About
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People
The population is very friendly and wants to help you from all sides. Besides Kazakh (Turkish related language) everyone speaks Russian, another language such as English is spoken in Almaty every now and then. All designations are in Cyrillic.
Last updated 25 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Visa
Most Western countries can visit Kazakhstan visa free for 30 days. A few countries around Kazakhstan can visit 90 days without a visa. Other nationalities (grey) must apply for a visa.
Visa policy of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Visa exempt (90 days)
Visa exempt (30 days)
Visa exempt (14 days)
Visa required
Source: Wikipedia.
Last updated 14 Mar 2021 by Bas IdsingaEdit
Where to get a visa for Kazakhstan (1)
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Sleeping
(Formal) camping
There are few or no campsites in Kazakhstan.
Ho(s)tels
For foreigners, most hotels are terribly expensive, the cheaper hotels are afterwards and the comfort offered is minimal.
Wild camping
Free camping is not a problem, sometimes people will point you to a suitable place (where, for example, drinking water is available).
Last updated 25 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Safety
Traffic
The main roads are generally good, sometimes with some holes and potholes, especially in the cities. In the cities it is busy and the driving is fast. Outside the cities it is generally a lot quieter.
Last updated 25 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Transport
Train
You can bring a bicycle with you on the train, but it is done in a separate wagon on through trains. The baggage department is not the responsibility of the railways and you often have to negotiate firmly about the price (in dollars).
Bus
Buses are usually quite full, nowadays many East German buses drive around in Almaty.
Last updated 25 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Food and drink
Stalls on the street
There are regular stalls along the road where food is prepared.
Drinkable water
There is plenty of water from the mountains (only in the far south are mountains). A pump can often be found in villages.
Last updated 25 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Vaccinations & health
It may be wise to take preventive vaccinations against FSME. FSME is a nasty viral infection that is transmitted by ticks, just like Lyme disease.
Last updated 25 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Other
Nice routes
The route over the Asy plateau is really beautiful. A good alternative for the route from Almaty to Kök-Pek / Kegen towards Kyrgyzstan. Take into account the extremely bad road down the plateau towards Kök-Pek (or on if you come from the other side).
Best time to cycle
Kazakhstan consists mainly of steppe, so very arid and dry, in the summer it can get very hot.
Spare parts
Make sure you have all your belongings with you. The people are often very resourceful.
Last updated 25 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit