KAZAKHSTAN

It has been said the Kazakhstan is the most expensive of all of the Central Asia countries, but that is what becomes of being the most Westernised and is one of the biggest countries in world. The countries landscape is a contrast with the bulk of it being manly flat but you will also find tulip covered grassy steppes, the enormous mountains of the Tian Shan range and the huge Lake Balqash, which is half salt water and half fresh water.

Kazakhstan and Central Asia’s history is both ancient and bloody. Over the centuries the plains of this Central Asia have echoed to the sound of the pounding hoofs of numerous invading armies. Alexander the Great, the Huns, Turks, Arabs, Chinese, and Genghis Khan all being drawn to the riches of the Great Silk Road. As did travellers, traders and explorers such as Marco Polo. All of the countries invading armies left their own mark in Kazakhstan’s history but none more than the Mongols, whose descendants went on to form the last great nomadic empires. Until when a fierce warlike nation called the Oyrats decided to rage war on the Kazak’s, which basically decimated the country and left them open to the influence of the Bolsheviks who later decided to expand the Russian empire to include Kazakhstan until in 1991 the USSR fell apart. Since declaring its independence Kazakhstan is a country, which has found its feet and is making its own in the world. The countries oil, gas, mineral deposits are manly to thank for its growth and the country is keen to develop a solid tourism industry.

It is a country of stark contrasts, where the summers are extremely hot and the winters bitterly cold. Some of our travellers have recommended that April when the desert blooms are in full colour or the autumn months when the harvests are in full flow, are the best times to visit Kazakhstan. The country offers a range of sports & activities ranging from trekking & hiking in the Zailiysky Alatau to skiing in Shymbulaq which is Central Asia's most popular ski resort to rafting and canoeing on a selection of lakes and rivers

The cost of living is generally higher than its Central Asian cousins, but there are still bargains to be found in the numerous bazaars and cheap restaurants can be found in Almaty. However the oil and gas deposits have attracted all of the world’s major companies and the hotel rates in Almaty & Astana reflect this.

Worldmark's range of services include:-

Due to our extensive overseas network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.

* Discounted fares with Air Astana.
* Discounted hotels.
* Tourist Invitation / Support.
* Business Invitations / Supports.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Theatre Tickets
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire
* VIP Meet & Greet service at Almaty airport
* Visa upon arrival at Almaty airport for some nationals
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Almaty

The former capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan has turned into a booming cosmopolitan city. Almaty has been accompanying the site of an ancient military fortress since 1854. It is situated in Southern part of the country at the foothills of the Northern spurs of the Tyan-Shan Mountains and 750m above sea level. Almaty is generally a clean city with long tree lined avenues and lots of parks but still maintains a very Russian feel that is reflected in most of the architecture. Some of the cities highlights include the pretty PANFILOV PARK, which encompass the impressive wooden ZENKOV CATHERDAL, the unusual ARASAN BATHS, and the interesting CENTRAL STATE MUSEUM, which maps out the countries extensive history. But one of the main attractions is the stunning backdrop of the Zailiysky Alatau Mountains. As a result of the discovery of the countries hidden mineral wealth it turned this once sleepy town into a multi-cultural cosmopolitan city full of shops, good quality hotels, restaurants and casinos.

We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-

Hyatt Regency Almaty,Regent Almaty,Hotel Astana,Hotel Otar.

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Other destination suggestions:-

Astana

The countries new capital which dates back to 1824, when it was once an important crossroads for the caravans supplying all points North, South, East & West. It can be found sitting on the right bank of the Ishim River and in 1997 was made the countries new capital city. It is a friendly city with many pretty tree lined streets and a distinctive lack of high-rise buildings. It is also one of the countries most important railway junctions.

Zailiysky Alatau and the Kingley Alatau

These peaks represent one of the countries biggest tourist attractions. This is an area of great natural beauty.

