Kazakhstan (south-east)
Central Asia, Caucasus & Mongolia - Self-drive
Itinerary idea: Almaty, Big Almaty lake, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, Altyn-Emel (singing dunes), Tamgaly petroglyphs
Strengths: Canyons, alpine lakes and steppe, the best roads in Central Asia, modern Almaty
Weaknesses: Long distances, little English, less varied scenery than Kyrgyzstan
Children and safety: Good services in Almaty; remote areas without services, carry water supplies
Weather: Dry: steppe 28-33 °C, mountains 18-24 °C, cool nights
Book ahead: 4-6 months
Key facts
- Best time to go: May to September
- Flight from Milan: about 7 hours
- Rain days in August: 4
- Daylight hours in August: 14
- Driving: on the right
- Malaria: none
- Visa (EU citizens): No for short stays (to be checked)
- International licence: Yes
- Currency: Tenge (KZT)
- Language: Kazakh and Russian, little English
- Roads: Paved, some dirt roads to the Kolsai lakes and Altyn-Emel
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A; consider rabies
Ratings (1 to 5)
- Ease of getting around: 4
- Child friendly: 4
- Scenery and wildlife: 4
- August weather: 5
- Logistics ease: 3