12-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a massive, misunderstood gem that offers incredible value for the intrepid backpacker. By leveraging the extensive Soviet-era rail network and indulging in the local 'Samsa' street food culture, you can traverse the world's ninth-largest country without spending a fortune.
This 12-day route takes you from the leafy, European-style streets of Almaty through the ancient Silk Road hubs of the south, ending in the futuristic capital of Astana. Prepare for long train rides, shared dorms, and breathtaking natural scenery that costs nothing but the price of a bus ticket to reach.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Arrival & City Essentials
Arrival at Almaty International Airport
Clear customs and take the local Bus 92 or 79 into the city center. This is the cheapest way to reach the city, costing only a fraction of a taxi fare.
Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazar)
Wander through this historic market. It's the best place for a budget lunch—look for stalls selling fresh bread, local cheeses, and affordable Korean-style salads.
Zenkov Cathedral
Located in Panfilov Park, this colorful wooden cathedral was built without a single nail. Entry to the surrounding park is free and perfect for people-watching.
Arbat Walking Street
Stroll down Almaty's pedestrian zone to see street performers and local artists. Grab a 500-tenge Samsa (savory pastry) from a street vendor for a cheap dinner.
Day 2: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Mountain Air on a Budget
Medeu High-Mountain Ice Rink
Take Bus 12 from the city center for a few cents. While the rink has an entry fee, walking the surrounding trails and the famous "Stairway to Heaven" is completely free.
Shymbulak Hiking
Instead of the expensive cable car, hike the trail from Medeu up towards the Shymbulak ski resort for incredible views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.
Terrenkur Walk
Return to the city and walk along the Malaya Almatinka river. It's a peaceful, free green corridor used by locals for exercise and relaxation.
Hostel Socializing
Cook a basic meal in the hostel kitchen using ingredients from the Magnum supermarket to keep your daily spend under the $11 limit.
Day 3: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Culture & Panoramic Views
Republic Square
Visit the Monument of Independence and see the Golden Boy. The square is the site of many historic events and offers a great view of the southern mountains.
Central State Museum (Exterior)
While the museum has a small fee, the architecture and the surrounding gardens are free to explore and offer great photo opportunities.
Kok Tobe Hill
Skip the expensive cable car and take the local minibus or hike up the back path. You'll get the same sunset views of the Almaty skyline for free.
Zhibek Zholy Street Food
Eat dinner at a local 'Stolovaya' (canteen). These Soviet-style eateries offer hearty meals like Borscht and Plov for very low prices.
Day 4: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Nature Escape
Big Almaty Lake (Hike)
Team up with other backpackers to share a taxi to the entry point, then hike up. The turquoise water against the mountain peaks is Kazakhstan's most famous view.
Picnic at the Lake
Eat a packed lunch brought from the city while enjoying the serenity of the high-altitude lake. Remember to bring plenty of water.
Almarasan Gorge
Stop by the natural hot springs on the way back down. They are free to use and a popular spot for locals to soak their feet.
Prepare for the South
Return to Almaty and rest. Spend the evening organizing your snacks and supplies for the upcoming long-distance travel.
Day 5: Almaty to Shymkent - The Great Rail Journey
First President's Park
Spend your final morning in Almaty at this massive park. The ornate gates and floral displays are perfect for a relaxing, cost-free walk.
Almaty-2 Railway Station
Arrive early to navigate the station. Board the 'Platzkart' (third-class open sleeper) train to Shymkent. This is the ultimate budget way to travel long distances.
Train Life Experience
Share tea and snacks with your Kazakh cabin mates. This is the best way to experience local hospitality and practice your Russian or Kazakh.
Overnight on Train
Sleeping on the train saves you the cost of a night's accommodation in a hostel. Use the provided linens and get some rest.
Day 6: Shymkent, Kazakhstan - Southern Hospitality
Arrival in Shymkent
Walk from the station to your hostel. Shymkent is warmer and cheaper than Almaty, making it a budget traveler's paradise.
Central Park & Independence Park
Connected by a pedestrian bridge, these parks offer monuments and a giant Ferris wheel. The walking paths are free and well-maintained.
Upper Bazaar
Smaller than Almaty’s Green Bazaar but even cheaper. Try the local Shymkent-style Shashlik for a filling and affordable lunch.
Arbat Shymkent
The city's newest pedestrian zone features an umbrella-covered street and plenty of budget-friendly coffee stalls and snack bars.
