Free Northern Kazakhstan Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Northern Kazakhstan
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Explore Northern Kazakhstan for vast steppe, forested lakes, historic railway towns, wildlife reserves and the Irtysh River landscape.

Northern Kazakhstan is a broad geographical region rather than a single administrative unit, stretching across the country’s northern steppe and forest-steppe belt. It encompasses the oblasts of North Kazakhstan, Kostanay, Akmola and Pavlodar, with Astana serving as the principal national gateway and transport hub. The landscape changes gradually from open grassland and grain-growing country in the west to lake districts, pine forests and the Irtysh River basin in the east.
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Petropavl, close to the Russian border, retains the atmosphere of a historic railway and trading town, while Kostanay reflects the agricultural importance of the northern steppe. Pavlodar stands beside the Irtysh, one of Eurasia’s great rivers, and is associated with riverfront parks, industry and access to the Bayanaul area. Akmola’s landscapes are more varied, particularly around Burabay, where granite hills, pinewoods and lakes create a marked contrast with the surrounding plains. Astana, although a separate city-level administrative area, is the region’s most important arrival point and a dramatic example of Kazakhstan’s contemporary capital-building project.
Nature is central to travel here. Burabay National Park is the best-known recreation area, combining forested hills, granite formations and lakes suitable for walking, boating and seasonal outdoor activities. Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve, south-west of Astana, protects wetlands that are important for migratory birds, including flamingos at the right time of year. In Kostanay Region, Naurzum State Nature Reserve preserves steppe, lakes and woodland habitats, while Bayanaul National Park in Pavlodar Region offers low mountains, unusual rock formations, pine groves and clear lakes. These protected areas are widely separated, so a satisfying itinerary requires careful planning rather than an assumption that they can be visited as short day trips from one base.
The region’s history is visible in ancient burial mounds, archaeological landscapes, Russian-era settlements, Soviet agricultural development and the infrastructure of the Trans-Siberian railway corridor. Northern Kazakhstan also occupies a significant place in the country’s multi-ethnic social history, with Kazakh traditions existing alongside communities whose ancestors arrived through imperial settlement, industrial migration and the Soviet period. Food reflects both steppe pastoral culture and northern agricultural production: mutton, beef, dairy products, bread, grains and tea are everyday staples, while urban restaurants increasingly introduce international and contemporary Kazakh cooking.
Travel here rewards visitors who allow time for distance, weather and landscape. Summer brings long daylight, warm days and accessible nature reserves, whereas winter can be severely cold, windy and disruptive to road travel. The appeal lies less in a compact circuit of famous sights than in the contrast between young modern cities, old railway towns, immense horizons, protected wetlands, pine forests and river landscapes. A well-planned journey reveals northern Kazakhstan as a region of ecological variety and layered frontier history within the wider republic.

When is the best time to visit Northern Kazakhstan?

Best: June–August · 25–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-719
February-617
March222
April1425
May2034
June (best)2529
July (best)2726
August (best)2521
September1919
October1116
November120
December-521

Getting to and around Northern Kazakhstan

How to get there

Astana is the principal international gateway to northern Kazakhstan and has the region’s strongest air and rail connections. Domestic flights and long-distance trains link the capital with Petropavl, Kostanay and Pavlodar, although routes and frequencies change. Astana’s railway station is a major national interchange. Visitors may also enter from Russia by land or rail through northern border crossings, subject to current immigration and border regulations. Because the region is extensive, choose the gateway closest to the first intended destination rather than assuming every journey can be made conveniently from Astana.

Transportation

Long-distance trains are an important way to move between the principal cities and can be more practical than driving on very long routes. Intercity buses and shared taxis serve many settlements, while private cars are useful for Burabay, Korgalzhyn, Naurzum and Bayanaul, especially where public transport is limited. Roads vary in quality and winter weather can create delays or temporary disruption. Within cities, taxis and ride-hailing services are widely used, but rural visitors should arrange return transport in advance. Outdoor areas may require a local driver, guide or authorised excursion.

