you should learn to control your emotions all along the way. Bear in mind, that horses can quickly understand whether a rider is afraid of the horse or not. If yes, then be prepared that your faithful horse will behave naughty, won’t obey you and will do its own thing, not yours. Therefore, horseback riding tours, especially long-lasting ones, will excellently harden you and build your character. Sooner or later, you will understand how to make the horse understand who is in charge here. Later you can use this experience in your normal life, with some adjustments though. In general, horseback riding does not have any disadvantages at all – this is very interesting, fascinating, and even useful!

Following nomad’s way: horseback riding routes

Kaindy LakeBorovoeAssy Kolsay Lakes

Djailau

Zailiskiy Alatau Mountains

Zailiskiy Alatau Mountains

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In Kazakhstan you will be introduced to river rafting for every taste!

What do you like more: extreme rafting down turbulent mountain rivers, when “rapids” are on the path one cooler than the other, or orderly course of calm waters “overboard”? Whatever the answer, we will please you: in Kazakhstan you may experience river rafting for every taste!

Rafting is usually referred to extreme types of leisure activities, although even children are allowed to rafting down the river (or certain parts of it) with calm water. We will tell you about the most popular places for rafting in Kazakhstan. Two regions, Almaty and East Kazakhstan, arrange rafting tours professionally – you will be offered routes of different categories of complexity, both of one-day and multi-day type. According to the international classification for each river reach there are six categories of barriers with different level of difficulty:

the higher the number of the level, the more difficult the reach is.

Zhetysu RiversIn Almaty region, three rivers are especially popular for

rafting: Ili, Turgen, and Chilik.Chilik is the river of the third category of complexity in

rafting. That’s where people go for adrenaline! Rough water of this river will not let you fall into despondency from monotonous steppe landscapes along the banks. The rafting season is from mid-June to the beginning of October.

It is worth mentioning two more rivers in Almaty region where rafting is being arranged.

This is Charyn River, different from other mountain rivers of Zhetysu by its “inconstancy” – calm and unhurried after a moment it can turn into a raging stream, and then calm down again.

For lovers of superextreme, organizations offer a special route along Koksu River. In different parts of the river different categorization of complexity: from three to five. Together with the fascinating nature of Zhetysu (Dzungarian Alatau) rafting on the river will not leave anyone indifferent!

Water thresholds of East Kazakhstan

The most popular river for rafting in the East Kazakhstan region is considered to be the taiga beauty Uba.

Rivers of Kazakhstan that are ideal for rafting

Taming a bird is a complicated process.

You must admit that no one remains indifferent when watching a berkutchi or a falconer having his pet on his arm and sitting on horseback. Handsome men and slim women in national dresses are looking quite attractive. When you see how a master and his bird are working closely together, how a huge berkut is taking quarry or a falcon is circling the steppe in free flight and then returning on his master’s (kusbegi) arm – all these are taking your breath away. But behind this beautiful picture a great deal of work, sometimes many years of work, is hidden, because taming a bird is a complicated process.

From history“Hunting with animals (greyhounds, cheetahs, hunting

birds) has always been cultivated in the Eurasian steppes; this is evidenced by archaeological digs and ancient manuscripts telling about nomads’ household”, – this is what Assylkhan Artykpayev, local historian, biologist, hunting expert, writes in one of his publications devoted to hunting birds. – Gradually, this type of hunting had been widely disseminated among nobility of many states in Europe and Asia. In the Middle Ages hunting with birds was a prerogative of monarchs’ yards

of Europe, Persia, India and China; while on the territory of ancient Kazakhstan all patrimonial and tribal consolidations were engaged with hunting, mainly people of average and advanced age. Hunting birds had always been very valuable – a berkut or a falcon was considered as sacred birds, and a random person couldn’t deal with these birds.”

In the old times chicks were taken straightly from nests and prepared to be hunting birds. People were observing a nest from the moment of egg laying. Moreover, they were living not far from it up to the moment when chicks started leaving the nest. People had enough time to learn biological features and predator habits in the natural habitat. Kusbegi (falconers) knew that comprehensive development of a chick can only happen under the parental wing; therefore, people took chicks away when they became fledglings, just prior to leaving their nests.