Day 7: Turkestan, Kazakhstan - Silk Road Heritage
Marshrutka to Turkestan
Head to the 'Avtovokzal' (bus station) and catch a shared minibus (marshrutka) to Turkestan. It's a 2-hour ride through the desert landscape.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Timurid architecture. While there is a small fee for the interior, the exterior is breathtaking and free to view.
Karavan Saray
Explore this new development designed like a 'Little Venice'. It’s free to walk around the canals and watch the evening boat shows.
Return to Shymkent
Catch the last marshrutka back to Shymkent to avoid the higher accommodation prices in the tourist-heavy Turkestan.
Day 8: Shymkent, Kazakhstan - Nature & Canyons
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve Border
While a full tour is pricey, you can take a local bus toward the village of Zhabagly to see the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains for very little cost.
Sayram Village
Visit this ancient settlement just outside Shymkent. It’s one of the oldest inhabited places in Kazakhstan and home to many free-to-visit local mausoleums.
Regional Museum
Learn about the nomadic history of the South. The entry fee is negligible and the exhibits provide great insight into Kazakh culture.
Evening Tea at a Chaikhana
Relax at a traditional tea house. Ordering a pot of tea and some bread is a very cheap way to spend a few hours like a local.
Day 9: Shymkent to Astana - Crossing the Steppe
Final Souvenir Shopping
Visit the local markets one last time for cheap gifts like felt slippers or Kazakh chocolate (Rakhat).
Shymkent Railway Station
Prepare for the longest leg of the trip—the train to Astana. This journey can take up to 20 hours, so stock up on water, bread, and fruit.
Steppe Watching
Watch the endless Kazakh steppe go by from the train window. You might see wild horses or nomadic yurts in the distance.
Overnight on Train
Again, save on a hostel night by sleeping in your train bunk. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks is the classic Kazakhstan travel experience.
Day 10: Astana, Kazakhstan - The Futuristic Capital
Arrival in Astana (Nur-Sultan)
Take the modern city bus from the new 'Nurly Zhol' station to the city center. Astana is much colder and more modern than the south.
Bayterek Tower
Walk around the base of this iconic tower. While going to the top costs money, the surrounding Water-Green Boulevard is free and full of futuristic sculptures.
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Visit the world's largest tent. Entry is free, and the architecture inside is fascinating. It’s also a great place to stay warm during cold Astana days.
Ishim River Waterfront
Stroll along the river as the sun sets and the city lights up. The bridges and skyscrapers make for some of the best city photography in Central Asia.
Day 11: Astana, Kazakhstan - Expo & Grand Mosques
Nur Alem Future Energy Museum
Visit the site of EXPO 2017. The giant sphere is impressive to view from the outside, and the surrounding park is a great place to walk.
Astana Grand Mosque
Visit one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Entry is free (be sure to dress modestly). The scale and the blue domes are truly magnificent.
Hazret Sultan Mosque
Another architectural marvel located near the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The area between these landmarks is perfect for a self-guided walking tour.
Stolovaya Dinner
Find a 'Tagam' or other local canteen chain for a final Kazakh feast of Manti (dumplings) at budget prices.
Day 12: Astana, Kazakhstan - Final Exploration & Departure
National Museum of Kazakhstan (Exterior)
Take photos of the striking white and blue architecture and the surrounding statues before heading toward your departure point.
Central Park Astana
A final walk through the city's green heart. In winter, this area turns into a massive, free ice-skating wonderland.
Bus to the Airport
Catch Bus 10 or 12 to Astana International Airport. These run regularly from the city center and cost less than $1.
Departure
Reflect on your 12-day journey across the steppe while waiting for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
The best time for this budget route is during the shoulder seasons: late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild enough for hiking in Almaty and walking in Astana, and you avoid the extreme winter cold (-30°C) and the blistering summer heat of the southern deserts. Travelling in the shoulder season also means hostels are less crowded and easier to book last-minute.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Kazakhstan is incredibly cash-heavy in the bazaars and for marshrutkas, so always carry small bills. However, in Almaty and Astana, card payments (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted even in small kiosks. Tipping is generally included as a 10% service charge in sit-down restaurants, but in the budget 'stolovayas' and street stalls recommended in this guide, tipping is not expected.
Getting Around Kazakhstan
Intercity travel is best done via the national rail service, KTZ. The 'Platzkart' (3rd class) is the backpacker's best friend—it's cheap, safe, and serves as your bed for the night. For shorter distances, 'Marshrutkas' (shared minibuses) are the standard. Within cities, use the 'Onay' card in Almaty or simply tap your bank card on the readers in Astana buses for the cheapest local fares. Avoid private taxis and use ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go if you absolutely need a car, as it prevents overcharging.
