13-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a massive, misunderstood gem where Soviet history meets futuristic ambition and untouched nature. This 13-day route is designed for the hardcore backpacker who values local experiences over luxury, utilizing the country's extensive train network and vibrant street food scene to keep costs incredibly low.
By sticking to 'Platzkart' (third-class) trains, local guesthouses, and the legendary Central Asian hospitality, you can traverse this giant nation for as little as $11 USD per day. Prepare for long train rides, breathtaking mountain vistas, and some of the best meat-filled pastries you will ever taste.
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Arrival & City Essentials
Arrival at Almaty International Airport
Touch down and skip the expensive taxis. Head to the bus stop outside the terminal and take bus #79 or #92 for less than $0.20 to reach the city center.
Check-in at Almaty Backpackers
Drop your bags at one of the city's most social hubs. This hostel is perfect for meeting fellow travelers and gathering the latest transit tips.
Zenkov Cathedral & Panfilov Park
Visit this stunning wooden Orthodox cathedral built without a single nail. The surrounding park is a free, leafy sanctuary full of Soviet-era war memorials.
Arbat Walking Street
Stroll down Almaty's premier pedestrian zone. Enjoy free street performances and grab a budget-friendly Doner kebab for dinner from a local kiosk.
Day 2: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Mountain Air on a Budget
Medeu Skating Rink
Take the iconic Bus #12 from the city center up to Medeu. While the rink charges entry, walking around the world's highest Olympic-sized skating facility is free.
The Stairway to Heaven Hike
Challenge yourself by climbing the 842 steps above Medeu. The view of the valley is spectacular and costs absolutely nothing but your energy.
Shymbulak Mountain Resort
Instead of taking the pricey cable car, hike the trail from Medeu to Shymbulak. You'll reach the base of the ski resort and enjoy alpine views for free.
Dinner at Lanzhou Noodle Bar
Refuel with a massive bowl of hand-pulled noodles. These bars are scattered across Almaty and offer filling meals for under $3.
Day 3: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Bazaars and Chocolate
Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazar)
Immerse yourself in the smells of spices and fermented mare's milk. It’s the best place for free samples and buying cheap dried fruits for your upcoming train journey.
Rakhat Chocolate Factory Shop
Located right next to the bazaar, the factory shop sells famous Kazakh chocolate at factory prices. It is a must-visit for affordable souvenirs.
First President's Park
A massive public park at the foot of the mountains. It features a giant fountain and a stunning backdrop of the Trans-Ili Alatau peaks.
Kok Tobe Hill Sunset
Instead of the cable car, take local bus #95 or #99 to the base and walk up. You get the same panoramic city views for a fraction of the cost.
Day 4: Almaty to Shymkent - The Great Train Journey
Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
Located in a historic wooden building, this museum offers a cheap look into the soul of Kazakh culture and nomadic music.
Stock up at Magnum Supermarket
Buy bread, cheese, and tea bags. You’ll need supplies for the long train ride ahead as dining cars are often overpriced.
Almaty-2 Train Station
Arrive early at the city center's main station. The architecture itself is a beautiful relic of the Soviet era.
Board the Overnight Train
Experience the true 'Platzkart' life. This open-wagon sleeper train to Shymkent is the ultimate budget way to cover hundreds of kilometers.
Day 5: Shymkent, Kazakhstan - The Soul of the South
Arrival in Shymkent
Walk or take a local bus from the station to the city center. Shymkent is warmer and generally cheaper than Almaty.
Independence Park
Walk through the grand entrance to see the 'Golden Eagle' monument. The park offers great views over the old town and the Shymkent skyline.
Shymkent Central Park
A classic Soviet-style park with quirky statues and affordable snack stalls. Perfect for people-watching and relaxing after the train.
Old City Shashlik Feast
Head toward the bazaar area for Shymkent’s famous lamb shashlik. It is widely considered the best and cheapest in the country.
Day 6: Turkestan, Kazakhstan - Silk Road Heritage
Marshrutka to Turkestan
Head to the Samal bus station in Shymkent and catch a shared minibus (marshrutka) for the 2-hour ride to the holy city of Turkestan.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most significant examples of Timurid architecture in the world.
Karavan Saray
Explore the modern 'Venice-style' development nearby. While the shops are upscale, walking through the beautifully designed canals is free.
Return to Shymkent
Catch the last marshrutka back to Shymkent. Grab a Samsa (savory pastry) from a street vendor for a $1 dinner.
Day 7: Shymkent to Astana - Crossing the Steppe
Last Shymkent Bazaar Run
The southern markets are famous for fresh bread (lepeshka). Buy enough for the 20+ hour journey north to the capital.
Board the Northbound Train
The journey from Shymkent to Astana is a rite of passage. Watch the endless Kazakh steppe roll by through the window.
