Travel agency for tailor-made trips in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan experiences distinct, almost extreme seasons. From May to early October, conditions become truly favorable for exploring the country: steppes turn green in spring, the alpine lakes of the Tian Shan free themselves from ice in June, and shepherds' yurts reappear in the high-altitude pastures between Almaty and Kolsai. July and August are perfect for trekking to Charyn, Kaindy, or the Assy plateaus, even though cities can exceed 35°C. September offers stunning golden light on the southern mountains. Winter, meanwhile, is not a conventional discovery season but appeals to travelers curious about cross-country skiing, skating on Medeu, or nomadic festivals on frozen lakes.

Kazakhstan remains one of Central Asia's most accessible destinations, provided you plan ahead for the vastness of the territory. Budget an average of between €110 and €180 per day per person for a tailor-made itinerary including English-speaking guide, driver, varied accommodations (hotels in Almaty or Astana, guesthouses in Saty, yurts by Lake Kaindy) and national park entries. Domestic flights to Aktau or Uralsk, sometimes essential to reach the west and the Caspian, represent a separate expense. Meals remain affordable, with a good restaurant in Almaty rarely exceeding €20. Costs increase mainly if you include Baikonur, Mangystau or a winter 4x4 expedition.

Kazakhstan is nine times larger than France, and its tourism is still emerging: few marked trails, few signs in Latin script, distances measured in days rather than hours. This is precisely where an English-speaking local agency like Atis makes all the difference. Based in Almaty, we know the herders who open their yurts near Kolsai, the drivers familiar with the Mangystau tracks, the best times to cross Charyn before the weekend bus crowds. We tailor each itinerary to your pace, your interests, and the reality on the ground, while leaving room for the unexpected: an aksakal inviting you to share besbarmak, a valley worth an extra night.

A trip to Kazakhstan is often built around two main hubs. In the south, Almaty serves as a gateway to the landscapes of the Seven Rivers region: the Charyn canyon with its miniature Colorado-like formations, the turquoise waters of Kolsai lakes, the submerged forest of Kaindy, and the Assy plateaus where you sleep in yurts. Further west, Turkestan and its Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum reveal the legacy of the Silk Road. The country's center leads to Astana, a futuristic capital set on the steppe, and the lunar landscapes of Mangystau, facing the Caspian Sea. Returning travelers often add Baikonur, Altyn-Emel with its singing dunes, or a detour through German and Korean villages inherited from Soviet deportations.