The most important part is allowing bird some time to get used to a man.

Adjustment to men has always been the first stage in preparation of a hunting bird. During first hours after taking chick out of its natural habitat, a hunter should be spending almost all his time next to the bird. During that period the bird was kept on “yrgak” (a swinging falconery block used at the beginning of bird’s training), and from time to time hunter was stroking bird’s chest preventing from falling asleep. After some time tired bird started getting used to the hunter.

How hunting birds are tamed nowadays? It is strictly prohibited to take chicks out of the nest: all birds species in Kazakhstan related to hunting birds are recorded in the Red Book.

How to tame a hunting bird?

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It can be said without exaggeration that every third Kazakhstani family has its own fisherman; it can be a father, a son or a brother. In addition to traditional commercial fishing, sport-and-recreational fishing is actively developing in our country: there are federations, clubs, and just communities. The national fishing sport team of Kazakhstan has twice become the world champion in the team scoring; the team members are prize winners of many international tournaments. Of course, all this is not a coincidence - our anglers have many places where they can hone their skills. We will tell you about the prime fishing spots, about rivers and lakes where eminent fishermen come together for trophies not only from Kazakhstan but also from all over the world.

Trophy Balkhash Lake RegionAt all times the Ili river delta in the Southern Balkhash region was

considered the best place for fishing: herespecies composition of the fish is huge and the trophies are impressive.

By the will of the pike, at the fisher’s command

The pike,that is whatabsolutely absent in Balkhash and in the entire Balkhash region! Just the way the pike looks is indicative of its agility, aggressiveness, and rapacity. The Black Irtysh riveris famous for its trophy pike. It is a river that runs into Zaysan lake in the Eastern Kazakhstan region. In addition to pikes, large perches and bream are of interest to anglers in this region.

The pike also inhabitsthe rivers of Central Kazakhstan: Ishim, Tobol, Nura andin the south: in the Chuy spills and Syr Darya river. Shalkar lake located 150 km awayfrom the city of Uralsk andis famous for its pikes. They say that this fish sometimes reaches 40 kg, but in recent years there are no photofacts with such prey,

more often fishermen put up photos of 15-20 kg predators on various forums.

The Giants of the CaspianThe beluga of Acipenseridae family is recognized to be the

largest fish in Kazakhstan. It is found in the Caspian Sea, the weight reaches 300 kg. But beluga is recorded in the Red Book and, therefore, its catching is prohibited. .

In the river where trout is plashing…In the mountains of the North and Central Tien Shan, in Zhetysu

(Dzhungarian) Alatau, the osman is being caught as well as the trout in some rivers which was introduced in Kazakhstan.

The inhabitants of taiga riversFishing of gray fish in taiga rivers of the Western Altay, for

example, in the Chernaia Uba river and the Belaia Uba river is difficult and unusual.

Ice Fishery in KorgalzhinoAstana residents are fishing on the banks of Esil river, go to the

lakes of the Burabai resort, but winter fishing on the lakes of the Korgalzhynsky reserve is of particular interest to local anglers. As soon as ice appears on the ponds, hundreds of anglers go to drill holes.

Okunkol Festival on Alakol LakeAlakol Lake, located in the semi-desert zone in the east of the

Balkhash-Alakol depression, is interesting to those who fish in large amounts, the commercial fishermen. It is not very interesting for the recreational anglers: it is almost impossible to catch a trophy specimen from the shore, and it is not recommended to go out into the open water by boat.

What is the most important in fishing? True! The process itself!

…The small private ponds located near major cities are worth mentioning separately. Basically, these are the suburbs of Almaty and Astana of course. The owners of such ponds equipped them with gazebos, and built small houses in some places; they stocked the ponds with fish, mainly cyprinoid fish species, and now they give an opportunity to enthusiastic anglers to satisfy their fishing need for a certain charge.

