If you are planning your next international trip and thinking about Dubai or Turkey, pause for a moment! What if I told you that Kazakhstan can offer you a more exciting experience – mountains, lakes, canyons, culture, and history – all at a surprisingly affordable price? Let’s dive into why Kazakhstan should be on your travel list.
Table of Contents
Visa Process for Kazakhstan
Getting a visa for Kazakhstan is now easier than ever for Pakistanis.
- Letter of Invitation (LOI): Available through the Kazakhstan House (Lahore Consulate near GPO Chowk, Mall Road). Costs $40.
- Visa Fees: Single-entry visa costs $60, multiple-entry costs $90.
- Processing Fee: Kazakhstan House charges Rs. 8,000 as their service fee.
- Biometrics: Must be submitted at Kazakhstan House Lahore.
- Processing Time: 2–3 weeks after application submission.
Prices update regularly so for latest prices – contact Kazakhtstan House Lahore
Flights to Kazakhstan from Pakistan
Great news – direct flights have started!
- SCAT Airlines now operates flights between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
- Ticket Price: Starts at Rs. 99,000 (if booked early).
- Frequency: Two flights per week – Wednesday and Saturday.
This information and these prices are from August 2023.
Accommodation in Kazakhstan
Staying in Kazakhstan is affordable for all types of travelers.
- Airbnbs: Available for under $30/night (some as low as $20).
- Hostels/Dorms: Perfect for backpackers – under $8/night.
Tours & Sightseeing
This is where smart planning can save you big money.
- Overpriced Tours: Online packages for Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lake, and Charyn Canyon often cost $200+ per person.
- Affordable Bus Tours: Local operators offer the same tour for 24,000 Tenge (~$53). Includes:
- 2 nights’ accommodation
- 2 breakfasts
- 1 traditional dinner
- Day Tours: Start from just 5,000–10,000 Tenge (Rs. 2,000–7,000).
Estimated Budget: A 7-day trip, including flights and visa, can cost around Rs. 180,000–200,000 per person.
Infrastructure & Transport in Almaty
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is modern and well-planned.
- Public Transport: Buses, metro, and cycling lanes available.
- Apps: Use 2GIS for bus routes.
- Travel Cards: Buy Onay Card for cheaper metro and bus fares.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: YandexGo (accepts cards/ApplePay) and InDrive (cash only).
Currency & Payments
- Currency Conversion: Same rates across exchange stores.
- Payment Options: ApplePay widely accepted.
- Exchange Rate:
- 1 USD = 460 Tenge
- 1 PKR = 1.52 Tenge
Hospitality & People
Kazakhstan is not just about landscapes – its people make the country truly special.
- Hospitality: Among the warmest and friendliest in the world.
- Language Barrier: Most people speak Russian, with limited English. Use Google Translate or Yandex Translate to communicate.
- Cultural Experience: You can easily make local friends, play games, and share experiences despite the language difference.
Final Thoughts
Kazakhstan offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, culture, and warm hospitality – all at a fraction of the price you would spend in Dubai or Turkey. With direct flights from Pakistan, easy visa process, and budget-friendly tours, it’s time to add Kazakhstan to your travel bucket list
Some Memories:
