Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. The country has a relatively low crime rate, and violent crime is uncommon. However, like traveling anywhere, it's essential to be aware of your surroundings, take standard safety precautions, and stay informed about local conditions.

Petty theft incidents may sporadically transpire in urban areas, vigilance about your surroundings is always advisable. Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is generally considered safe with low crime rates compared to other major urban areas. Visitors can explore its cultural and natural attractions confidently, but it's important to exercise basic precautions such as staying aware of surroundings, securing belongings, and following local customs.

Singaporean citizens are not required to obtain a tourist visa for their travel to Kazakhstan. Holders of Singaporean passports are granted a brief stay in Kazakhstan, generally for a duration of up to 30 days.

To initiate the eVisa application process, click here. We will furnish you with all the essential information necessary for a seamless application experience. Please note that the processing time for the eVisa application is approximately 5 working days.

Additionally, should you need to visit the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Singapore, you may call them at 65366100 or visit them at 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #09-04/05 Great World City, East Office Tower, Singapore 237994.

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In the context of our Kazakhstan expedition, the experience offers a unique blend of enjoyment and physical activity compared to our other expeditions. Expect a few days of relatively easy trekking. For this, good trekking boots are highly recommended! In general, it's always beneficial to stay physically fit wherever your travels take you.

During your stay in the historical capital city of Almaty, you will be hosted at the Kazzhol Hotel Almaty, a well-regarded 4-star establishment. To ensure your utmost comfort, twin-sharing rooms will be assigned, with roommates of the same gender, unless you are a couple or have made specific arrangements in advance.

Beyond Almaty, your accommodations may involve shared arrangements among participants of both genders. This will typically involve stays in guesthouses, inns, and homestays, with restroom facilities including showers provided on most nights, though exceptions may apply.

In Kazakhstan, the official currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Accessing cash is possible through ATMs and banks in Almaty. It is essential to ensure that your card, particularly one with Maestro capability, is suitable for successful withdrawals. Upon your arrival at Almaty International Airport, you can exchange local currency at one of the airport offices after collecting your luggage. Please be prepared with sufficient USD or euros for conversion to the local KZT; note that currencies other than USD or euros, such as SGD, may not be accepted.

Moreover, credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted, even in rural towns and villages. It is crucial to activate your overseas pin code for card transactions. Notably, select locations in Almaty also accept U.S. dollars.

We recommend that each individual carries a cash reserve of approximately $100 to $300 or more in U.S. dollars or euros, depending on your intended purchases and considering potential tipping scenarios.

For your reference, the exchange rate is approximately 461.57 Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) for 1 USD. The highest denomination of the Kazakhstani Tenge is the 20,000 KZT note.

Kazakhstan offers several telecommunication service providers, including Kazakh Telecom, the country's largest telecommunications service provider, and Beeline Kazakhstan. These can be purchased in the airport upon arrival.

As for internet connectivity, Kazakhstan boasts robust coverage; nevertheless, during excursions in rural areas, you may experience limited access and reduced connectivity. In remote highland regions, there may be no internet access available.

Kazakhstan experiences a diverse climate due to its vast size and varied topography. Here's a general overview of the weather in Kazakhstan for each season:

Spring (March to May): Spring is a transitional period with gradually warming temperatures. In many regions, it brings blossoming landscapes and milder weather. However, it can still be chilly, especially in March.

• Daytime temperatures: 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)

• Nighttime temperatures: -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F)

Summer (June to August): Summer is characterized by warm to hot temperatures, particularly in the southern regions. The northern and mountainous areas experience more moderate temperatures. July is typically the warmest month, with temperatures ranging from comfortable to hot.

• Daytime temperatures: 25°C to 40°C (77°F to 104°F) and higher in some areas

• Nighttime temperatures: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)

Autumn (September to October): Autumn sees a gradual decrease in temperatures. September can still be quite warm, while November marks the onset of colder weather. Fall foliage is prominent in many areas, providing picturesque landscapes.

• Daytime temperatures: 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F)

• Nighttime temperatures: -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F)

Winter (November to February): Winters in Kazakhstan are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, especially in the northern and central regions. The southern areas are milder but can still experience cold spells. Snowfall is common, creating a winter wonderland in many parts of the country.

• Daytime temperatures: -15°C to 5°C (5°F to 41°F)

• Nighttime temperatures: -25°C to -5°C (-13°F to 23°F)

It's important to note that these are general temperature ranges, and actual temperatures can vary based on the specific location within Kazakhstan. Additionally, temperatures in mountainous areas may be cooler than those in lowland regions.

