20-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world, offering an epic landscape that ranges from the leafy, European-style streets of Almaty to the futuristic, space-age skyline of Astana. For the budget backpacker, this is a land of incredible value, where long-distance sleeper trains become your moving hostel and street-side samsas provide a filling meal for less than a dollar.
This 20-day journey takes you across the heart of the country, focusing on free natural wonders, historic Silk Road stops, and the vibrant local life found in bazaar stalls and public parks. By sticking to public transport and staying in social hostels, you'll experience the true hospitality of the Kazakh people while keeping your daily costs to an absolute minimum.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Arrival & City Orientation
Arrive at Almaty International Airport
Clear customs and take the local Bus #92 into the city center for a fraction of the cost of a taxi.
Check-in at Almaty Backpackers
Drop your bags at one of the city's highest-rated budget hostels near the center.
Walk through Panfilov Park
Visit the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world's tallest wooden buildings, built without a single nail.
Dinner at a local Stolovaya
Enjoy a massive, cheap meal at a traditional Soviet-style canteen like Kaganat.
Day 2: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Bazaars and History
Green Bazaar Exploration
Wander the stalls of the Zelyony Bazar to sample local cheeses (kurut) and dried fruits for free.
Lunch at the Food Court
Grab fresh Laghman (hand-pulled noodles) from the upper floor of the market.
Central State Museum
Learn about Kazakhstan's history from the Bronze Age to the modern era for a small entrance fee.
Republic Square
See the Independence Monument and the Golden Man statue during the golden hour.
Day 3: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Mountain Air at Medeu
Bus to Medeu Ice Rink
Take Bus #12 from the city center up into the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.
Climb the Stairs of Health
Hike up the 842 steps above the Medeu dam for a breathtaking view of the valley for free.
Hike to Shymbulak
Instead of taking the expensive cable car, hike the scenic trail up to the ski resort level.
Arbat Pedestrian Street
Return to the city to enjoy free street performances and local art displays.
Day 4: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Panoramic Views
Almaty Metro Tour
Tour the beautifully decorated metro stations, which are among the cleanest and deepest in the world.
Kok-Tobe Hill Walk
Avoid the cable car cost by taking the local shuttle or walking up the winding road to the TV tower viewpoint.
First President's Park
Relax in this massive public park with views of the mountain backdrop.
Street Food Dinner
Grab a Shaurma or Döner from a street stall for less than $2 USD.
Day 5: Almaty to Shymkent - The Great Train Journey
Last-minute Supplies
Stock up on bread, tea, and instant noodles for the long train ride ahead.
Almaty-2 Railway Station
Board the overnight sleeper train westward toward Shymkent.
Train Socializing
Share tea and stories with Kazakh families in the shared sleeper carriage.
Overnight Transit
Sleep on the train to save one night's accommodation cost.
Day 6: Shymkent, Kazakhstan - Southern Flavors
Arrival in Shymkent
Walk or take a marshrutka (minibus) to your hostel in the city center.
Abay Park
Visit the Memorial of Glory and walk through the shaded alleys of this central green space.
Shymkent Plaza & Pedestrian Zone
Explore the modern side of the city and find cheap local eats in the surrounding alleys.
Shymkent Shashlik Dinner
Shymkent is famous for the best and cheapest Shashlik (meat skewers) in the country.
Day 7: Shymkent, Kazakhstan - Park Hopping
Shymkent Arboretum
Spend a quiet morning in this massive botanical garden for a very small entry fee.
Lake Tulpar
Visit this local recreational area to see where the city's youth hang out on weekends.
Independence Park
Climb the hill for a view of the city and the massive flag of Kazakhstan.
Zhibek Zholy Market
Explore the southern textiles and spices at this traditional market.
Day 8: Sairam, Kazakhstan - Ancient Village Trip
Marshrutka to Sairam
Take a cheap 30-minute minibus to one of the oldest settlements in Kazakhstan.
Mausoleum of Ibrahim Aziz
Explore the ancient mud-brick mausoleums scattered throughout the village.
Local Village Lunch
Try 'Sairam Samsa', which is legendary for its size and flavor.
Khydyr Minaret
See the remains of a 10th-century minaret before heading back to Shymkent.
Day 9: Turkistan, Kazakhstan - Silk Road Grandeur
Marshrutka to Turkistan
Take a 2-hour bus ride from Shymkent to the spiritual heart of Kazakhstan.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture.
Hilvet Underground Mosque
Explore the spiritual cells where the Sufi master once lived.
Karavan Saray Light Show
Watch the free nightly water and light show at the new Karavan Saray complex.
Day 10: Turkistan, Kazakhstan - Ancient Otrar
Shared Taxi to Otrar
Negotiate a seat in a shared taxi to visit the ruins of the city that resisted Genghis Khan.
Arystan Bab Mausoleum
Visit the tomb of Yasawi's teacher, an important pilgrimage site.
Otrar Archaeological Site
Walk through the excavated gates and bathhouses of this Silk Road ghost town.
Return to Turkistan
Reflect on the day with a cheap bowl of Plov at a local cafe.
Day 11: The Long Trek North - Train to Astana
Stock up on Supplies
The train to Astana takes nearly 24 hours; buy plenty of water and snacks.