The best fishing destinations in Kazakhstan

A wonderful natural object, popular among foreigners far outside of Kazakhstan, who love uncommon sights

Although there is a lot of deserts in Kazakhstan, we do not have any classical lands where only lifeless sands are spread to the horizon. However, the following areas with picturesque dunes ridges with Aeolian ripples, can be easily found in the Aral Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum, Moyynkum, Taukum, Saryesik-Atyrau, and everywhere in our desert zone. There are lots of dunes in Kazakhstan, but Barkhan is the only one - a mountain of pure sand over one hundred metres in height and several kilometers long on the right bank of the Ili River. A wonderful natural object commonly known to lovers of curiosities far outside the Republic. This rare monument has its own name.

Singing Dune!

Pearl of Altyn Emel

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The unique aura, which nature has nourished these places with, infects every visitor with an irresistible desire to come back here again.

If there are no people at the resort, then the season automatically turns into “dead”. Doubtful thesis! After all, the fact that forests and lakes do not speak out with happy cries of cultural holidayers does not mean they are dying at all. Quite the contrary, when people return to their beloved civilization, nature plunges into its first-born pacification. At this very moment a true moment comes to the most selfless nature admirers and connoisseurs!1. If you really want to see and feel the Borovoe as it

is then you should definitely come here in the «off season» period, in autumn!

2. For sophisticated people, Borovoe is not limited with the lake of the same name, but covers all of Kokshetau area – a whole conglomeration of peaks, water bodies, fancy granite rocks, twisted pines, and cool mosses.

3. Local autumn is a relic echo of the past caught in the boundless steppes of Kazakhstan by the tops of

rocky mountains.4. Poetic nomads were deifying such amazing creatures

of nature and surrounded them with an aura of holiness.

5. Every rock, especially such noticeable as Okzhetpes (symbol of the place!), is a story frozen in a stone about something wonderful that happened here in the ancient times.

6. Borovoe, which gave the name to the whole of this “Steppe Switzerland”, is a kind of the rod on which all other local wonders are strung.

7. But here, around, there are at least fifty original lakes, many of which – Shuchie, Big and Small Chebachie, Zhukey, Katarkol – are no less picturesque and charming.

8. Autumn in classical Kokshetau, where evergreen pine trees dominate, may be not such diverse and regal as in Altai or in Zailiskiy Alatau, but it also charms and fascinates a viewer!

9. Here is the north of Kazakhstan, and therefore the “golden season” is often very short-lived and can end

20 reasons to visit Borovoe in autumn

overnight at the will of unexpectedly flown steppe windmills.

10. Crazy whirlwinds knock down leaves, calm the whisper of birches and immediately fill the atmosphere with other sounds: whistle of pine trees, hissing of grasses and the measured roar of the waves.

11. But when it is windless, then autumn time in the mountains of Kokshe is characterized by phenomenal silence.

12. At such a time you can hear squirrel paws are scrubbing the bark somewhere in the wood and fearful deer are rustling fallen needles.

13. Such as the air here, there is nowhere else in the world, that’s why since ancient times weakened, tired and consumptive people came here to be healed with air.

14. In autumn, when philosophic scent of decay (of withering steppes, fallen leaves, soaked moss and mushrooms getting out to the light) invades to the usual range of smells (of sun-soaked granite, lake water, blooming grass and steamed pine needles), air

of Borovoe can treat not only the bodies but also the souls!

15. Autumn chill is conducive to long walks – the park nature of local forests favors to the free choice of path.

16. And any climbing to any local mountain (even though to Kokshe-Sinyukha with a height of 947 meters) will surely be remembered for the rest of your life by unreal depth of the open spaces that will open before your very eyes for hundreds of kilometers!

17. The unique aura, which nature has nourished these places with, infects every visitor with an irresistible desire to come back here again.

18. I assure you, this is not necessary to wait for the crowded and noisy summer – a meeting with Borovoe is appropriate at any time of the year!

19. As for autumn, it happens here too rapidly – it often happens that summer ends in September and in September winter begins.

