Interested in exploring a traditional part of the world that very few get to experience? Kazakhstan is a beautiful country along the famous Silk Road, littered with picturesque mountains, lakes and traditional architecture. Let’s delve into some Kazakhstan facts and learn about the culture and travel opportunities within the region.
Kazakhs traditionally followed a nomadic lifestyle, always on the move. Living in traditional dwellings called yurts and travelling by horseback, the Kazakhs roamed the country and still do to this day. While there are plenty of modern influences, many people still live this nomadic lifestyle. Ultimately, it’s a testament to the resilience of the Kazakh people to survive in often harsh conditions and climates and their desire to hold onto their traditional way of life.
While many Kazakh people still adhere to the traditional nomadic lifestyle, modern influences are also a big part of current-day Kazakhstan. For example, Astana was deemed the capital of Kazakhstan in the 1990s and is a hub of entertainment and modern architecture. The city itself is divided by the Ishim River, and you’ll find a range of old Soviet block style buildings mixed with modern sky scraping structures.
As infrastructure continues to be built, Astana is an example of how progressive Kazakhstan is, despite many traditional ways of life still being upheld beyond the city fringes.
With a strong Russian influence due to its history and association with USSR, Kazakhstan still maintains Russian Orthodox Christianity as one of the main religions, however, only about 25% of the population are Russian Orthodox. The country is overwhelmingly Muslim, with around 70% following Islam. Traditionally, Kazakhs were Sunni Muslims, and this culture continues today.
With that said many religions have found their place among Kazakh residents, with Judaism, Baha’i and Buddhism all playing a role. Being a very traditional country, it isn’t surprising that the main Kazakhstan religion is Islam.
One thing you’ll notice as soon as you arrive in Kazakhstan is the hospitality and generosity of its people. Despite not being considered a particularly wealthy country, Kazakh people are very giving, and a many traditions are built upon this kindness. Even today, some traditions still typify the generous nature of the Kazakh people.
Konakasy, for example, is the tradition of welcoming a guest with food, lodgings and entertainment. Guests are considered special, and they are treated as such. Korimdik is another giving tradition and involves giving a gift to celebrate achievements or gains in a person’s life. Even Suinshi, the act of giving a gift to someone who delivers good news, is still present in Kazakh culture.
Kazakhstan’s food is diverse and unique. Due to the types of livestock typically raised in the country, many dishes revolve around lamb or horse meat. Due to the traditional nomadic lifestyle, food preservation techniques, such as salting and drying meat, are still used today. Roasting is also the most popular method for preparing meat.
Most dishes include some form of meat, whether it be Pilaf (a rice dish with vegetables and meat) or shuzhuk (horse meat sausages). Of course, with modern influences more prevalent in Kazakhstan, plenty of Western-style food is also available.
While in the Almaty region, another great sight is the Medeo Gorge. The dam protects the city below from dangerous mudflow but is far more picturesque than your average dam. You can breathe in the fresh pine tree air as you look out over the captivating vista below.
Another cool feature is the mountain skating rink, known for being the highest in the world. So, if you fancy a skate amongst Kazakhstan’s beautiful mountains and lakes, Medeo Gorge is the place for you.
Kazakhstan is distinctly known for its stunning mountain lakes. And at 2,510 metres above sea level in Almaty Gorge, you’ll find the breathtaking Big Almaty Lake. The gorgeous blue water reflects the sky and surrounding mountains, making it a must-see on any Kazakhstan tour.
However, if you’re looking for a place to swim, we’d suggest something a little warmer. Due to its mountain location and altitude, the crisp blue water never rises above 10 degrees. In fact, the lake was formed following the movement of an ancient glacier, giving you some idea of the landscape many, many years ago.
If you’re looking for something more man-made to set your sights on, it doesn’t get much better than the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty. While not extremely old in architectural terms, having been built in 1907, it is unique. It is a Russian Orthodox church with a distinct Russian church design. However, there are some unique things to note also.
Standing 56 metres tall, it’s considered the second-tallest wooden church in the world. Uniquely, although it is made from wood, no nails have been used in its construction. With restoration work taking place over the years, the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty is a sight you must see for yourself.
Crooked Compass offers perspective-shifting journeys throughout Kazakhstan and central Asia if you’d like to explore some of these beautiful landmarks and much more. Contact us today to find out more!
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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