14-Day Epic Budget Backpacking Journey Across Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the ultimate frontier for budget travelers seeking vast landscapes without the European price tag. By mastering the art of the 'Platzkart' (third-class sleeper train) and fueling up on street-side samsas, you can cross this massive nation while keeping your wallet heavy and your experiences rich.
This itinerary balances the leafy, Soviet-chic streets of Almaty with the spiritual heart of the south in Turkistan, ending in the glittering, futuristic capital of Astana. Prepare for long train rides, warm hospitality, and some of the most dramatic mountain and desert scenery in the world.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Arrival & City Pulse
Arrive at Almaty International Airport
Clear customs and take the local Bus 92 into the city center for a fraction of a taxi's price. Head straight to your hostel in the Zhibek Zholy area.
Zhibek Zholy Pedestrian Street
Walk the 'Arbat' of Almaty. It is completely free to enjoy the local street performers, artists, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city's main walking spine.
Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral
Visit this stunning candy-colored Orthodox cathedral made entirely of wood without a single nail. Entry to the park and cathedral is free.
Green Bazaar Dinner
Eat like a local at the upstairs food stalls of the Zeloniy Bazar. Grab a giant plate of manti (dumplings) for just a couple of dollars.
Day 2: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Mountain Vistas
Medeu High-Mountain Ice Rink
Take Bus 12 from the city center. While the rink has a fee, hiking the 'Stairway to Heaven' (842 steps) alongside it is free and offers incredible views.
Shymbulak Views
From Medeu, you can hike up to the Shymbulak ski resort area. It's a steep but rewarding walk that saves you the cost of the expensive gondola.
Dostyk Avenue Walk
Head back to the city and admire the Soviet-modernist architecture along Dostyk Avenue, including the Hotel Kazakhstan.
Kok Tobe Hill (Walking Route)
Instead of the cable car, hike the path up to Kok Tobe for a sunset view over the Almaty skyline and the TV Tower.
Day 3: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Culture & Canyons Prep
National Museum of Kazakhstan
Explore the history of the Golden Man. Entry is very affordable for students and budget travelers.
Central State Museum
A massive collection of artifacts ranging from ethnographic displays to Soviet history. A great way to spend a low-cost afternoon.
First President's Park
A massive public park at the foot of the mountains. Perfect for a budget picnic with supplies bought from a 'Magnum' supermarket.
Sayran Bus Station Trip Planning
Head to Sayran to scout your departure for Charyn Canyon or Turkistan. Learning the marshrutka (minibus) system is key to saving money.
Day 4: Almaty Region, Kazakhstan - Big Almaty Lake
Hike to Big Almaty Lake
Take a bus to the park entrance and hike up. The turquoise water against the snowy peaks is Almaty's most iconic natural sight.
Picnic at 2,500 Meters
Enjoy lunch with a view. There are no cafes at the lake, so bringing your own food is both a necessity and a budget win.
Falcon Show (Alma-Arasan)
On the way down, catch a glimpse of the Sunkar Falcon Centre. Sometimes you can see the birds training from the road for free.
Street Food Safari
Find a 'Doner' stand near the Almaty-1 train station. It's the cheapest, most filling meal you can find in the city.
Day 5: Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan - The Grand Canyon's Brother
Marshrutka to Charyn
Board a shared minibus from Sayran station. It’s a long 3-4 hour ride, but it’s the cheapest way to reach the Valley of Castles.
Valley of Castles Hike
Walk the 2km floor of the canyon. The dramatic red rock formations are world-class and the entrance fee is very low.
Charyn River Rest
Sit by the rushing Charyn River at the bottom of the canyon before making the trek back up to the parking lot.
Return to Almaty
Catch your return ride. This is a long day, so stock up on water and snacks before leaving Almaty.
Day 6: Almaty to Turkistan - The Great Train Journey
Last Minute Provisions
Go to the Green Bazaar to buy bread, tea, and fruit for the long train ride ahead.
Board the Train at Almaty-2
Step onto the Soviet-style 'Platzkart' car. This is your bed and transport for the next 15-20 hours.
Steppe Watching
Enjoy the endless horizons of the Kazakh steppe. Share your food with your neighbors; it’s the local way to make friends.
Tea from the Samovar
Every train car has a boiling hot water samovar. Use it for your instant noodles and tea to keep food costs near zero.
Day 7: Turkistan, Kazakhstan - Spiritual Heartland
Arrival in Turkistan
Walk or take a cheap local bus from the station to the city center. Check into a local guesthouse.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most beautiful examples of Timurid architecture in the world.
Hammam and Ruins
Explore the ancient bathhouse and the archaeological ruins surrounding the main mausoleum complex.
Karavan Saray Light Show
Watch the free evening boat show and lights at the new Karavan Saray complex, a modern 'Venice-style' attraction.
