Travelling from Turkistan to Almaty in 2025

So, I just went to Kazakhstan, specifically from Turkistan to Almaty.

Honestly, it wasn’t even on my radar until an agency called We Are Komodo reached out about a potential trip. At first, I laughed it off, Kazakhstan? Really?

But well, it happened. And I’m so glad it did.

I’ll skip the boring backstory because you’re probably here to find out what it’s actually like. Is Kazakhstan worth visiting? What’s there to see? What are the people like? I’ll cover all of that below.

But let me just say this now, Kazakhstan definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list. High up, too.

Getting from Turkistan to Almaty

Like most of our trips, this one was short. So, this post isn’t some massive guide, it’s more of a recap of what we did, saw, and ate along the way.

We visited two very different spots. First was Turkistan (also spelled Turkestan), where we spent a couple of days, then we flew to Almaty and spent the last three there. The two cities couldn’t be more different, which made it even more interesting.

Before going through the details of each of these cities and what to do in each, I want to go through how to go from one to another.

Getting from Turkistan to Almaty by Train

Travelling by train from Turkistan to Almaty is a relatively cheap yet scenic option. The trip takes around 14 to 17 hours, depending on the specific train. Trains leave from Turkistan train station and arrive at Almaty 2 station. Train tickets cost anywhere from $9 to $28.

If you’re booking online, check the current train schedule of passenger trains and secure your train e-tickets early, especially for popular routes. You can also book a 3rd class fare if you’re looking for the lowest price, it’s basic but affordable.

While it’s not the fastest way to get to Almaty, it’s quite comfortable and you’ll get to relax and enjoy the landscape.

Direct Flights from Turkistan to Almaty

Flying is the fastest way to get from Turkistan to Almaty, and that’s what we did. For the cheapest flights, check FlyArystan, Qazaq Air, Air Astana. You can also book a Wizz Air round-trip flight.

You’ll find plenty of helpful flight suggestions on Google Flights or Skyscanner, so you can compare prices and times.

Ticket prices are quite affordable, starting at $23 for one-way trips, but do keep in mind that it can greatly vary. The average fare tends to sit between $30 and $60 depending on how early you book.

Flights leave from Hazret Sultan International Airport (HSA) and land at Almaty International Airport (ALA).

Driving from Turkistan to Almaty

Last but not least, you can drive from Turkistan to Almaty. It covers a distance of about 819 kilometers (about 509 miles) and takes around 10 to 11 hours.

This is the most flexible option and it allows you to stop in different towns along the way.

However, make sure to plan for fuel stops and rest breaks, and that your rental car is well-prepared for the trip.

Taking the bus is also an option, and you won’t need to buy bus e-tickets, just check the bus schedule. That said, it’s a good alternative if you’re not keen on flying or long train rides.

My Solo Kazakhstan Itinerary

I didn’t know what to expect before heading to Kazakhstan solo. But it turned out to be one of the most surprising trips I’ve taken. Here’s how I spent my time, what I saw, and what I’d recommend if you’re thinking of doing the same.

Turkistan

Most of what I’d read about Kazakhstan was about Almaty. But Turkistan really surprised me. It’s one of the oldest in Kazakhstan, known for its deep Islamic history, yet it’s also incredibly modern. New hotels, apartments, and shopping centres are popping up everywhere in and around Almaty Center.

The main highlight is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. A stunning UNESCO site built in 1389 by Timur. Yasawi played a huge role in bringing Islamic teachings to Central Asia’s nomadic cultures.

We also visited the ancient ruins of Otrar Hill Fort, once a key stop on the Silk Road. It’s wild to imagine traders passing through this exact spot hundreds of years ago.

Almaty

There’s something special about a city backed by snow-capped mountains. We flew into Almaty and saw that view from the window, and I immediately knew this place was going to hit different. And it did, I felt connected to it straight away.