Top city travel guides in Northern Kazakhstan

The cities of Northern Kazakhstan, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Northern Kazakhstan

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Northern Kazakhstan

Northern Kazakhstan’s attractions are spread across a large landscape of cities, steppe, wetlands, lakes and forested uplands. Burabay National Park in Akmola Region is the most established recreation area, with walking routes, pine woods, granite formations and lakes around the resort settlement of Burabay. South of Astana, Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve protects extensive wetlands and is valued by birdwatchers for migratory species, including flamingos in suitable seasonal conditions. Naurzum State Nature Reserve in Kostanay Region offers another important combination of steppe, lakes and woodland, while Bayanaul National Park in Pavlodar Region provides a more enclosed mountain-and-lake setting with distinctive rock formations. Urban attractions include museums, theatres, galleries and historic streets in Petropavl, Kostanay and Pavlodar, alongside Astana’s contemporary civic architecture. Visitors interested in Soviet history can explore the planned agricultural and industrial landscapes around northern towns, although access to some sites is best arranged locally. The region’s appeal lies in the contrast between open horizons and concentrated pockets of forest, water and wildlife rather than in a single dense cluster of monuments.

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Best landmarks in Northern Kazakhstan

Northern Kazakhstan’s most recognisable landmarks include both natural formations and evidence of settlement history. Burabay’s forested granite hills and lakes form the region’s best-known natural landscape, with rock formations such as Okzhetpes and Zhumbaktas embedded in local legend and national tourism imagery. Bayanaul National Park has a different visual character, marked by low mountains, rounded rock outcrops and lakes set within the Pavlodar steppe. The Irtysh River is a defining geographical landmark at Pavlodar, where the broad waterway shapes the city’s parks and riverfront views. Petropavl’s historic centre retains traces of its eighteenth-century fortress origins and later merchant development, while Kostanay’s streets reflect its role as an agricultural and administrative centre. Astana’s modern skyline, including major government and civic buildings, represents independent Kazakhstan’s capital project rather than older regional architecture. Across the northern plains, ancient burial mounds and archaeological landscapes are important cultural landmarks, although many are remote, less visually dramatic and accessible only with suitable local arrangements.

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Explore Northern Kazakhstan on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Northern Kazakhstan

Dining in northern Kazakhstan combines Kazakh pastoral traditions with the agricultural and cosmopolitan influences of the northern cities. Menus commonly include beshbarmak, kuyrdak, manti, lagman, soups, grilled meat, horse-meat products, baursak and a wide range of dairy foods, while Russian, Tatar, Korean and broader Central Asian influences are also encountered. Astana, Pavlodar, Petropavl and Kostanay offer the greatest choice, from contemporary restaurants and international cafés to canteens, bakeries and traditional dining rooms. Outside the cities, roadside cafés and family-run establishments are often more practical than formal restaurants. Northern farming supports the availability of wheat products, potatoes, vegetables and locally produced dairy, while tea remains central to hospitality. Around Burabay and Bayanaul, restaurants and guesthouses cater to visitors seeking filling meals after outdoor activities, but choice may be seasonal. Markets are useful for bread, fruit, nuts and locally made dairy products, though food availability varies considerably between urban centres and remote settlements.

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Best bars in Northern Kazakhstan

Evening life in Northern Kazakhstan is concentrated in Astana and the larger regional cities rather than distributed evenly across the countryside. Astana has the broadest selection of cocktail bars, modern restaurants, live-music venues and clubs, while Pavlodar, Petropavl and Kostanay offer city-centre bars, cafés, karaoke venues and a smaller late-night scene. Traditional tea houses and restaurants provide a quieter alternative, and some hotels have lounges aimed at business travellers. In Burabay and Bayanaul, nightlife is generally seasonal and linked to resort accommodation, restaurants and outdoor tourism rather than a permanent club district. Smaller towns rely on cafés, family restaurants and occasional cultural performances. Visitors should expect distances between rural settlements and arrange transport rather than drink and drive; local evening culture does not depend solely on alcohol, and tea, conversation and shared meals remain important social forms.