Day 8: Turkistan to Shymkent - Southern Hub
Marshrutka to Shymkent
Shared taxis and buses leave frequently from the Turkistan bus station for the 3-hour journey to Shymkent.
Check-in at Shymkent Hostel
Shymkent is known for being the warmest and cheapest major city in Kazakhstan.
Independence Park
Walk through this massive park featuring a large singing fountain and great views of the city.
Shymkent Shashlik Dinner
Shymkent is famous for its shashlik (meat skewers). You can find some of the cheapest and best meat in the country here.
Day 9: Shymkent, Kazakhstan - Sairam Day Trip
Local Bus to Sairam
Visit this ancient settlement on the outskirts of Shymkent, which is over 3,000 years old.
Sairam Mausoleums
Explore the small, mud-brick mausoleums scattered throughout the village. They are free to visit and very atmospheric.
Village Market
Experience a truly traditional Uzbek-influenced market in Sairam. Buy some local bread (non) straight from the clay oven.
Return to Shymkent
Head back to the city and prepare for the longest train leg of your journey tonight.
Day 10: Shymkent to Astana - Crossing the Great Steppe
Board the Northbound Train
Settle in for a 20+ hour ride. This is the ultimate 'slow travel' experience through the Kazakh wilderness.
Train Picnic
Use your leftover Tenge to buy smoked fish or berries from the 'babushkas' selling food on the train platforms during short stops.
Sunset over the Steppe
Watch as the landscape changes from the dry south to the greener northern plains.
Platzkart Sleep
Earplugs and an eye mask are essential for a good night's rest on a budget Kazakh sleeper train.
Day 11: Astana, Kazakhstan - The Futuristic Capital
Arrival at Astana Nurly Zhol
The new station is a work of art itself. Take a local bus to the 'Left Bank' where the futuristic buildings are located.
Bayterek Tower
The symbol of the city. While there is a fee to go up, the views from the ground in the surrounding park are free and spectacular.
Nurjol Boulevard
Walk the central axis of the city. It’s like a sci-fi movie set with gold-colored towers and strange monuments.
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
A giant transparent tent designed by Norman Foster. It’s free to enter and walk around this architectural marvel.
Day 12: Astana, Kazakhstan - Expo & Culture
Nur Alem Future Energy Museum
The giant sphere from the 2017 Expo. It’s one of the few paid attractions worth the money for its sheer scale.
National Museum of the Republic
A massive, modern museum. Don't miss the Hall of Gold. Entry is very affordable for what you get.
Hazrat Sultan Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Central Asia. It is free to enter (just dress modestly) and breathtakingly beautiful.
Ishim River Embankment
Join the locals for a walk along the river. In summer, there are often free concerts and street food stalls.
Day 13: Borovoe (Burabay), Kazakhstan - The Swiss Steppe
Electric Train to Borovoe
Take the cheap commuter train from Astana station for a 3-hour ride to the 'Switzerland of Kazakhstan'.
Hiking Blue Mountain
Explore the pine forests and rock formations around Lake Burabay. The hiking trails are free and well-marked.
Zhumbaktas Rock
Take photos of the famous 'Enigma' rock in the middle of the lake. You can walk along the shore for the best angles.
Return Train to Astana
Head back to the capital. Use the train time to organize your photos and travel notes.
Day 14: Astana, Kazakhstan - Final Farewells
Astana Opera House
Even if you don't see a show, the building's exterior and the surrounding fountains are perfect for a final morning walk.
Souvenir Shopping at Artem Market
The most authentic market in the 'old' part of Astana. Pick up some Kazakh chocolate or felt crafts for cheap.
Aland Park
Enjoy a final low-cost meal of 'Beshbarmak' at a local canteen near the park before heading to the airport.
Bus to Airport
Take the express bus from the city center to the airport, saving your final few Tenge for a coffee before departure.
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
The best time to visit Kazakhstan is during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to October. During these months, the weather is mild enough for hiking in the south and exploring the north without the extreme heat of the summer (which can hit 40°C) or the brutal Siberian winters in Astana where temperatures regularly drop below -30°C.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). While credit cards are widely accepted in modern malls and hotels in Almaty and Astana, you will need cash for marshrutkas, local bazaars, and smaller towns like Turkistan. Tipping is generally not expected in budget eateries, though a 10% service charge is often automatically added to bills in sit-down restaurants.
Getting Around Kazakhstan
Intercity travel is best done via the extensive rail network. The 'Platzkart' (3rd class) is the backpacker's best friend—it's safe, social, and very cheap. For shorter distances (2-4 hours), marshrutkas (minibuses) are the most efficient option. Inside cities, use the Yandex Go app for affordable taxis or the extensive bus and metro systems (in Almaty) which cost less than $0.25 per ride.