20. However, who said that winter in Kokshetau is worse than autumn?

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It is well known that many travellers find traditional nomad’s food to be delightful. Famous American actor Mark Dacascos, Brazil coach Joao Barbosa, the Two Michelin starred Italian chef Norbert Niederkofler, and many other celebrities enthusiastically admitted that they love Kazakhstan not only for warm hospitality and wonderful people, but also for remarkable national cuisine. In this light, there is increased interest from local restaurateurs in revealing a great potential of nomad’s food. Every national dish appeared as a result of a certain life event; and specific nature of cooking arose from the need to conserve all useful properties of the food and to extend its storage period to its maximum. Now it has become a key aspect in transition of Kazakh cuisine up to the next higher level of the “gastronomic podium”.

Where in Kazakhstan you can try true Kazakh haute cuisine?

The idea of representing traditional cuisine from the other side – such possibility has not been considered before – initially emerged in constantly developing mega cities of the country – Astana and Almaty. National dishes

are offered across the country, cooked deliciously and served beautifully; but these traditional dishes are rarely represented in a separate menu and are often mixed with cuisine of other nationalities without even mentioning about chef’s original menu developed on the basis of solely traditional recipes. And now, owing to the efforts of progressive restaurateurs, we can see a tendency of Kazakh haute cuisine turning into a distinctive feature and a calling card of the gastronomic field in Kazakhstan.

National delicacies for admirers of the haute cuisine

Specific nature and simplicity of ingredients used in traditional Kazakh dishes became a starting point for distinguished Kazakhstani chefs and restaurateurs to use their imagination. Using high cooking technologies and wide knowledge (including molecular compatibility of different food products), they have managed to develop absolutely new concept of ancient dishes turning these into a wonderful ensemble of taste and flavour. A true art, that one must definitely try, is being created in the restaurants with haute cuisine. For instance:

• Have you ever tried camel meat? This meat won’t be on a menu of common dining places. But in a fine dining restaurant you can try an amazing culinary masterpiece: the tenderest camel terrine starter (something between a pate and a baked pudding made of meat whipped to creamy state) with pieces of prune and sunflower seeds accompanied by the spiciness of physalis and basil sauce. By the way, nomads had always appreciated camel meat so highly because of its sweetish tender taste.

• Ceremonial Kazakh dish made out of liver and tail fat turned into delicious meal that will pleasantly surprise taste buds of foreign gourmets – liver “baur” galantine with fresh lightly salted butter “sary mai”, cherry plum and other additions in order to strengthen aesthetical effect.

• As many of you know, “kurt” it is solid and salty cheese balls and when dissolving in the mouth you can feel their pleasant creamy taste. Now, imagine that delicious kurt made out of high-fat goat milk was whipped to a cream and served with vegetables and fruits! Indeed, it is a steppe flavour in the haute cuisine.

• Worldwide famous Kazakh meat starters do not need

in any upgrading because, when originally served, these all perfectly fit into menu of fine dining restaurants: jerked horse meat and mutton, rich “kazy” (a traditional sausage made out of horse meat) with equal droplets of incredibly delicate and sweet fat, boiled ox tongue, and spiced meat.

• * A true steppe delicacy – horse meat “sheke” (cheeks, tongue, lip and brain)

• “Mi-palau” it is a quite exotic dish that is on the menu of one of the most fashionable restaurants in Astana. It is mutton brains cooked in a particular way and supplemented by black caviar.

• Meat dishes for those who would like to feel “a taste of the steppe” and touch gastronomic culture of nomads – the tenderest pieces of 7 months year old lamb “tokty” under a sauce of fragrant steppe herbs and served with “lavash” (a soft thin unleavened flatbread baked in tandoor) and vegetables; fillet “beldeme” (i.e. saddle of a lamb); “kuyrdak” (a traditional meat dish – liver, kidney, heart and lungs fried together) made of three types of meat and served with baked side dish; foal ribs with light sense of fragrant hot smoking.

“Besbarmak” can be even taken out of this list as it is absolutely beyond competition. Even in the fine dining restaurants this dish is cooked and served in accordance with old recipes.

