Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country — a place of continental scale where the steppe runs for days in every direction and the Altai and Tian Shan mountains rise sharply to the south and east. It is not a destination that rewards passive travel. The distances are real, the terrain and conditions is demanding, and the infrastructure outside the cities is minimal.
For us, that is exactly the point. tunduk runs trips here because Kazakhstan offers something increasingly rare: genuine space, genuine challenge, and a nomadic culture that has not been gift-wrapped for tourists. Our routes focus on mountain regions that connect Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Mongolia, and Russia, and which most travellers never reach.
We offer trips to Kazakhstan for a variety of reasons. It all started because the quality of the snow there rivals that of the most famous poweder destinations, yet barely someone knows about it. The energy of the Altai is unique. And the Kazakh taiga and steppe possess a silence and vastness that transform the way you move—and thus provide the foundation for unique nature experiences. Kazakhstan isn’t on the typical bucket list of adventure travelers—and that’s exactly why we’ve included the country in our program.
Kazakhstan is divided into distinct regions: the central steppe—vast, flat, and seemingly endless—gives way in the south and east to the Tian Shan and Altai mountain ranges. The Altai region, where we travel primarily, is characterized by taiga forest, glaciated peaks reaching 4500m, fast-flowing rivers, and high-alpine meadows. In winter, the snow cover is deep and reliable. In summer, the light is extraordinary—long days, vast skies, and a silence found only in remote places.
Continental and extreme. Winters in the Altai are long and cold (-20°C to -35°C at higher elevations), with heavy snowfall and limited daylight. Summers are short, warm, and dry (15 to 25°C in the mountains). The transitional seasons are short — spring arrives quickly and autumn ends abruptly. Altitude is a key factor: conditions at 3,000 m are significantly colder than in the valley. Always be prepared for rapid weather changes. High UV radiation at high altitudes year-round.
tunduk organizes ski tours in Kazakhstan from December through February, when snow conditions in the Altai are at their best. Summer tours run from June through September, with July and August offering the longest days and the most stable weather. Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are good off-season times for non-snow activities—mild temperatures and fewer visitors.
Flights to Almaty (ALA) or Astana (NQZ) — the main entry points for tunduk trips in Kazakhstan. Both airports offer direct connections from major European hubs. From there, tunduk handles all ground logistics. Domestic flights may be required for some trips — the distances should not be underestimated. And it’s worth planning a buffer day in Almaty — it’s a city well worth spending an extra day in.
Kazakhstan is a safe destination for adventure travel. As in any major city, petty crime occurs in Almaty—the usual precautions apply there as well. In the backcountry, the risks are environmental: altitude, cold, natural hazards, remote locations, and limited emergency services. tunduk plans all trips in accordance with an emergency response plan and carries the necessary equipment. We do not take groups into terrain that exceeds our safety limits. Travel insurance covering mountain rescue, evacuation, and repatriation is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided by every participant.
13 days · 4-6 pers. · from CHF 2900.-
Is it safe to travel in Kazakhstan?
>> Yes. Kazakhstan is a stable country with a low crime rate for travelers. In backcountry areas, the risks are environmental—altitude, cold, and remote locations. Tunduk manages these risks through rigorous route planning, the expertise of local guides, and mandatory travel insurance.
Do I need special permits for backcountry trips
>> Some border zones near Russia and China require permits. Tunduk arranges all necessary permits for our routes as part of the tour logistics.
What languages are spoken?
>> Kazakh and Russian are the official languages; both are widely spoken and understood, though in certain areas one of them is predominantly used. English is limited outside of Almaty.
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