Travel Guide
Kazakistan
Almaty, turquoise Issyk Lake, Big Almaty Lake at 2,511 m. Onay card, kuyrdak, beshbarmak and the road to Bishkek.
In short
Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia by area. The capital is Astana; I mainly explored Almaty and its surroundings. A big city with wide avenues that reminds one of Russia. Getting around is easy: one Onay card and Yandex Go are enough, ≈ $0.26 per bus ride.
The main stops are Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, the Victory Memorial, the 7,000-person Central Mosque and the Green Bazaar. Food is cheap; clothing and tech are more expensive than in Turkey.
Right outside the city there is nature: turquoise Issyk Lake and Big Almaty Lake at 2,511 m. Then I took a ≈ $7 bus to Bishkek. Turkish citizens get 30 days visa-free.
Route
Main stops from the videos.
Onay card and Yandex Go
Buy an Onay card and tap it on the bus (≈ $0.26). Yandex Go shows all buses to an address and the travel time. Cars stop at pedestrian crossings.
Cathedral, memorial, park
Zenkov Cathedral (no camera/hat inside). Wooden Victory Memorial, eternal flame. Guns, tanks and anti-aircraft guns behind it.
7,000 capacity
Opened recently. On Fridays the congregation spills outside. Golden decorations.
Green Bazaar and Kezahan
Green Bazaar is touristy and ≈ 50% more expensive. Kezahan is better for local shopping.
8-hour day
Bus + hitchhike + walk. Turquoise lake ≈ 1,760 m. No internet; download the map in advance.
2,511 metres
Bus 28 + walk. The lake water goes to the city by pipes; entry is forbidden. Snow on the opposite mountains.
≈ $7 to change countries
From Almaty terminal 3,200 ₸. Drivers drive hard; hold on. Departures between 08 and 18.
Transport, stay and food
Onay card
Card ≈ $1.76; ride ≈ $0.26. Plan buses with Yandex Go.
Food
Kuyrdak 3–4 $. Beshbarmak 5–6 $ (at the right place). Food from the market is cheaper.
ATM
Commission of ≈ $4 can be charged. Check your card’s fees in advance.
Visa
Turkish citizens: 30 days visa-free. Passport is enough.
Lake trips
Nowhere to buy water/food. Solid shoes, water, snacks. No internet at Issyk.
Tech
Clothing and tech are more expensive than in Turkey. Leave shopping for Turkey.
Places to see
Zenkov Cathedral
Colourful wooden cathedral in Panfilov Park. No camera or hat inside.
Issyk Lake
Turquoise colour, ≈ 1,760 m. Walk among apple trees.
Big Almaty Lake
2,511 m. Swimming and walking on the pipes forbidden. The view is superb.
Central Mosque
7,000 capacity. Crowded on Fridays.
Green Bazaar
The city’s biggest but touristy. Kezahan is more local and cheaper.
Victory Memorial
Wooden memorial, eternal flame. War vehicles behind it.
Photos
Practical warnings
Get an Onay card
Works on all city buses. Ride ≈ $0.26, card ≈ $1.76.
Install Yandex Go
Enter an address and it shows the buses and travel time.
ATM commission
≈ $4 can be charged. Check in advance.
Beshbarmak at the right place
In some restaurants 10–20 $. At the right place 5–6 $.
Prepare for lake trips
No water/food. Solid shoes, water, offline map. Plan the return.
Obey the bans
Swimming and walking on the pipes at Big Almaty are forbidden. Follow the warnings.
Videos
Kazakhstan journey videos.
Food and transport are cheap
City transport, food and lake trips are cheap. Leave clothing, shoes and tech shopping for Turkey. Wide-avenue Almaty, turquoise Issyk and 2.5 km Big Almaty Lake are unforgettable.
Get an Onay card, install Yandex Go and bring water to the lakes.
Other countries are waiting for you on the map
Spin the globe, tap a yellow country, read its story.