After conducting extensive reviews over the course of several years, we have meticulously curated a comprehensive packing list intended to serve as your ultimate guide for your journey to Kazakhstan. However, it is advisable to adapt this list to align with the particular season, planned activities, and your individual requirements during your visit to Kazakhstan.

Should you have any uncertainties or require clarification on any aspect, please do not hesitate to reach out to us during our pre-trip briefing. Your comfort and preparedness are our top priorities.

Certainly, for your upcoming expedition, it is advisable to include supplementary gear and electronic items. These essentials encompass a headlamp, which proves invaluable during your rural sojourn, particularly in accommodations such as ger camps or for nighttime activities. Additionally, consider packing power banks to ensure your electronic devices remain charged throughout your journey. A personal First Aid Kit is also strongly recommended, equipped with fundamental supplies like hand sanitizers, analgesics, anti-diarrheal medication, wound ointment, adhesive bandages, blister care solutions, and motion sickness tablets, should they be required.

For an enhanced level of comfort, contemplate the inclusion of personal comfort items like eye masks, microfiber towels, an inflatable travel pillow, and earplugs. These additions will contribute to a more comfortable and convenient overall experience during your expedition.

Lastly, if you have a penchant for culinary exploration, you may wish to bring along your preferred local snacks, spices, and instant food options to add a flavorful dimension to your mealtime experience.

For your convenience, we recommend two specific types of bags on our expedition:

1. Daypack Selection: We suggest opting for a 15-30 litre daypack, complete with a rain cover. This size is both practical for vehicle transport and exploration. Your daypack will be handy for carrying essential items like your passport, wallet, camera, water bottle, spare clothing, snacks, and more. It's advantageous to choose one with a water bladder compartment for easy hydration. Quality daypacks can be found from renowned brands, such as Fjallraven, our preferred outdoor brand.

2. Check-In Bag: For your check-in luggage, we advise either a big backpack or a duffel bag. The weight limit for check-in luggage to Kazakhstan is 23 kg, so please keep this in mind. Remember to carry all your electronics with you as part of your hand luggage. Additionally, we recommend having a set of clothing, including warm gear like a beanie and gloves, in your hand luggage as a backup, in case your checked-in bag experiences delays or issues beyond our control.

In Kazakhstan, a country characterized by its rich cultural diversity with over 130 ethnic groups, it stands as a culinary paradise.

When dining at restaurants, you will encounter an abundant and diverse spread of dishes, truly embodying the cultural values and warm hospitality cherished by the Kazakh people.

For those with distinct dietary preferences or restrictions, including vegetarian or vegan options, please be assured that we will be taking measures to accommodate your needs. It is important to note, however, that Kazakhstan is renowned for its meat-centric culinary traditions, which may result in fewer options for vegetarians and vegans. To enhance your dining experience according to your personal taste, we recommend considering the inclusion of your preferred spices or condiments in your packing list. Given that Islam is the most commonly practiced religion in Kazakhstan, halal options are widely available, alleviating concerns for those adhering to halal dietary practices.

While exploring the picturesque landscapes of Kazakhstan, we highly recommend that all participants take precautionary measures by boiling tap water before consumption rather than using it directly from the tap.

Fortunately, bottled water is easily available throughout the country. We suggest getting additional bottled water during your visits to supermarkets, as our provision includes only one bottle per day. For more prolonged journeys, such as extended treks and horseback excursions, where it may be difficult to get a consistent supply of bottled water, rest assured that we will supply boiled spring water for your convenience and safety.

We strongly recommend consulting a medical professional to assess your specific health needs and adhere to Kazakhstan's health guidelines. Your well-being is our priority, and individualized medical advice ensures a safe and healthy journey.

Typical recommendations include Hepatitis A and Tetanus vaccinations, while additional vaccines to consider are Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tick-borne Encephalitis, and Typhoid. Please note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Anticipate the need for adaptability when it comes to restroom facilities. The range of options can vary widely, from modern Western-style restrooms to basic outhouses, covering a spectrum of possibilities in between. Some locations may offer squat toilets, while others might have limited access to running water.

While on the road, restroom facilities may include public restrooms at cafes and gas stations, or you may find it necessary to make a brief stop to select a suitable spot amidst the picturesque mountain scenery.

