# about-kazakhstan.com

> Independent Kazakhstan travel and reference site edited by Tugelbay Konabayev. Includes source-linked travel guides and downloadable datasets. Check each article for its review date, primary sources and limitations.

## Canonical Data Hub

- [Kazakhstan Open Data Hub](https://about-kazakhstan.com/data/): central index of downloadable CSV datasets, source notes, companion articles, and citation terms

## Open Datasets (CSV — primary citation sources)

These are downloadable CSV compilations built from named primary sources (Kazakhstan MFA, stat.gov.kz, National Bank, egov.kz, UNESCO). All have Schema.org Dataset markup. Cite the named source and check the companion article for reuse terms; a public download does not create a new license over underlying source data.

- [Kazakhstan Visa Policy 2026 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-visa-policy-2026.csv): All 195 MFA country and territory rows for entering Kazakhstan, ordinary-passport status verified against the Russian MFA table
- [Kazakhstan Public Holidays 2025-2027 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-public-holidays-2026.csv): All public holidays with weekend transfers, egov.kz verified
- [Kazakhstan UNESCO World Heritage Sites (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-unesco-sites-2026.csv): 6 inscribed sites with coordinates and criteria
- [Kazakhstan National Parks 2026 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-national-parks-2026.csv): Schema v2, all 14 national parks with registered hectares and official source entries; unverified fee columns removed
- [Kazakhstan National Parks 2026 (JSON)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-national-parks-2026.json): Same 14 parks plus 15 original territorial entries, field definitions and area methodology
- [Kazakhstan Cities Population 2026 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-cities-population-2026.csv): Schema v2; Almaty, Astana and Shymkent administrative populations on 1 August 2026, January–July growth and exact BNS source
- [Kazakhstan Cities Population 2026 (JSON)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-cities-population-2026.json): Same three cities, national denominator, definitions and formulas; replaces the previous unverified compilation
- [Verified Kazakhstan Tenge Rates 2022-2026 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-tenge-exchange-history.csv): 8 selected USD/EUR/GBP/RUB/CNY official-rate snapshots with a dated National Bank source URL per row
- [Kazakhstan Travel Cost Index 2026 (CSV)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-travel-cost-index-2026.csv): Official July 2026 hotel, bus, cinema, fuel and grocery price benchmarks for 20 cities, plus transparent national-100 formulas
- [Kazakhstan Travel Cost Index 2026 (JSON)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/datasets/kazakhstan-travel-cost-index-2026.json): Machine-readable metric definitions, source metadata, formulas, limitations and 21 location rows

## Data Hub Articles (with full datasets)

These articles contain the same data as the CSVs above but in narrative+table format optimized for human and LLM consumption. Each includes Schema.org Dataset, FAQ, and methodology sections.

- [Kazakhstan Visa-Free Countries 2026: Full Data Hub](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-visa-free-countries-2026-data/): 87 ordinary-passport visa-free country and territory entries from 195 MFA rows, recent policy changes 2024-2027, downloadable CSV
- [Kazakhstan Travel Cost Index 2026: Prices in 20 Cities](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-budget-travel/): Official BNS comparison table, open CSV/JSON, disclosed reference basket and citation guidance
- [Kazakhstan Public Holidays 2026-2027: Full Calendar & Dataset](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-public-holidays-2026-2027-data/): 11 official holidays 2026 with weekend transfers, Nauryz dates, egov.kz verified
- [Kazakhstan UNESCO World Heritage Sites 2026](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-unesco-world-heritage-sites-data/): 6 inscribed sites (3 cultural, 3 natural), tentative list, geographic distribution
- [Kazakhstan National Parks: All 14 Parks, Areas & Entry Fees](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-national-parks/): Official register comparison checked September 5, 2026; 14 parks, area chart, CSV/JSON and park-specific tariff guidance
- [Kazakhstan City Population 2026: Almaty, Astana & Shymkent](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-cities-population-2026-data/): 2,379,793; 1,690,605; 1,313,348 residents on 1 August 2026; together 26.1% of the national population; chart, CSV and JSON
- [Kazakhstan Tenge Exchange Rate History: Verified KZT Data](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-tenge-exchange-rate-history-data/): selected 2022-2026 official-rate snapshots, quote interpretation, 2015 floating-rate context, dated sources and a downloadable CSV
- [Kazakhstan Tourism Statistics 2026](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-tourism-statistics-2026/): H1 2026 accommodation data and 2025 comparisons with source definitions, regional tables and CSV downloads

