16-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a land of massive proportions, where Soviet history meets futuristic ambition and rugged natural beauty. For the budget backpacker, it offers one of the most rewarding challenges in Asia: crossing the world’s ninth-largest country using an efficient network of vintage trains and shared taxis, all while eating your fill of cheap, hearty nomadic cuisine.
This itinerary focuses on the southern heartlands and the northern capital, utilizing overnight trains to save on accommodation costs. By sticking to local markets for food and opting for public transport over private tours, you can experience the best of the Great Steppe without breaking the bank.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Arrival & City Essentials
Arrive at Almaty International Airport
Clear customs and take the local bus #92 or #79 into the city center for just 100 KZT, avoiding expensive taxis.
Zenkov (Ascension) Cathedral
Visit this stunning Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park. It is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world and free to enter.
Panfilov Park & War Memorial
Walk through the park to see the eternal flame and the massive Soviet-era monuments dedicated to the Panfilov heroes.
Dinner at a Stolovaya
Eat like a local at a self-service canteen (Stolovaya) for a massive meal under $3. Try 'Kagantat' for reliable, cheap food.
Day 2: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Markets & Views
Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazar)
Explore the sensory overload of the central market. Sample free fermented mare's milk (Kumis) and buy cheap Korean-style salads for lunch.
Central State Museum
Learn about Kazakhstan's history from the Bronze Age to the modern era. The entrance fee is very low for students and budget travelers.
Kok Tobe Hill Hike
Instead of the expensive cable car, hike up the trail to the top of Kok Tobe for panoramic views of the city and the mountains.
Arbat Street Musicians
Stroll down Almaty's pedestrian street to enjoy free live music and local street art before heading back to your hostel.
Day 3: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Alpine Escape
Medeu High-Mountain Skating Rink
Take bus #12 from the city center. Even if you don't skate, the surrounding mountain scenery and the massive Soviet dam are breathtaking.
Hike to Shymbulak
Avoid the gondola fees by hiking the 'Stairway to Heaven' (842 steps) up to the Shymbulak ski resort area for stunning peaks.
Butakovka Waterfall
Take a short bus ride to the trailhead for a free hike to one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Ile-Alatau National Park.
Zhibek Zholy Street Food
Grab a 'Samsa' (flaky meat pastry) from a street vendor for less than $0.50 for a quick and filling dinner.
Day 4: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Leisure & Night Prep
First President's Park
Visit this massive ornamental park featuring a giant fountain and views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.
Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
Located in a beautiful wooden building, this museum is cheap and showcases the unique culture of Kazakh nomadic music.
Sayran Bus Station Scouting
Head to the bus station to book your shared taxi or marshrutka for tomorrow's journey to the canyons.
Hostel Potluck
Prepare a meal with fellow travelers at the hostel to save money and share stories from the road.
Day 5: Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan - Valley of Castles
Shared Taxi to Charyn
Take a shared taxi from Sayran bus station. It's the cheapest way to reach the canyon, often dubbed the 'Little Brother of the Grand Canyon'.
Explore the Valley of Castles
Hike through the 2km trail surrounded by towering red rock formations that look like ancient fortresses.
Charyn River Relaxation
Reach the end of the trail to find the Charyn River. Rest in the shade of the trees before the hike back up.
Transfer to Saty Village
Negotiate a seat in a passing marshrutka to head deeper into the mountains to the village of Saty for a guesthouse stay.
Day 6: Saty, Kazakhstan - The Kolsai Lakes
Hike to Lower Kolsai Lake
From Saty, it's a pleasant walk or a cheap local ride to the first lake, known for its mirror-like reflections of the forest.
Trek to Middle Kolsai Lake
For the energetic, the 8km uphill trek to the second lake is free and offers pristine wilderness away from the crowds.
Village Life in Saty
Walk through the village and witness the traditional rural life of Kazakhstan, including horse-riding locals and livestock herds.
Guesthouse Dinner
Enjoy a home-cooked meal of Plov or Beshbarmak included in your stay at a local Saty family home.
Day 7: Almaty to Turkistan - The Iron Road
Return to Almaty
Catch an early morning shared taxi back to Almaty to prepare for your long-distance train journey.
Stock up on Train Snacks
Visit a 'Magazin' (small grocery store) to buy instant noodles, bread, and tea for the 14-hour train ride.
Board the Overnight Train
Head to Almaty-2 Station. Traveling in 'Platskart' (open sleeper) is the ultimate budget experience and a great way to meet locals.
Sleep on the Steppe
Enjoy the rhythmic clatter of the tracks as you cross the vast southern plains toward the spiritual heart of Kazakhstan.
Day 8: Turkistan, Kazakhstan - Silk Road Heritage
Arrival in Turkistan
Disembark at the historic Turkistan station and take a local minibus to the Mausoleum area.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture with one of the largest brick domes in Central Asia.
Ancient Settlement of Sauran
Take a cheap local taxi to the ruins of Sauran, an ancient Silk Road city with surviving walls and irrigation systems.
Karavansaray Turkistan
Visit the modern 'Venice of Central Asia' complex at night for the free boat show and illuminated architecture.
Day 9: Shymkent, Kazakhstan - Southern Hospitality
Train or Bus to Shymkent
It is a short 3-hour journey from Turkistan to Shymkent, the third-largest city and the culinary capital of the south.