So, and for dessert: unusual sweets from the depth of centuries in modern interpretation

I would like to complete this article as sweet as dinner in a luxury restaurant – going through desserts and, at the same time, composing my own feedback on chef’s culinary efforts. So, we know that Kazakhs didn’t have a big choice of various sweet desserts but they knew exactly how to prepare a wonderful treat for a tea made out of simple ingredients like milk, flour, wheat, and honey. Slightly modified, these thousand year old recipes were included into the dessert menu of Kazakh haute cuisine: “balkaimak” (fresh cream cooked on low heat – but it shouldn’t turn into butter! – with the addition of honey and some flour) as a part of the tenderest honey-creamy cake; fluffy cheesecake “yezhegei” (cottage cheese cooked from milk, whig, butter and salt) served with crispy “zhent” (a sweet made from cereals, nuts, honey, raisin, melted butter etc.); ice-cream made from “shubat” (fermented camel milk); hot sweet “yrymshik” (something between cheese and cottage cheese) with wild berries, and many more. All of these are an amazing quintessence of pure taste and fragrance, but without extravagance and excessive sweetness, that leaves behind a feeling of full gastronomic satisfaction.

Finally, to sum up our investigation, we can confidently say that all Kazakh traditional dishes, even those with some modifications in composition, texture, serving manner necessary to correspond an haute cuisine level, saved their national flavour. The national flavour, in its turn, makes these dishes recognizable and favourite not only in Kazakhstan but in many other parts of the world.

Kazakh haute cuisine: traditional dishes you must try while in Kazakhstan

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How to survive in the steppe: Kazakh drinks for all occasions

These days it is often possible to hear the statement among modern nutritionists that dairy and fermented milk products are not healthy for the body and it is not necessary for an adult to use them in general. But the wise ancestors of the Kazakh people, the free steppe nomads, thought in completely different way. The best way to quench thirst in the hot sun beams was a sip of a fermented milk drink, that is not only coped well with dry throat and dehydration, but also satisfied hunger, saturating body with protein and vitamins, that was especially appreciated in the conditions of long hikes.

Why not water?Until the Kazakhs settled, the main source of their food

was cattle, meat and dairy products made up to 80% of the total diet. In order to somehow vary such a strict menu, they sought to use in food absolutely everything that an animal could give – meat, fat, internal organs, and, of course, milk.

A big plus, which caused a pretty wide range of beverages and other products made from it (cheese, butter, curd), is a different percentage of fat content. For example, mare’s milk is dietetic, only 2%, you can make excellent light and refreshing drinks from it, camel and cow’s milk is about 4-6%, and goat (4%) and sheep’s milk (7%) is considered to be the best for your health and immunity. By the way, the fattiest, tenderest and tastiest cheeses are still made from sheep’s milk.

So what do nomads drink?As we mentioned before, a large selection of milk implies

a comprehensive range of products made from it. Based on their own observations and centuries of experience, nomadic tribes have formed several most balanced recipes of fermented milk products, which are still popular, not only within our country, but also far beyond its borders.

KumisKumis, a drink made from mare’s milk, is a symbol

of wealth and generosity, the most popular drink from national Kazakh drinks, a source of vitamins and beneficial microorganisms.

ShubatIt is a pretty characteristic drink that you need to tasteto

understand all fullness and richness of the taste. It is made from camel’s milk by a pretty simple technology.

QatiqThese days it is a delicious dairy drink that you can buy

at any Kazakhstan store, because it is very thick, tasty, has light creamy flavor, and does not have a characteristic smell. The real Kazakh qatiq is cooked in two stages: baked milk is mixed with fermentation starter and put in a warm place for 6-8 hours to start the fermentation process. The next day, the resulting qatiq from the first fermentation starter is added to the new milk portion and again put in a warm place for maturation. And the next day you will get a real rich flavor of traditional qatiq. It is especially popular among the older generation, as it fights with many age-related “sores”.

AyranThis drink is very popular not only among the nomads

of Kazakhstan, but among all Turkic peoples. Its cooking process is quite simple, but the health benefit is incredibly big. It was even considered as the main food during long hikes.

