How to go from Almaty to Astana by flight or overnight train, with times, costs, booking tips, and which one actually suits your trip.
Sarah Carter
729 posts
Our guide to the best day trips from Almaty, Kazakhstan - Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Ile-Alatau, Big Almaty Lake and Altyn Emel.
How to go from Almaty to Shymkent by train, flight, bus or private transfer, with times, costs and which one actually suits your trip.
How to visit Charyn Canyon: getting there from Almaty, entry fees, the Valley of Castles hike, where to stay and eat, and tips.
Our travel guide to Astana, Kazakhstan's futuristic capital: top sights, where to stay, and where to eat and drink.
How to visit Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes: getting there from Almaty, what to see, costs, and travel tips for both.
How to go from Astana to Shymkent by overnight train or flight, with journey times, costs, and which one suits your trip.
How to visit Big Almaty Lake from Almaty: tour, Yandex and hiking options, entry costs, and what to actually expect once you're there.
Getting around Kazakhstan: flights, trains, marshrutkas, taxis, and rental cars, plus how to book each and get around Almaty.
We did the Charyn Canyon Kolsai Kaindy 1-day trip from Almaty. Honest costs, itinerary, other traveler reviews, and our verdict on it.
Best SIM card for Kazakhstan: Beeline vs Kcell vs Tele2, IMEI registration rules, prices, and eSIM vs local SIM, which is best.
Need a power adapter for Kazakhstan? Here's the plug type, voltage and best travel adapter, so all your devices charge without fuss.
All the details of how to travel from Bishkek to Almaty - bus timetables, distances, costs and alternatives to Almaty from Bishkek.
How to go from Bishkek to Karakol by marshrutka, shared taxi, GoBus, train or flight, with prices and timings.
How to get to Ala Archa National Park from Bishkek: bus, taxi and tour options, trail picks, entry fees and practical tips.
A complete guide to independent travel in Kyrgyzstan: transport, visas, costs, best times to go, and essential experiences.
What you need to know about the Kyrgyzstan som. Kyrgyzs ATM charges - ATM fees in Kyrgyzstan + avoid Kyrgyzstan ATM fees.
How to go from Bishkek to Balykchy by marshrutka, shared taxi, or the seasonal panoramic train, with prices and timings.
How to visit Konorchek Canyon from Bishkek: driving directions, guided tours, entry fees, what to see and the best time to go.
The best things to do in Bishkek: Soviet monuments, bazaars, walking tours, where to eat, and how long to stay in the Kyrgyz capital.
We did the Konorchek Canyon, Issyk-Kul Lake and Burana Tower day trip from Bishkek. Real costs, the itinerary, and our honest verdict.
How to visit Issyk-Kul Lake, the vast alpine lake that never freezes: which shore to pick, how to get there, and what to do.
How to visit Burana Tower near Bishkek: entry fees, opening hours, marshrutka and taxi options, guided tours, and what to see.
Practical guide on how to go from Osh to Bishkek: compare flights, shared taxis, flights & private transfers with costs & tips.
The best SIM card for Kyrgyzstan: Beeline vs O! vs MegaCom, prices, where to buy, and eSIM vs local SIM, which one wins.
Exactly how to explore Sulaiman-Too in Osh: history, entrances, the five peaks, the cave museum, and what not to miss
The best things to do in Osh, Kyrgyzstan: Sulaiman-Too, walking tours, the bazaar, food, and how to get here.
What’s the best Kyrgyzstan Power Adapter? What plug adapter do you need in Kyrgyzstan? Here's the travel adapter requirements in Kyrgyzstan.
Here's what to expect on a 7 day Pamir Highway trip from Dushanbe to Osh. This is day 7 going from Murghab to Osh
Here's what to expect on a 7 day Pamir Highway trip from Dushanbe to Osh. This is day 6 going from Bulunkul to Murghab
Here's what to expect on a 7 day Pamir Highway trip from Dushanbe to Osh. This is day 5 going from Bibi Fatima to Bulunkul.
Here's what to expect on a 7 day Pamir Highway trip from Dushanbe to Osh. This is day 4 going from Khorog to Bibi Fatima.
Hiking the Jizeu Valley in Tajikistan’s Pamir Mountains is a glorious experience. Here’s what to expect on the hike to Jizeu Village.
Here's what to expect on a 7 day Pamir Highway trip from Dushanbe to Osh. This is day 3 going from Jizeu Village to Khorog.
Here's what to expect on a 7 day Pamir Highway trip from Dushanbe to Osh. This is day 2 going from Kalai Khumb to Jizeu Village.
Here's what to expect on a 7 day Pamir Highway trip from Dushanbe to Osh. This is day 2 going from Dushanbe to Kalai Khumb.
What you need to know about the Tajikistan somoni. Tajik ATM charges - ATM fees in Tajikistan + avoid Tajik ATM fees.
Travel the Pamir Highway from Dushanbe to Osh in 7 days. Route guide, altitude, permits, safety tips, + what to expect road trip.
Worried about altitude on the Pamir Highway? Here’s what to expect: key elevations, symptoms, acclimatization tips, where to get medical help.
Practical guide to arriving in Dushanbe, Tajikistan: airport to city transport, visas, money, SIM cards, and first things to know.
What’s the best Tajikistan Power Adapter? What type of plug adapter do you need in Tajikistan? Here's the Tajik travel adapter requirements.
Everything you need to know about riding the Bansko to Septemvri narrow gauge railway. Ride to the highest train station in the Balkans and explore the Pirin, Rila and Rhodope mountains
Here are the best day trips from Chisinau—cave monasteries, vast wine cellars, and breakaway Transnistria to explore.
Discover what to eat and drink in Moldova: traditional dishes, wines, must-try local specialties, and where to find them
Here's all you need to know about visiting Transnistria aka the Pridnestrovian” Moldavian Republic. Transport, what to see, how to get there.
Discover why Chișinău is worth visiting. Explore parks, markets, museums, and monuments in Moldova’s laid-back capital.
Independent travel in Moldova is cheap, safe, and rewarding. Learn how to get there, get around, and the best things to do.
How to visit Curchi Monastery from Chisinau. My guide to Curchi’s history, architecture, transport options, and opening times.
Guide from Chisinau Airport to Chisinau: compare taxis, buses & private transfers with tips on cost, payment & travel time.
Discover Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi), Moldova’s open-air museum complex of cave monasteries, museums, and historic ruins just outside Chisinau.