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Best nightclubs in Northern Kazakhstan

Evening life in Northern Kazakhstan is concentrated in Astana and the larger regional cities rather than distributed evenly across the countryside. Astana has the broadest selection of cocktail bars, modern restaurants, live-music venues and clubs, while Pavlodar, Petropavl and Kostanay offer city-centre bars, cafés, karaoke venues and a smaller late-night scene. Traditional tea houses and restaurants provide a quieter alternative, and some hotels have lounges aimed at business travellers. In Burabay and Bayanaul, nightlife is generally seasonal and linked to resort accommodation, restaurants and outdoor tourism rather than a permanent club district. Smaller towns rely on cafés, family restaurants and occasional cultural performances. Visitors should expect distances between rural settlements and arrange transport rather than drink and drive; local evening culture does not depend solely on alcohol, and tea, conversation and shared meals remain important social forms.

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Best shops in Northern Kazakhstan

Shopping in Northern Kazakhstan ranges from modern retail in Astana to practical high streets, markets and independent stores in Petropavl, Kostanay and Pavlodar. Astana offers the widest selection of shopping centres, fashion retailers, bookshops and contemporary design stores, while the regional cities are more useful for everyday goods, local food and traditional products. Covered markets and bazaars are places to look for dried fruit, nuts, honey, dairy products, breads and packaged regional foods, although availability and presentation vary. Visitors seeking Kazakh gifts can consider felt goods, embroidered textiles, leather items, jewellery, ceramics and decorative objects, but should buy from reputable sellers and ask about materials. Around Burabay and Bayanaul, small seasonal outlets may stock local snacks and simple handicrafts rather than specialist products. Russian and Kazakh books, tea, confectionery and regional food products make practical souvenirs. In rural districts, opening arrangements and card facilities can be less predictable, so carry tenge and do not leave all shopping until the final day.

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Northern Kazakhstan essentials