Universal drinks of nomads: they quench thirst and save from hunger

We found out what kind of desserts do Kazakhs have and what traditional dishes you can take with you for the journey or to work as a tasty and healthy snack.

DessertsSweet іrіmshіk — sweet curdIt is simple, but tasty meal, curd with addition of various

sweet ingredients. In one region of Kazakhstan they add honey, in the other they add sugar and jam. You need to keep sweet curd in the refrigerator, because it is a perishable product with a short-term storage. Curd contains enzymes, probiotics, therefore it is a healthy and nutritious product for the human body.

BalkaymakBalkaymak is sour cream mixed with honey. To prepare

balkaimak raw sour cream is boiled over low heat until fat appears. Add sugar, honey, flour, mix and leave it for another 8-10 minutes. It is served with tea and baursaks.

JentJent is made from talcan, coarse flour from roasted

barley or wheat, add milk, butter, sugar, honey or raisins. Millet and curd are pounded in a mortar. The resulting mass is mixed with sugar and raisins, add butter and cool it to solidify. The finished jent is cut with a sharp, hot knife. In the early days, only extremely rich people could afford such dainty.

SnacksShi baursakShi baursaks differ from ordinary baursaks in size,

shape, taste and type of dough. Shi baursaks are cooked from unleavened dough, they have crispy and sweet taste.

In the early days, nomads took such baursaks to battles. They are cooked as straws, without moisture and do not perish.

Shi baursaki is one of the popular gastronomic meals of Semipalatinsk. You can find them in almost every store or market in the bakery department.

QurtQurt is a fermented milk product prepared from salted

dried curd based on sheep’s milk. There are several types of qurt: salted dried, boiled and paste-like. It is better to take with you a dry qurt, as it is kept longer.

Dried qurt can be added to the broth, soups, previously tenderized it. Also qurt can be crumbled and add to sour cream.

Sur et — jerked beef, dried fishJerking is one of the first ways to process meat, which

remains one of the most effective ways. Jerking allows you to eat fish without further cooking, and to eat meat with just little cooking.

Jerked meat is an excellent snack due to the fact that it can be kept warm for a long time, while proteins and micronutrients will help in extreme situations.

Jent, sur et and shi baursak: Kazakh desserts and healthy snack

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The city of Astana is the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, located in the center of the Eurasian continent. UNESCO international organization awarded Astana the status of a “City of Peace”. It is a thriving modern city with a high level of comfort and service. Astana is amazing with its extraordinary architecture.

Baiterek is 97 meters high monument with an observation tower. The height of the tower symbolizes the year Astana was proclaimed the capital city. The observation deck opens a breathtaking view of the new city.

Nur Alem (“Shining World”) – world’s largest spherical building of 80 meter diameter and 100 meters in height. In 2017, the international exhibition EXPO 2017 was held in Astana. A

Astana city

The Pаlace of Peace and HarmonyIshim RiverEXPO 2017

Khan Shatyr

Khan Shatyr

Palace of Independence

Karaotkel Bridge

Baiterek

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complex of pavilions to host more than 100 country participants was built in the city with Nur Alem being the center piece of the exhibition. After the Expo-2017, Nur Alem remains open as the world’s only Museum of Future Energy.

The Pаlace of Peace and Harmony is an unusual building, striking in its originality and grandeur. Designed by Norman Foster, this masterpiece is a symbol of unity and friendship of 130 ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan

The National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the youngest and biggest museum in Central Asia. The building attracts with its unusual exterior and rich array of exhibits featuring history, cultural heritage and achievements of Kazakhstan.

Medeu - mountain ice rink. This picturesque landmark rightly referred as the pearl of Almaty, is situated above the city at the altitude of 1692 meters making it the world’s highest ice rink. Medeu has mild climate, the optimal level of solar radiation and low atmospheric pressure. High mountain ice rink is a must-see attraction of Almaty.