Board the Train
Experience the vastness of the Kazakh steppe from your window.
Steppe Watching
Watch the sunset over the endless horizon of the central plains.
Sleeping on the Rails
The rhythmic clacking of the train is the best lullaby for a budget traveler.
Day 12: Astana, Kazakhstan - Into the Future
Arrival in Astana
Arrive at the modern Nurly Zhol station and take a bus to the city center.
Check into Hostel
Find a bed in the 'Left Bank' area to be near the main attractions.
Bayterek Tower
Visit the symbol of the capital for a small fee and place your hand in the Golden Handprint.
Singing Fountains
Enjoy the free nightly light and music show at the fountains near Bayterek.
Day 13: Astana, Kazakhstan - Architecture Walk
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Visit the world's largest tent, designed by Norman Foster (entry is free).
Park of Lovers
Walk through this park for the best photo ops of the Khan Shatyr and the city axis.
Ak Orda Presidential Palace
Admire the grand exterior of the President's residence from the public square.
Water-Green Boulevard
Stroll the multi-level pedestrian bridge filled with sculptures and flower beds.
Day 14: Astana, Kazakhstan - Religious Heritage
Hazrat Sultan Mosque
Visit the largest mosque in Central Asia; remember to dress modestly (robes provided).
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
See the giant pyramid building dedicated to religious harmony.
Independence Square
See the Kazakh Eli monument and the surrounding white-marble buildings.
Dinner at an Ethno-Restaurant
Try Beshbarmak, the national dish of Kazakhstan, in a traditional setting.
Day 15: Astana, Kazakhstan - Museum Day
National Museum of the Republic
Explore the Hall of Gold and learn about the Saka culture for a very low entry price.
Lunch in the Old Center
Take a bus across the Ishim River to the 'Right Bank' for cheaper, local food.
Museum of the First President
Visit the former residence of the President, now a museum with free entry (check times).
Ishim River Embankment
Join the locals for a sunset walk along the riverbanks.
Day 16: Astana, Kazakhstan - Nur Alem Pavillion
Expo 2017 Site
Visit the 'Nur Alem' Future Energy Museum, the largest spherical building in the world.
Mega Silk Way Mall
Window shop or eat at the affordable food court in this massive, modern mall.
Botanical Garden
Walk through the newly developed gardens near the Expo site.
Local Craft Beer
Try a glass of local brew at a budget-friendly pub in the old town.
Day 17: Borovoe (Burabay), Kazakhstan - The Kazakh Switzerland
Electric Train to Borovoe
Take the cheap commuter train (Elektrichka) from Astana to Shchuchinsk.
Marshrutka to Burabay Village
Transfer to a local bus to reach the heart of the National Park.
Lake Borovoe Shoreline
Walk the paved path along the lake for stunning views of the rock formations.
Bolektau Hill Hike
A short, steep hike for the most famous view of Lake Borovoe and Blue Bay.
Day 18: Borovoe (Burabay), Kazakhstan - Pine Forests
Glade of Abylai Khan
Visit this historic site and enjoy the fresh pine air of the national park.
Hike to Zhumbaktas Rock
Walk to the viewpoint of the 'Sphinx' rock in the middle of the lake.
Bike Rental Exploration
Rent a cheap bicycle for an hour to explore the further reaches of the forest trails.
Local Smoked Fish
Buy fresh, smoked fish from the village market for a cheap and delicious dinner.
Day 19: Return to Astana - Final Souvenirs
Last Lake Walk
Enjoy a final sunrise over the mountains before heading back.
Train back to Astana
Catch the afternoon train back to the capital.
Artem Market
Visit this authentic old-town market for the cheapest souvenirs and Kazakh chocolate.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your 20-day journey with a final feast of Manti (dumplings).
Day 20: Astana, Kazakhstan - Departure
Astana Central Park
Take a final morning walk through the city's largest green lung.
Postcard Sending
Visit the central post office to send cards home—a cheap and meaningful souvenir.
Lunch at a Mall Canteen
Get one last affordable fix of Kazakh hospitality.
Airport Transfer
Take the express bus #10 to the airport for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
The ideal time to follow this itinerary 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 Almaty mountains and walking the streets of Astana without the blistering summer heat (which can exceed 40°C) or the bone-chilling Siberian winter (which can drop to -40°C in Astana). Late spring also brings beautiful wildflowers to the steppe.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). While cards are widely accepted in Astana and Almaty (especially via the Kaspi app), you will need cash for marshrutkas, local markets, and smaller guesthouses in the south. Tipping is generally included as a 10% service charge in many restaurants, but in smaller local spots, it is not required. ATMs are plentiful in all major cities.
Getting Around Kazakhstan
For budget travelers, the train is king. The rail network is extensive and very affordable, especially the 'Platzkart' (open bunk) carriages. For shorter distances (like Shymkent to Turkistan), marshrutkas (minibuses) are the most economical option. Within cities, use the 'Onay' card in Almaty or the 'Astana LRT' card in the capital to access the cheap and efficient bus systems. For ride-hailing, the Yandex Go app is the standard and very budget-friendly.