Steppe Watching
Look out for wild horses and small nomadic settlements. Use this time to journal or chat with locals using a translation app.
Train Socializing
Sharing food is common in Platzkart. Accept the tea offered by your neighbors; it’s the best way to experience Kazakh hospitality.
Day 8: Astana, Kazakhstan - The Futuristic Capital
Arrival at Nurly Zhol Station
Step off the train into one of the most modern stations in the world. Take a local bus to the 'Left Bank' where the action is.
Ishim River Waterfront
Walk along the river that divides the old and new cities. It's a popular spot for locals and completely free to explore.
Bayterek Tower
Gaze up at the 'Lollipop' monument. While there is a small fee to go to the top, the best photos are taken from the park below.
Nur-Astana Mosque
Visit this stunning white and gold mosque. Entrance is free, but remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes.
Day 9: Astana, Kazakhstan - Architecture and Museums
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Visit the world's largest tent designed by Norman Foster. It’s a futuristic architectural marvel with a park and shops inside.
Lovers' Park
Located right in front of Khan Shatyr, this park offers the perfect symmetrical view of the capital's central axis.
National Museum of Kazakhstan
A massive museum covering history from ancient nomads to space travel. The entry fee is very budget-friendly for the scale of the exhibits.
Ak Orda Presidential Palace
Walk to the gates of the presidential palace at night to see it beautifully illuminated against the Astana skyline.
Day 10: Astana to Burabay - The Kazakhstan Switzerland
Marshrutka to Burabay
Head to the Astana Saparzhai bus station and find a shared taxi or minibus heading to Borovoe (Burabay). It’s a 3-hour journey north.
Check-in at Burabay Village
Find a local guesthouse. This is a resort area, but staying in the village rather than the lakeside hotels saves significant money.
Borovoe Lake Walk
Start your nature exploration with a walk around the main lake. The air here is pine-scented and a refreshing break from city smog.
Bolektau Hill Ascent
A short but steep hike that provides the most famous view in Kazakhstan—the Zhumbaktas Rock sitting in the middle of the lake.
Day 11: Burabay National Park - Pine Forests and Peaks
Glade of Abylai Khan
Visit this historic meadow surrounded by granite mountains. It is a significant site in Kazakh history and offers great free hiking trails.
Hiking to Blue Mountain (Kokshe)
Pack a lunch and spend the day hiking. The trails are well-marked and offer incredible views of the surrounding 'stepping stones' landscape.
Lake Shchuchye Relaxation
Walk over to the quieter neighboring lake. It’s less crowded than Borovoe and perfect for a budget afternoon picnic.
Guesthouse Dinner
Enjoy a home-cooked meal of Plov or Beshbarmak if your host offers it. It is the cheapest and most authentic way to eat in the region.
Day 12: Burabay back to Almaty - The Long Loop
Lakeside Sunrise
Catch one last sunrise over the granite peaks before taking a marshrutka back to Astana's main station.
Astana Train Hub
Grab some final supplies for your longest train journey yet. Stock up on tea, noodles, and local 'Kurt' (salty cheese balls).
Board the Overnight Train to Almaty
Settle into your bunk for the ride back south. This is your last night on the rails, so enjoy the rhythm of the journey.
Farewell Steppe Sunset
Watch your final Kazakh sunset from the train window. It’s the perfect time to trade contact info with your bunkmates.
Day 13: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Arrival in Almaty
Return to the 'Apple City' for your final hours. Drop your luggage at the station's storage locker (Kamara Khraneniya).
Gorky Park Exploration
Visit Almaty's Central Park for a final dose of local life. Entrance is free, and the atmosphere is wonderfully nostalgic.
Sayahat Bus Station Market
Grab some incredibly cheap street food and browse the local stalls for last-minute gifts like felt slippers or traditional hats.
Departure for Airport
Take the public bus one last time back to the airport, reflecting on 13 days across one of the world's largest nations.
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
The best time to visit Kazakhstan for budget travelers is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild enough for hiking in Almaty and Burabay, and you avoid the blistering summer heat of the southern plains and the sub-zero winters of Astana.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). While cards are widely accepted in supermarkets and cafes in Almaty and Astana, you will need cash for bazaars, marshrutkas, and guesthouses in rural areas. Tipping is not strictly required but rounding up the bill in small cafes is appreciated. Always carry small denominations for public transport.
Getting Around Kazakhstan
Trains are the lifeblood of budget travel here. Use the official 'Kazakhstan Temir Zholy' (KTZ) website or app to book Platzkart (3rd class) tickets in advance. For city travel, download the 'Yandex Go' app—it's the cheapest way to get taxis without being overcharged. For intercity travel where trains don't go, look for 'Marshrutkas' at the main bus stations.