Lunch at a Shymkent Shashlik House
Shymkent is famous for the cheapest and best Shashlik (meat skewers) in the country. A skewer costs roughly $1.
Independence Park
Walk through this sprawling park featuring a massive flagpole and monuments dedicated to Kazakh history.
Memory Alley (War Memorial)
Visit the solemn and impressive memorial park dedicated to the fallen soldiers of WWII, featuring a long list of names carved in metal.
Day 10: Aksu-Zhabagly, Kazakhstan - Nature's Oldest Sanctuary
Marshrutka to Zhabagly Village
Head to the village that serves as the gateway to the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia.
Guided Hike in the Reserve
While a guide is required, splitting the cost with other backpackers makes this an affordable way to see tulips (in spring) or ibex.
Aksu River Canyon Viewpoint
Stand on the edge of the deep canyon carved by the Aksu River, offering some of the most dramatic views in the south.
Village Exploration
Walk around Zhabagly, a peaceful village with stunning views of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains.
Day 11: The Long North - Crossing the Desert
Board the Train to Astana
This is the big one. A 20+ hour journey heading north. The 'Talgo' is faster but more expensive; stick to the standard train for the budget experience.
Tea Culture on Tracks
The 'Provodnik' (carriage attendant) has a hot water samovar. Bring your own tea bags and mugs for unlimited free hot drinks.
Steppe Watching
Spend the afternoon watching the endless, flat horizon of the Kazakh Steppe—a core part of the nation's identity.
Train Socializing
Kazakh people are incredibly friendly on trains. Be prepared to share food and practice your Russian or Kazakh.
Day 12: Astana, Kazakhstan - The Futuristic Capital
Arrival in Astana
Welcome to the world's second-coldest capital. Take the modern bus system from the station to the city center.
Bayterek Tower
Visit the symbol of the city. While there's a small fee to go up, the views of the 'Nurzhol Boulevard' from the base are free.
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Explore this giant tent-shaped building. It's free to walk around inside and see the world-class architecture by Norman Foster.
Astana Music Fountain Show
Watch the free light and water show on the boulevard between Bayterek and the Presidential Palace.
Day 13: Astana, Kazakhstan - Museums & Mosques
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
A massive, modern museum. Don't miss the 'Hall of Gold' and the eagle flying show in the main lobby.
Hazrat Sultan Mosque
Visit the largest mosque in Central Asia. Its white marble and intricate blue patterns are breathtaking and free for visitors.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Admire the 'Pyramid' from the outside in Presidential Park, which offers great photo opportunities for free.
Dinner at an Uzbek Cafe
Astana has many high-quality Uzbek cafes where you can get a massive plate of Laghman (hand-pulled noodles) for very little.
Day 14: Burabay, Kazakhstan - The Northern Switzerland
Electric Train to Borovoe
Take the cheap commuter train from Astana to Borovoe station for a day trip to the Burabay National Park.
Lake Burabay Shoreline Walk
Enjoy a free walk around the pine-fringed lake and see the famous Zhumbaktas (Puzzle Rock) formation.
Hike Bolektau Mountain
A short but steep hike that offers the best panoramic view of the entire national park and its lakes.
Return Train to Astana
Catch the evening train back to the city, resting your legs after a day in the fresh northern air.
Day 15: Astana, Kazakhstan - Expo Legacy
Nur Alem Future Energy Museum
Visit the giant glass sphere left over from Expo 2017. It is one of the most unique buildings on the planet.
Central Park Astana
A popular spot for locals. Take a walk along the Ishim River and enjoy the city skyline from the pedestrian bridge.
Asem Bazar
Visit a more traditional market in the old city part of Astana to buy cheap souvenirs like felt hats or chocolates.
Farewell Dinner
Spend your remaining Tenge on a final feast of Manti (dumplings) at a local favorite like 'Epoch'.
Day 16: Astana, Kazakhstan - Departure
Final Coffee on the Boulevard
Take one last look at the futuristic skyline of Nurzhol Boulevard before heading to the airport.
Bus #10 to Airport
Save your last few dollars by taking the regular city bus to Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport.
Airport Duty-Free
Browse for some Kazakh cognac or 'Rakhat' chocolate with your leftover small change.
Departure
Say goodbye to the land of the Great Steppe as you board your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
The best time for this itinerary is during the shoulder seasons of late Spring (May to June) or early Autumn (September to October). During these periods, the temperatures are mild across the country—neither the blistering heat of the southern deserts nor the bone-chilling sub-zero temperatures of the northern steppe. Spring offers the bonus of seeing wild tulips in the mountains, while Autumn provides the best harvests in the southern markets.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). While cards are widely accepted in Astana and Almaty (even for small purchases), you must carry cash for shared taxis, rural guesthouses, and market stalls. ATMs are plentiful in cities. Tipping is generally not expected in budget eateries, though a 10% service charge is often automatically added to the bill in more formal restaurants.
Getting Around Kazakhstan
For long distances, the train is king. Use the standard Soviet-style 'Platskart' for the lowest prices and best cultural immersion. For shorter regional trips (like Almaty to Charyn), shared taxis are the standard; they depart when full and are very affordable. Within cities, download the '2GIS' app—it provides flawless offline maps and real-time public bus routes, which is essential for maintaining a $11/day budget.