Shymbulak ski resort is situated at an altitude of 2260 m. immediately outside of the city. Variety of routes, including soft slopes for beginners, long trails for advanced skiers, FIS slopes for downhill skiing, half-pipe for snowboarders, extreme bends for the pros, and a special track for mogul.

Kok-Tobe Mount - one of the most beautiful places in the city located at the height of 1100 meters above sea level. The TV tower on the background of snow-capped peaks of Alatau, picturesquely located on the green hill Kok-Tobe, has long been a “visiting card” of Almaty. A cable car connects the city center and Kok-Tobe boasting wonderful panorama of the mountains and the city, amusement parks and restaurants.

Almaty city

Concert hall

Hazret Sultan Mosque

Monument «Kazak Eli»

Medeu

Almaty Akimat

Hotel Kazakhstan

The Pаlace of Peace and Harmony

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Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and the 9th largest in the world with a population of 18 million people. It’s a land-locked country and shares borders with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The capital of Kazakhstan is Astana.

Kazakhstan is home to over 130 ethnic groups. The most numerous ethnicity is Kazakh (63%). Other major ethnic groups include Russians (23%), Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Germans, Koreans and others.

The state language is Kazakh, while Russian is a language of interethnic communication.

The main religions are Islam and orthodox Christianity.

Vast terrains and diverse landscape from sandy desserts and canyons to snow-capped mountains as well as 13 national parks provide unparalleled experience for nature-lovers, birdwatchers, adventure travel, skiers and backpackers. Kazakhstan is a home of world’s famous space launch Baikonur where human took off for the first space exploration journey. Nomadic past, Silk Road heritage, Mongolian influence made Kazakh land a pearl for culture-heritage tours of Central Asia.

Citizens of over 60 countries enter Kazakhstan without visa for up to 14 days.

Two major airports: Astana – the capital city, and Almaty – the largest city, are well served by Air Astana and other airlines with direct flights from major International hubs: Frankfurt, London, Paris, Bangkok, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh, Beijing, New Delhi, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur and Abu Dhabi.

The best season to visit – April to October.

GENERAL INFORMATIONGreat Almaty LakeThe mountain lake, created by an earthquake, located

in the valley of the Great Almatinka River at 2511 meters above sea level, has become famous for its scenic landscape both in winter and summer. Depending on the time of year, the water turns various shades from yellow-green in summer to turquoise blue in autumn.

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Ural

Volga

Ural

Aral Sea

Syr Darya

Tobol

Torgay

Irgiz

Emba

Ishim

Ob

IrtyshLake Zaysan

Lake BalkhashNura

Issyk-Kul

Ili

Sary su

Chu

Amu Darya

CA

SP

I AN

SE

A

MONG.

AZE

RBAU

AN

RUSSIA

UZBEKISTANTURKMENISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

CHINA

Charyn Canyon

BAKU TASHKENT

BISHKEK

ASTANA

OralAksay

AtyrauKulsary

Aktau

Zhanaozen

Aktobe

Shalkar

Aral

Kyzylorda

Turkistan

Shymkent

Taraz

Shu Almaty

Kapshagay

Taldykorgan Sarkand

Zaysan

OskemenSemey

Balkhash

Karaganda

Temirtau

Pavlodar

Ekibastuz

Stepnogorsk

Petropavl

KostanayRudny

Kokshetau

Shchuchinsk

Arkalyk

Boszhyra Tract

The mausoleum of KhojaAhmed Yasawi

Burabay National Park

Baikonur Cosmodrome

Kolsay Lakes National ParkKaindy Lake

Singing Dune

Rakhmanov Springs Lake

Medeu,Shymbulak ski resort,Kok-Tobe Mount,Great Almaty Lake

Baiterek, Nur Alem, The Pаlace of Peaceand Harmony,The National Museumof the Republic of Kazakhstan

+7 7172 91 95 00Astana, st. D. Kunaev, 10

[email protected]

Commissioned by the Tourism Industry Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Documents

Kazakhstan.travel · We are more than sure that not every traveler, who have traveled around Kazakhstan many times or even those who live here since they were born, knows everything