Currency and Payment
Northern Kazakhstan uses the national currency of Kazakhstan, the tenge (KZT). Major hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and transport services in Astana, Petropavl, Kostanay and Pavlodar commonly accept bank cards and contactless payments. Cash remains useful in smaller towns, roadside businesses, markets and rural districts, and ATMs may be less readily available outside urban centres. Keep some tenge in modest denominations, particularly when travelling to national parks or nature reserves. Exchange facilities are generally easier to find in cities than in remote areas.
Safety
Ordinary precautions regarding belongings, late-night travel and unofficial taxis are appropriate in the region’s towns and cities. Outdoor risks deserve equal attention: open steppe areas offer little shelter, roads can be long and isolated, and winter cold, ice and blowing snow may become hazardous quickly. In parks and reserves, remain on permitted routes, carry water and follow guidance about wildlife, fire and weather. Travellers driving between settlements should check fuel, communications and road conditions before departure. In summer, sun exposure and ticks may also be relevant in grassland and forested areas.
Emergency Situations
Kazakhstan’s national emergency number is 112, which can coordinate urgent assistance; 101 is used for fire services, 102 for police and 103 for ambulance services. Mobile coverage is strongest in urban areas and along main routes, with gaps possible in remote steppe, reserve and park landscapes. Tell accommodation staff or a local guide about remote excursions, and carry identification and essential medication. For serious outdoor incidents, assistance may take time to reach isolated locations, so preparation, offline maps and suitable clothing are particularly important.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting mosques, memorials or family homes, and remove shoes where local hosts request it. Ask before photographing people, religious spaces or sensitive infrastructure. In rural areas and protected landscapes, do not leave litter, drive off authorised tracks or collect plants and archaeological objects. Kazakh and Russian are both widely encountered, but a few polite Kazakh phrases are appreciated. Tipping is not governed by a single regional rule; check whether a service charge is included and offer a modest gratuity for good service when appropriate.
Local Tips
Plan by landscape as well as by city: Burabay suits forest and lake excursions, Korgalzhyn is centred on wetlands and birdlife, Naurzum combines steppe and woodland, and Bayanaul offers low mountains and lakes. Protected areas can have access rules, guide requirements and seasonal limitations, so confirm arrangements before setting out. Petropavl and Kostanay are useful bases for understanding the northern agricultural belt, while Pavlodar is the natural urban starting point for the Irtysh and Bayanaul direction. Summer daylight is generous, but winter travel requires deliberate scheduling and weather checks.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloСәлем[Sälem]
GoodbyeСау болыңыз[Sau bolyŋyz]
YesИә[Iä]
NoЖоқ[Joq]
Please/You're welcomeӨтініш/Рақмет[Ötiniş/Raqmet]
Thank youРақмет[Raqmet]
Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз[Keshiriniz]
How are you?Сіз қалайсыз?[Siz qalaysyz?]
Fine. And you?Жақсы. Ал сіз?[Jaqsy. Al siz?]
Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшынша сөйлейсіз бе?[Siz aǵylshynşa söyleýsiz be?]
I don't understandМен түсінбедім[Men tüsіnbedim]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМәзірді көргім келеді, өтініш[Mäzirdi körgim keledi, ötiniş]
I don't eat meatМен ет жемеймін[Men et zhemeymin]
Cheers!Тост![Tost!]
I would like to pay, pleaseМен төлеуді қалаймын, өтініш[Men töleýdi qalaymyn, ötiniş]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Көмектесіңіз![Kömektesiñiz!]
Go away!Кетіңіз![Ketiñiz!]
Call the Police!Полиция шақырыңыз![Politsiya şaqyryñyz!]
Call a doctor!Дәрігер шақырыңыз![Däriger şaqyryñyz!]
I'm lostМен жоғалып кеттім[Men joǵalyp kettim]
I'm illМен ауырып жатырмын[Men awyryp jatyrmyn]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Мен сатып алғым келеді...[Men satıp algım keledi...]
I'm just lookingМен тек қарап жатырмын[Men tek qarap jatyrmyn]
How much is it?Бұл қанша тұр?[Bul qanşa tur?]
That's too expensiveБұл тым қымбат[Bul tym qymbat]
Can you lower the price?Бағаны төмендетсеңіз болады ма?[Baǵany tömendedseñiz bolady ma?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Сағат қанша?[Saǵat qanşa?]
It's one o'clockБұл бір сағат[Bul bir saǵat]
Half past (10)Он жарым[On jarım]
MorningТаң[Taŋ]
AfternoonТүстен кейін[Tüsten keyin]
EveningКеш[Kesh]
YesterdayКеше[Keshе]
TodayБүгін[Bügіn]
TomorrowЕртең[Erteŋ]
1Бір[Bir]
2Екі[Eki]
3Үш[Üş]
4Төрт[Tört]
5Бес[Bes]
6Алты[Alty]
7Жеті[Jeti]
8Сегіз[Segiz]
9Тоғыз[Toǵyz]
10Он[On]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Қайда...?[Qayda...?]
What's the address?Мекенжайыңыз қандай?[Mekenjayıñız qandai?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Маған (картада) көрсете аласыз ба?[Maǵan (kartada) körsete alasız ba?]
When's the next (bus)?Келесі (автобус) қашан?[Kelesі (avtobus) qaşan?]
A ticket (to ....)Билет (....ға)[Bilet (....ǵa)]

History of Northern Kazakhstan

Early Steppe Cultures and Bronze Age Heritage

Northern Kazakhstan contains archaeological evidence of communities that lived through the Bronze Age and later periods of steppe pastoralism, metalworking and long-distance exchange. Sites and burial landscapes across the northern plains show how populations adapted to grassland, river valleys and seasonal movement. The region formed part of the wider Eurasian steppe zone, where technologies, animals and cultural practices travelled across enormous distances. Much of this heritage is encountered through archaeological research rather than monumental ruins, but it provides important context for understanding the region’s later history of mobility, pastoralism and interaction between settled and nomadic communities.