Kol-Say Lakes

Sitting in the foot hills of the Kungay Alatau are these 3 lakes.Here the fishing is good,the camping is excellent and horse riding can be arranged locally.

Medeu & Shymbulaq

A haven for winter sports enthusiasts. These 2 complexes can be found nestled in the foothills of the Zailiysky Alatau, which is only a short drive from Almaty. Medeu sits at an attitude of 1700m and is home to one of the world’s largest speed skating rink. Shymbulaq sits a further 500m higher and is one of Central Asia’s premier and most popular ski resorts.

Aqsu-Zhabaghly Nature Reserve

One of Southern Kazakhstan's highlights with scenery ranging from lush mountain meadows to forests to glaciers.The area is a haven for wildlife and guided hikes can be arranged.

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Travel Warning / Information

You should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks by terrorists in public places, including tourist sites, throughout the world. However, the vast majority of visits to Kazakhstan are trouble-free.Robberies occur on road and rail transport. Passengers should travel in groups and compartments should always be locked on overnight trains. Do not walk alone at night and avoid travelling in unofficial taxis. Passenger lists on aircraft are not always kept confidential. There have been instances of people being met from an aircraft by someone using their name and subsequently robbed.

Kazakh law demands that you carry your passport with appropriate registration at all times and present it, on request, to the authorised state authorities. The police can and do arrest /fine visitors who do not carry identification.

The spiking of drinks in bars & nightclubs appears seems to be on the increase in Almaty.

This information is correct and current as of 10/5/04 and was provided by the FCO Update service.

Useful Country Information

COUNTRY INFORMATION:-
Kazakhstan is located northwest of China, south of Russia and lies north of Uzbekistan & Kyrgzstan. Approximately four times the size of France & Texas.

CURRENCY:-
The Kazakh currency is the Tenga. Travellers are advised to carry U.S. Dollars or Euros - as these currencies are readily accepted.

CREDIT CARDS:- Widely accepted in Kazakhstan, particularly hotels, restaurants, and western shops.

ELECTRICITY:-
200v two pin plugs. Travellers should bring adapters to ensure safe connection.

WATER:-
Do not drink tap water, bottled water is widely available.

LOCAL TIME:-
Kazakhstan has three time zones. Atyrau + 4GMT; Kyzylorda + 5GMT & Almaty + 6GMT. Daylight saving time is no longer observed in Kazakhstan.

CLIMATE:-
Continental, cold winters and hot summers and semiarid.

TERRAIN:-
Extends from the Volga to the Atai Mountains and from the plains in Western Siberia to oases and the desert in Central Asia.

GEOGRAPHY:-
Landlocked;Russia leases approximately 6,000 sq.km of territory eclosing the Baykonur Cosmodromer; in January 2004 Kazakhstan & Russia extended the lease in 2050.

Health Information

Travellers should ensure that inoculations are up to date.

Tuberculosis is widespread throughout the country and typhoid is on the increase. There have been outbreaks of Hepatitis A and Brucellosis. Cases of AIDS have also been registered. There are regular, localised, reports of small numbers of people being infected with Anthrax from contaminated meat in the South Kazakhstan Region. Visitors should seek medical advice before travelling. Medical facilities are not as developed as those in the UK. If you are planning an adventure holiday (including skiing or climbing in the mountains near Almaty) you must ensure that your medical insurance includes air ambulance evacuation.

We recommend that all travellers check with their GP prior to departure or refer to the Department of Health’s website.

You are recommended to obtain a comprehensive travel & medical insurance prior to travelling.

Every traveller to Kazakhstan require not only an official visa but also a Ministry approved invitation which allows the traveller to apply for a visa.

However at the moment UK nationals can obtain a single entry visa without an invitation. But please note that this can change at ant time without prior notice.

Worldmark Travel can obtain both of these items on your behalf. Please contact us for details.

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E-Mail Worldmark.uk@hrgworldwide.com

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