Kazakhstan is an incredible, uncharted destination for those seeking a truly unique adventure. Despite being the biggest landlocked country in the world, its vast steppes awesome mountain ranges, and hospitable local communities largely remain untouched by modern tourism. As such, it’s a haven for travellers looking to explore a country well off the usual trail.
Regardless of whether you’re exploring Almaty’s quirky architecture, navigating the trails of the Tien Shan mountains, or sharing tea with locals in a traditional yurt, making sure you pack for Kazakhstan right will hugely enhance your experience.
With this in mind, here’s our comprehensive Kazakhstan packing guide. It’s written by those who have lived in Central Asia and experienced every place, biome, and weather in this vast country.
Table of Contents
Pack for Kazakhstan’s Wild and Seasonal Climate
Kazakhstan is huge! It’s the size of Western Europe, and it can take four hours to fly across the country. As such, it has a diverse climate, and even those from places with a seasonal climate can be surprised by Kazakhstan’s temperature fluctuations.
Summers in the steppe regions can be scorching, while mountainous areas experience colder weather year-round. Winters can bring temperatures as low as -40°C in northern regions. Schools only close in Astana, the capital, if it gets below -30°C. Not only this, but it can go from sub-Arctic conditions to t-shirt weather on the same day.
Therefore, being prepared is essential to handle these extremes. The best way to do this is by layering with the following:
- Base Layers: Cotton or thermal tops and bottoms are great for regulating body temperature. Not only this, but they help to self-regulate your body temperature and can be washed easily on the go.
- Mid Layers: A fleece or insulated jacket will keep you warm during cool evenings or in the mountains. Take at least one that can easily be thrown in a day bag,
- Outer Layer: A waterproof jacket is important, as even the Kazakh desert can be subjected to sudden rainfall. Snowfall, even blizzards, are also likely in winter, especially on the Steppes.
Bring some Sturdy Footwear, Even for the Cities
In Kazakhstan, you’ll find everything from beautifully maintained sidewalks to uneven village roads and even old horsing trails. This makes packing a pair of shoes you’re happy with even more important than usual.
While Almaty and Astana are modern cities where you can get almost anything, there’s nothing worse than buying a pair of shoes that turn out to be uncomfortable. Remote sites, such as the Charyn Canyon or the Altai mountains, demand sturdy footwear even if you are not planning any tough hikes.
- Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots are ideal for trekking or walking long distances. Ensure they’re well-worn before your trip to avoid discomfort.
- Casual Shoes: Sneakers or comfortable sandals work well for city days, although try to have at least one pair of closed-toe footwear.
- Socks: Wool or thermal socks are a smart choice, especially for cooler weather or mountain hikes. You can get these in Kazakhstan, however, where they’re affordable, warm, and often handmade!
Prepare for High Altitudes and Sun Exposure:
Kazakhstan’s mountainous regions, particularly around the Tien Shan and Altai mountains, means that you’ll often be at high altitudes. Above 2,000 metres, the sun’s intensity is greater, which means we recommend taking extra precautions.
Bring high-SPF sunscreen from home, and make sure to have UV-blocking sunglasses. It also gets much colder as you ascend upwards, so see our advice above about bringing enough warm clothing!
Pack for Kazakhstan by Choosing Easy to Carry Luggage
Especially in rural or remote areas, you may be required to carry your bag for short distances. As such, we recommend bringing a soft-shell backpack or duffel bag, as they are easier to transport on rough paths or staircases.
As is the case anywhere in the world, airport luggage handlers or porters may be a bit rough with your bags, so bring something you don’t mind getting a few scratches on. Domestic flights in Kazakhstan can also have weight restrictions as low as 15kg, so pack light if you can. Worst case scenario, you just have more room for souvenirs!
Keep Your Electronics Charged and Ready
Electricity can be less reliable in rural Kazakhstan, especially when trekking or camping. While most places do now have outlets, they are often limited in number or may be broken. This makes it a particularly smart move to bring a power bank!
Kazakhstan uses 220V outlets with Type C and F plugs, the same as in much of Continental Europe, so bring an adapter for your devices if needed.
The country’s landscapes are movingly beautiful. Combined with the vibrant bazaars and historic landmarks, this makes the country a photographer’s dream. However, always ask for permission before photographing locals and avoid capturing images of military sites.
Bring extra memory cards and camera chargers, although you can find most things in Almaty if it’s an emergency. A protective case for high-end equipment is also not a bad idea, as the country can get dusty.
Drones are allowed, though do not fly them near airports, government, or military sites! However, they are banned in neighbouring Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, so be cognizant of this if you’re on a multi-country trip.
Essential Medications and Personal Care
Kazakhstan has pharmacies in almost every small town. These can be easily spotted by signs reading ДӘPIXAHA (Kazakh) or АПТЕКА (Russian) and are generally well-stocked. However, they may not carry the specific brands of medications that you’re used to, so bring an ample supply from home.
Travelling in Kazakhstan can often induce motion sickness, so bring anti-nausea tablets if you may be prone to this. Feminine hygiene products, particularly tampons, may be limited outside major cities.
How can I start exploring?
Ready to experience Kazakhstan? It’s one of our favourite destinations, and we visit several times a year as part of our Five Stans itineraries as well as our Kazakh Polygon Tours.
However, if you want something more customized, then we can help you with organizing a private tour tailored to your interests, budget, and time length. Either way, check out our Kazakhstan Tour Page, which contains everything you need to know about visiting this amazing nation!
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