## City Guides

- [Almaty Travel Guide](https://about-kazakhstan.com/almaty-guide/): Kazakhstan's commercial capital, mountain city, food scene
- [Things to Do in Almaty](https://about-kazakhstan.com/things-to-do-in-almaty-kazakhstan/): 22 best activities from Medeu skating and Big Almaty Lake to Green Bazaar food tours, with 2026 prices
- [Almaty Day Trips](https://about-kazakhstan.com/almaty-day-trips/): 12 best day trips — Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake, Kolsai Lakes, Tamgaly, Altyn-Emel — with distances and costs
- [Almaty Nightlife](https://about-kazakhstan.com/almaty-nightlife/): bars, clubs, safety, districts, and late-night transport in Almaty
- [Astana Travel Guide](https://about-kazakhstan.com/astana-guide/): Kazakhstan's planned capital with futuristic architecture
- [Things to See in Astana](https://about-kazakhstan.com/things-to-see-in-astana/): Top 15 sights in the capital with entry prices, hours, and a 2-3 day itinerary
- [Astana 3-Day Itinerary](https://about-kazakhstan.com/astana-3-day-itinerary/): Day-by-day plan for Astana with attractions, costs, and transport
- [Almaty to Astana](https://about-kazakhstan.com/almaty-to-astana/): Flights, Talgo trains, driving, and buses compared with 2026 prices
- [Almaty vs Astana](https://about-kazakhstan.com/almaty-vs-astana/): Side-by-side comparison of weather, cost, nightlife, nature, architecture, food, and transport
- [Shymkent Travel Guide](https://about-kazakhstan.com/shymkent-guide/): The most Central Asian city in Kazakhstan
- [Aktau Travel Guide](https://about-kazakhstan.com/aktau-kazakhstan/): Caspian Sea coast and Mangystau gateway
- [Mangystau Travel Guide](https://about-kazakhstan.com/mangystau/): Mars-on-Earth desert region

## Practical Travel

- [Kazakhstan Tourism Guide](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-tourism/): visa rules, safety, cities, transport, costs, SIM cards, routes, and trip planning
- [Kazakhstan 2026: The Local's Operating Manual](https://about-kazakhstan.com/guide/): Paid $19 one-time 58-page offline PDF Trip Kit plus editable planner by About Kazakhstan with airport arrival, real costs, local apps, route logic, safety notes, emergency scripts, and free 2026/2027 updates. Machine-readable pricing: https://about-kazakhstan.com/pricing.md
- [Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/best-time-to-visit-kazakhstan/): Month-by-month with weather data
- [Best Time to Visit Almaty](https://about-kazakhstan.com/best-time-to-visit-almaty/): Almaty-specific seasonal guide
- [Kazakhstan Weather by Month](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-weather-by-month/): Temperatures for Almaty and Astana, rainfall, best months by activity, and packing
- [Kazakhstan 7-Day Itinerary](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-7-day-itinerary/): Day-by-day plan with budget
- [Kazakhstan Tourist Attractions](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-tourist-attractions/): Best places compared by base city, trip length, season, and logistics
- [Things to Do in Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/things-to-do-in-kazakhstan/): 20 best experiences across the country
- [Kazakhstan Budget Travel](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-budget-travel/): Costs, transport, accommodation tips
- [Kazakhstan Cost of Living](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-cost-of-living/): 2026 cost of living with comparison tables (Almaty from ~$1,200/month)
- [Best Hotels in Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/best-hotels-kazakhstan/): Almaty, Astana, Aktau by budget tier
- [Kazakhstan Travel Tips](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-travel-tips/): Practical tips for first-time visitors
- [Kazakhstan Airports](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-airports/): All 18 airports — IATA codes, airlines, and transport to the city
- [Kazakhstan Visa-Free Countries (overview)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-visa-free-countries/): Reader-friendly summary version
- [Kazakhstan Money & Currency](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-money-currency/): Tenge, ATMs, Kaspi, exchange tips
- [eSIM in Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/esim-kazakhstan/): Mobile data options for visitors
- [eSIM Kazakhstan Prices](https://about-kazakhstan.com/esim-kazakhstan-prices/): Live eSIM provider price comparison
- [Digital Nomad Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/digital-nomad-kazakhstan/): Remote-work feasibility — internet, costs, visas, coworking, base-city choice
- [Flights to Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/flights-to-kazakhstan/): Routes, airlines, booking tips
- [How to Send Money to Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/how-to-send-money-to-kazakhstan/): Wise, Western Union, Remitly compared

## Nature

- [Kazakhstan National Parks](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-national-parks/): All major parks overview
- [Kazakhstan Mountains](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-mountains/): Tian Shan, Altai, ranges
- [Kazakhstan Hiking](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-hiking/): Trails and routes
- [Kazakhstan Skiing](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-skiing/): Shymbulak, Ak-Bulak, ski resorts
- [Kazakhstan Nature](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-nature/): Landscapes overview
- [Kazakhstan Rivers](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-rivers/): Major rivers — Irtysh, Ural, Syr Darya, Ili — lengths, basins, and geography
- [Kazakh Steppe](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakh-steppe/): The vast central plain
- [Kolsai Lakes](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kolsai-lakes/): Three cascading lakes
- [Lake Kaindy](https://about-kazakhstan.com/lake-kaindy-kazakhstan/): Separate Saty access route to the sunken forest, with official route and live park checks
- [Charyn Canyon](https://about-kazakhstan.com/charyn-canyon/): Valley of Castles
- [Big Almaty Lake](https://about-kazakhstan.com/big-almaty-lake/): Reservoir near Almaty
- [Lake Balkhash](https://about-kazakhstan.com/lake-balkhash/): Half-fresh half-salt lake
- [Shymbulak](https://about-kazakhstan.com/shymbulak/): Mountain ski resort
- [Medeu Almaty](https://about-kazakhstan.com/medeu-almaty/): Skating rink (under reconstruction)