Our time here was packed, but we started slow with a short city tour and a walk through First President’s Park. It’s a good intro to the city and a nice bit of green space. Keep an eye out for the cheeky brown squirrels too.

Next, we took the Kok-Tobe Cable Car, which I highly recommend, especially around sunset. Some of us grabbed food, others warmed up with mulled wine and soaked in the view. And if you’re into thrills, don’t skip the toboggan. It’s fast, wild, and a whole lot of fun!

The best time to visit Almaty is between May and September when the weather is perfect for both hiking and sightseeing.

Almaty has four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C in winter to around 30°C in summer, so pack accordingly.

Best Tours in Almaty

Charyn Canyon

This was the big one for me. Charyn Canyon had been on my radar for ages, and it didn’t disappoint. Often called Central Asia’s Grand Canyon (it deserves more hype), it’s around a 2-hour drive from Almaty, but allow longer because the views along the way are insane.

We joined a 4×4 day tour with lunch, which made things easy.

First stop: Valley of the Castles, then Lunar Canyon just outside the national park. Both were unreal. We had a proper lunch set up (with champagne) and the drone shots really showed how vast the place is, with snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Golden hour at the final viewpoint was next-level.

The best way to get to Charyn Canyon is to join a tour from Almaty, and it also includes a full Castle Valley exploration with your expert guide. This was easily one of my best days in Kazakhstan!

Shymbulak Ski Resort

Our last day in Kazakhstan took us into the mountains—and what a contrast from the rest of the trip. First stop: Medeo Skating Rink, the highest in the world at 1,691m. It’s a serious training spot for athletes, though it was summer when we visited, so no skating this time.

From there we headed to Shymbulak Ski Resort. Even without snow, the views were unreal. You can go hiking, ride buggies or horses, and even try the alpine climbing park. In winter, it turns into a proper ski destination with 20 slopes, six lifts, night skiing, and tubing.

It’s one of the top places in Kazakhstan for winter sports, with options for all levels.

Bonus? It’s just 25km from Almaty so you can ski in the day and be back in the city by dinner. Perfect combo.

Big Almaty Lake

No trip to Almaty is complete without visiting one of its incredible lakes. We went to Big Almaty Lake, and honestly—it’s one of the most photogenic spots I’ve ever seen.

Before that, we stopped at the new Ayusai Visitor Centre in Ile-Alatau National Park. The place is unreal, with glamping tents, a cosy café, and even a co-working space with insane views. I could’ve stayed for days.

Then came the lake. Set at 2,511m with glacial water from surrounding 4,000m peaks, it’s a no-swim zone (it supplies Almaty’s drinking water), but wow, it’s stunning. The color shifts with the seasons and the mountain backdrop is next-level.

The drive alone is worth it, but going with a local guide makes the experience even better. Highly recommend.

Hotels in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has accommodation to suit all budgets. Most hotels are clean and friendly, and English is commonly spoken.

Prices vary depending on your specific date, so try adjusting your stay slightly to get a better deal.

We stayed at the Rixos Hotel in both Turkestan and Almaty, and they were two of the best hotels I have stayed in.

The rooms had everything you need and there was a lovely pool, spa and gym included with your stay. The Rixos in Turkestan is brand new and spacious, and the one in Almaty has a stunning lobby and foyer.

The Nursultan Foundation

The Nursultan Foundation was set up in the name of the First and former President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. They helped make this trip possible. It was created to support tourism, education, and local communities.

Part of its mission is to show the world the real Kazakhstan, modern, peaceful, the most ancient cities, and full of potential.

I’d had this country on my radar for years, and finally getting the chance to explore it properly was something I didn’t have to think twice about.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, my whistle stop tour of Kazakhstan. I’ll be writing more articles with more details about travel to Kazakhstan soon. I would love to know what you think, and if this has inspired you to add Kazakhstan to your travel bucket list?

This article was supported by the Nursultan Foundation but as always, the opinions and photos in the article are all my own, and as you can see I loved every minute of my trip to Kazakhstan!