Airlines: We typically collaborate with international airlines such as Qatar Airlines, Air China, Asiana Air or Air Astana for our Kazakhstan expeditions. Please note that the airline selection may vary based on your travel dates.

Transit Information: Since there are no direct flights to the destination from Singapore, a single transit is required to reach the final destination. Since we primarily collaborate with international airlines, your luggage is typically transported directly from your departure point to your final destination. However, it's essential to be aware that the specific flight schedule and airport regulations can vary. Unlike certain airports, such as Delhi, India, where rechecking may be necessary for security reasons, most of the time, you won't need to worry about rechecking your baggage during transit.

Handling Your Own Flight Bookings: If you prefer, participants are welcome to manage their own flight bookings. We allocate a flight budget per participant, which will be deducted from the total tour cost. This option allows you to choose your preferred transit country and even arrange layovers according to your preferences. Simply secure your flight schedule and provide us with the details, and we will coordinate planning, including airport transfers, for a seamless experience.

Please remember to specify your final destination, rather than your transit stop, when informing the check-in counter staff. Utilize the manual check-in counter during airport check-in, not the automated machine, to guarantee the direct transport of your checked luggage to Almaty, Kazakhstan.

For your return journey from Kazakhstan, kindly inform airline staff of your final destination, to facilitate a smooth flight process. Ensure you carry your electronics with you and avoid checking them in before your flights.

We aim to streamline your travel experience as much as possible. On our group expeditions, you have the flexibility to either meet at Almaty International Airport upon arrival or coordinate offline with fellow travelers to check in together. Choose the option that best suits your preferences.

Lastly, upon your arrival at Almaty International Airport, after retrieving your baggage, our dedicated Kazakh guide(s) is there to warmly welcome you at the immigration exit, identifiable by the Beyond Expeditions logo in a photo they will be holding. Also, they are already included in the WhatsApp group chat with you, so in the event you inadvertently miss them as you exit immigration, simply send a message in the group to alert them of your presence.

Our adventure begins at Almaty International Airport (ALA), situated about 16.2 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of the vibrant city of Almaty, Kazakhstan.

In Almaty, expect stunning mountain views, a mix of modern and traditional influences, and a diverse culinary scene.

Absolutely! We love having a global squad on board. Whether you're from the heart of New York City or the serene landscapes of New Zealand, our expeditions are open to adventurers of every nationality. Just give us a heads-up on where you'll be flying in from, and we'll make sure you're all set for the journey.

We take pride in assembling a vibrant crew with diverse nationalities, backgrounds, and stories to share. Join the fun!

Our horse riding guide has been thoughtfully prepared to provide you with the essential knowledge for a safe and enjoyable experience. Please take the time to thoroughly review it through here: Horse-riding Safety Guide — your ultimate handbook!

It's important to note that the majority of our participants have little to no prior experience in horse or camel riding, which is perfectly acceptable. This expedition doesn't require prior expertise. However, our goal is to enhance your safety and ensure you feel well-prepared for this remarkable journey.

To further boost your horse riding skills and increase your confidence leading up to the trip, we have curated a selection of valuable video resources. We strongly recommend watching these videos multiple times before and during your expedition. They offer invaluable insights and tips to enhance your readiness and help you make the most of your adventure.

You can access the videos here:

1) Enhancing Horse Riding Skills

2) Essential Techniques for Horseback Riding

3) Mastering the Art of Horse Riding

Additionally, our Kazakh/Russian guide on each expedition will personally conduct a brief safety briefing and provide horse riding instructions before we begin the activity. Please be aware that due to Kazakhstan's rural nature and recent emergence in tourism, the explanations may not be as comprehensive as in more established locations like New Zealand or Iceland.

This is why we make every effort to thoroughly prepare all participants before the trip, ensuring they are well-equipped for this adventure. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your enjoyment in Kazakhstan is our top priority, and proper preparation is essential for maximizing the experience.

For local emergency contacts in Kazakhstan, please keep these important numbers in mind:

101 for the Fire Department

102 for the Police

103 for Medical Emergencies

We also highly advise you to register (https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action) with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SG) to ensure that you can be promptly notified and located in the event of a serious emergency. You can reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at (65) 6379 8000 or via email at mfa@mfa.gov.sg for further assistance and support.

Should an emergency arise, kindly inform our local expedition guide promptly. Subsequently, you can contact Scott, from our BE team, directly at +65 91150782. Scott will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.