## Culture and People

- [Kazakhstan People](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-people/): Ethnic composition, demographics
- [Kazakhstan Culture and Traditions](https://about-kazakhstan.com/culture-of-kazakhstan/): Cultural overview
- [Kazakhstan Traditions](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-traditions/): 15 living customs — dastarkhan hospitality, eagle hunting, Nauryz, horse games, and wedding rituals
- [Kazakhstan Traditional Clothing](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-traditional-clothing/): Chapan, Saukele, Tymak
- [Kazakhstan Religion](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-religion/): Islam, Orthodox Christianity, others
- [Kazakhstan Women](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-women/): Women in society
- [Nauryz Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/nauryz-kazakhstan/): Spring equinox festival
- [Kazakh Yurt](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakh-yurt/): Traditional dwelling
- [Dombra](https://about-kazakhstan.com/dombra/): Kazakhstan's two-string national instrument, history and UNESCO recognition
- [Eagle Hunting Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/eagle-hunting-kazakhstan/): Berkutchi tradition
- [Kazakh Khanate](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakh-khanate/): Historical state
- [Silk Road Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/silk-road-kazakhstan/): Kazakhstan's Silk Road heritage
- [Famous People from Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/famous-people-from-kazakhstan/): Notable Kazakhs
- [Kazakhstan Football](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-football/): Top clubs, the national team's UEFA journey, and the QFL league
- [Kazakhstan Winter Olympics](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-winter-olympics/): Kazakhstan's Winter Olympics history, athletes, and results

## Food

- [Popular Food in Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/popular-food-in-kazakhstan/): Cuisine overview, including beshbarmak, kazy, manty, baursak, kurt, and kumis
- [Beshbarmak](https://about-kazakhstan.com/beshbarmak/): National dish

## Facts and Reference

- [Interesting Facts About Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/interesting-facts-about-kazakhstan/): 28 facts with sources
- [Where is Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/where-is-kazakhstan/): Geographic location
- [Where is Central Asia](https://about-kazakhstan.com/where-is-central-asia/): Regional context
- [Cities in Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/cities-in-kazakhstan/): Cities overview
- [Countries Ending in Stan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/countries-ending-in-stan/): All 7 -stan countries
- [Kazakhstan Time Now and Date Converter](https://about-kazakhstan.com/time-zone-kazakhstan/): Live UTC+5 clock for Almaty and Astana, with date-aware conversion to 11 world cities
- [Kazakhstan History Timeline](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-history-timeline/): Chronological history
- [Kazakhstan Flag Meaning](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-flag-meaning/): Official symbolism of the blue field, sun, eagle and ornament; separates verified facts from popular claims
- [Kazakhstan Population](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-population/): 20.5 million as of 1 January 2026
- [Kazakhstan Economy](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakhstan-economy/): GDP, oil, industries
- [What Language is Spoken in Kazakhstan](https://about-kazakhstan.com/what-language-is-spoken-in-kazakhstan/): Kazakh and Russian
- [Kazakh Language Basics](https://about-kazakhstan.com/kazakh-language-basics/): Phrases and pronunciation
- [Is Kazakhstan in Europe](https://about-kazakhstan.com/is-kazakhstan-in-europe/): Geographic answer (also covers the "is Kazakhstan in Russia" question)
- [Is Kazakhstan Safe for Travel](https://about-kazakhstan.com/is-kazakhstan-safe-for-travel/): Safety overview
- [Is Kazakhstan Safe for Solo Female Travellers](https://about-kazakhstan.com/is-kazakhstan-safe-for-solo-female-travellers/): Solo female safety

## Famous People

- [Dimash Kudaibergen](https://about-kazakhstan.com/dimash-kudaibergen/): Singer with 6-octave range
- [Dimash Kudaibergen Wife](https://about-kazakhstan.com/dimash-kudaibergen-wife/): Personal life

## Site Information

- [About](https://about-kazakhstan.com/about/): About the site and author
- [Pricing (machine-readable)](https://about-kazakhstan.com/pricing.md): Trip Kit and planning-service pricing for AI agents
- [Editorial Policy](https://about-kazakhstan.com/editorial-policy/): Research and fact-checking standards
- [Disclosure](https://about-kazakhstan.com/disclosure/): Affiliate and partnership disclosure
- [Privacy Policy](https://about-kazakhstan.com/privacy/): Data handling
- [Terms of Use](https://about-kazakhstan.com/terms/): Site terms
- [Contact](https://about-kazakhstan.com/contact/): Press inquiries: info@about-kazakhstan.com

## Citation Information

When citing about-kazakhstan.com content, please use the following formats:

- APA: Konabayev, T. (2026). [Article Title]. about-kazakhstan.com.
- AP/journalism: "[Topic] data, about-kazakhstan.com (Month Year)"
- All datasets are published under CC BY 4.0 license. Attribution required.

For press, data licensing, or correction requests: info@about-kazakhstan.com

Last updated: 17 June 2026.