Turkic and Steppe Political Traditions

From late antiquity through the medieval period, northern Kazakhstan was influenced by successive Turkic and steppe polities. Control of pasture, river routes and caravan connections shifted between confederations and khanates, while cultural and linguistic influences spread across the steppe. The territory later associated with the Kazakh Middle Horde was especially important to the historical development of northern and central Kazakhstan. Although few medieval urban monuments survive across the open plains, the period remains visible in oral traditions, archaeological remains and the enduring significance of seasonal movement, livestock and clan networks in Kazakh historical memory.

Russian Frontier Expansion and New Settlements

Russian expansion into the northern Kazakh steppe accelerated from the eighteenth century, supported by frontier forts, military lines and trading settlements. Petropavl, founded as a fortress in 1752 on the Ishim River, became an important centre of commerce and administration. Other settlements developed along river corridors and routes linking Siberia with the steppe. This process brought new administrative structures, agricultural colonisation and demographic change, while also transforming relations with Kazakh communities. The resulting mixture of steppe traditions, Russian settlement history and later industrial development remains a defining feature of northern Kazakhstan.

Railways, Agriculture and Imperial-Era Towns

The expansion of railways in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries connected northern Kazakhstan more closely with Siberia, European Russia and Central Asian markets. Railway stations and planned streets helped towns such as Petropavl and Kostanay grow as centres for grain trade, administration and services. The northern steppe became increasingly associated with cereal cultivation as settlers, new technologies and commercial agriculture altered the landscape. Several towns retain traces of this period in their street plans, merchant buildings, religious architecture and railway infrastructure, although later Soviet reconstruction changed much of their appearance.

Soviet Collectivisation and Industrial Transformation

The Soviet period brought profound changes to northern Kazakhstan. Collectivisation disrupted traditional pastoral life and contributed to severe famine in Kazakhstan during the early 1930s, with lasting demographic and social consequences. Later, state farms and large-scale grain production transformed the northern steppe, particularly during the Virgin Lands campaign launched in the 1950s. Industrial growth also expanded around Pavlodar and other urban centres, while railways and planned towns supported migration from across the Soviet Union. The region’s agricultural fields, industrial cities and diverse population are closely connected to these twentieth-century transformations.

Independent Kazakhstan and the Rise of Astana

After Kazakhstan became independent in 1991, northern Kazakhstan entered a period of political, economic and urban change. The relocation of the national capital from Almaty to Akmola in 1997, followed by its renaming as Astana, accelerated development in the northern steppe. Astana grew into a major administrative, architectural and transport centre, while established cities such as Petropavl, Kostanay and Pavlodar continued to serve regional agricultural, industrial and educational roles. The modern region therefore combines Soviet-era infrastructure and older settlement patterns with the ambitious, rapidly evolving capital landscape.

Northern Kazakhstan in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Northern Kazakhstan

Explore Northern Kazakhstan with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, and more for a memorable journey.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Discover Northern Kazakhstan like never before with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Plan your trip, explore attractions, book experiences, and navigate with ease.

  • Historical insights and travel essentials for Northern Kazakhstan
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases
  • Global coverage with information on 7,000+ destinations

Imagine stepping into the untamed beauty of Northern Kazakhstan, where every corner holds a new adventure. With Evendo, you have a comprehensive travel companion that ensures you don't miss a single sight or experience. From the bustling city of Petropavl to the serene beauty of the Burabay National Park, Evendo equips you with detailed information on all the top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Dive into the rich history of Northern Kazakhstan with our extensive guides. Whether you are exploring the ancient ruins of Abai or enjoying the local cuisine at the famous Zimniy Sad restaurant, Evendo provides local tips, maps, contact details, and images to make your journey seamless and enriching. The 'Near Me' feature ensures you always know what's around you, while curated local tips help you experience the region like a true local.

Booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences has never been easier. Forget the hassle of juggling multiple platforms; Evendo consolidates everything you need in one place. Whether you're looking for a night out in the lively bars of Kostanay or planning a tranquil stay at a boutique hotel in Kokshetau, Evendo has you covered. And the best part? The app is completely free, with no hidden costs or in-app purchases. Plus, with global coverage of over 7,000 destinations, Evendo is your travel guide for life.

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