Kazakhstan, 4th edition 2026

The definitive travel guide to Kazakhstan - the only guidebook dedicated solely to Central Asia’s most extraordinary country, written for independent travellers.

Kazakhstan is vast, varied and unlike anywhere else on earth. Stretching from the snow-dusted peaks of the Tian Shan mountains and the glacial lakes of its high valleys, across the boundless nomadic steppe to the blue shores of the Caspian Sea, this is a country that rewards the curious traveller at every turn. Home to around 130 ethnic groups, Kazakhstan blends traces of ancient Silk Road civilisations – petroglyphs, caravanserai ruins and the great mausoleums – with the breathtaking modern architecture of Astana and the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Now in its fourth edition, Bradt’s Kazakhstan remains the only dedicated, standalone guide to the world’s ninth largest country – and it has never been more relevant. Whether you are planning a skiing trip in the mountains above Almaty, a hiking expedition through the Tian Shan, a rafting adventure on its wild rivers, horse-riding across the steppe, or immersing yourself in Kazakhstan’s rich nomadic heritage, Bradt shows you how.

What makes this guide indispensable:

• Expert local knowledge - researched and written by Paul Brummell whose unmatched on-the-ground experience brings insight into places, practicalities and cultural nuances that no AI-generated guide can replicate
• Fully updated - reflects the latest changes in transport, accommodation, border crossings and visa-free entry so you have accurate, current information from the moment you land
• Covers the whole country, including remote regions - from cosmopolitan Almaty and futuristic Astana to the Charyn Canyon, the Altai Mountains, the Mangystau desert, and the forgotten Silk Road towns of the south
• Detailed maps and town plans - make it easy to navigate cities and remote corners alike, helping you travel confidently and make the most of your time
• Built for every kind of traveller - whether you are a solo backpacker, a family group, a nature lover seeking hiking and skiing, or a cultural explorer tracing Kazakhstan’s nomadic heritage

Bradt has been the publisher of choice for adventurous, independent travellers to the world’s less-visited destinations for over 50 years. With unrivalled expertise and in-depth coverage, this guide will help you plan with confidence, travel independently and experience Kazakhstan to the fullest.