🇰🇿 Kazakhstan – A Cold Surprise in the Heart of Central Asia ❄️
Kazakhstan isn’t a country you often hear on the usual travel bucket lists, but let me tell you – it should be.
This place is a hidden gem 🌍 filled with vast nature, epic mountain views, hearty food, and people with a deep sense of culture and tradition.
After spending Christmas in warm 🌴 Sri Lanka, soaking in tropical vibes, I decided it was time for a drastic change. I craved snow, chill, and something raw. Visiting Europe is not easy due Schengen visa requirements, so when Kazakhstan opened its doors – I grabbed my jacket and went for it. I only had few days to explore, but Kazakhstan deserves 1 to 3 months easily. It’s huge – 2.7 million km² huge!
🏙️ Astana – The Coldest Capital (Literally)
Astana (now also known as Nur-Sultan) is the second coldest capital in the world after Ulaanbaatar 🇲🇳. No mountains to block the wind – just open icy plains and freezing gusts that slap your face awake. I landed at 10PM, and through the airplane window, I could already see the wind sweeping the snow sideways. ❄️ Got out quickly, booked a Yandex taxi (very cheap btw 💸), and headed straight to my hotel. As always, I didn’t plan a thing. I rely on locals. My driver was the first person I talked to. He suggested visiting Burabay – a beautiful winter destination near his hometown. When I arrived at the hostel, they were already celebrating New Year’s Eve 🎉, and I was warmly welcomed in. I was the only non-Russian speaker, but everyone was so friendly – Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Turks, Azeris – a true mix of cultures, united by hospitality and laughter. Despite the icy first impression outside, the inside was pure warmth. ❤️
🧊 Should We Go to Burabay?
The next day, I met Tahir, a cool Turkish guy at the hostel. I told him about Burabay, and he was instantly in. But the hostel owner stepped in like a Kazakh auntie and said, “No! Too dangerous!” 🥶 Apparently, deep snow and winter storms make Burabay risky in January, especially for foreigners. So we stayed and spent our days exploring Astana instead: the modern architecture, wide clean streets, and cozy underground cafés were a vibe.
✈️ Almaty – Southward to the Mountains
We wanted to take the train to Almaty, but it was over 20 hours, and flights were only $40, so… we flew ✈️. Almaty felt more “alive” – still snowy, but not as biting cold. Think snow-capped mountains on the horizon and European vibes mixed with Central Asian soul. Tahir continued his journey toward Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿, and Azerbaijan 🇦🇿, while I stayed behind feeling a bit lost on what to do next. My flight was at 6PM, and it was only 8AM – so I thought: “Why not hike before I fly?” 🥾😅
🎿 Skiing in Shymbulak – Last-Minute Madness
I took the local bus and then a cable car 🚠 to Shymbulak, Almaty’s famous mountain resort. My original plan was to hike, but the path was buried in snow and unclear. So I pivoted: “Why not try skiing for the first time?” I booked a ski course, rented all the gear, and off I went. My instructor spoke some English (with that Russian edge), and in just a few hours, I fell in love with the slopes. 🎿❄️ I wasn’t great, but hey – I tried. 😄 Later that day, I grabbed a Turkish döner, sat down at the airport with sore legs and a big smile, thinking what a day.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Kazakhstan isn’t for those who want predictable tourist routes or beach cocktails. It’s for wanderers, hikers, mountain lovers, and culture seekers. The cold tests you, the people welcome you, and the land humbles you. ☘️ I definitely want to come back, maybe in spring or autumn, when nature blooms or the colors change. But for now, I’ll hold on to this snowy memory – a cold place that made me feel warm inside.
