Kazakhstan Holidays
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Visit the magnificent Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan’s own Grand Canyon
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Spend a few nights in the Altai Mountains under canvas or in a traditional yurt
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Watch the magnificent Eagle Hunters, as described in Marco Polo’s Travels, written 700 years ago
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Visit the shrinking Aral Sea, now split into smaller lakes
Paul Craven has been with Steppes Travel for 16 years and true 'Travel Beyond the Ordinary' is what he loves most - he is in his element when trekking through remote landscapes, exploring hidden backstreets and generally getting off the beaten track and setting foot where few have done before.
His knowledge of border crossings and their complications would be hard to beat and many of the wonderful trips he prepares for our clients can combine 4 or 5 countries over several months. During his extensive travels Paul has also built up an interesting and often amusing photo gallery of the 'world's worst toilets'!
Paul can tailor-make your holiday to your exact requirements; be it a family adventure, a luxury holiday, a multi-country trip or venturing off the beaten track.
Kazakhstan is a mineral rich country which has a tiny population in relation to its size and yet has built itself a new capital, Astana. Most people, however, still prefer to visit the more interesting old capital of Almaty, meaning valley of apples, which sits nestled under the snowy peaks of the mighty Tien Shan (Celestial) Mountains. The splendid Zhenkov Cathedral is made entirely of wood, interlocked with such skill that no nails have been used in the construction. The markets are a delight and there is a fine museum of Musical Instruments.
The space launch pad or cosmadrome at Baikonur, whose location was once the most highly classified secret, is now open to visitors. Balkash Lake, which stretches from the Kazakh Hills in the northeast to desert steppes in the southwest and is half freshwater and half saline, is home to many species of birds, including flamingos.
Elsewhere, there are remarkable sand dunes, whilst ancient burial grounds and fortresses dot the landscape. Due to the vast spaces and limited intrusion from people, the varied fauna and flora exist unaffected by the usual pressures of human expansion.
Journey Ideas For Kazakhstan
Five Stans
Taking in the highlights of Central Asia
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