10 Kazakhstan cities that you cannot miss

Kazakhstan is not your typical tourist destination. The largest landlocked country in the world, Kazakhstan is notable for its varied landscape (which includes everything from desolate steppes to alpine scenery and deserts) and interesting ethnic mix. For much of its history, Kazakhstan has been ruled by invaders, from the Mongols in the 13th century to the Russians in the 18th. In 1991, Kazakhstan elected Nursultan Nazarbayev as president, and declared independence from the Soviet Union. Now Kazakhstan belongs once more to the Kazakhs, but 90% of the population still speaks Russian, and the country definitely retains a Soviet air. Though corruption is notorious, the average traveller will find Kazakhstan a welcoming country. Many of Kazakhstan’s local population lives a nomadic lifestyle, and travellers need to ask for permission while camping on tribal land.
Kazakhstan is a majority nondenominational Muslim country, with a large Russian Orthodox Christian community as well. Though Kazakhstani cuisine is not friendly to the vegetarian traveller (horse being the primary meat, and meat being the primary food), the many bazaars offers a variety of options for anyone willing to cook or throw together their own meals. The best way to travel the country is by train, though be wary of the vodka parties where native Kazakhstani’s will undoubtedly drink under the table. The adventurous traveller will find Kazakhstan a fascinating country to explore, and one that only a few travellers get to know.