Kazakhstan 360°: Almaty, Turkestan and the Mangystau Desert in 4x4

This journey begins at Almaty. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.

Your Group Leader will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
 It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.

This journey ends at Aktau. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.

In this trip there will be many excursions that will allow us to fully appreciate the beauty of the destination, but none of them require particular physical preparation.

For this itinerary, traveling with a backpack is mandatory for logistical reasons and the convenience of the entire group - including yourself! Trolleys, bulky suitcases, or hard luggage are not allowed. The Travel Group Leader will provide guidance on the ideal baggage before departure via the WhatsApp group.

Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.

As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!

It depends on when you cancel, the status of your departure, and how much you have already paid. Here are all the cases.

If you cancel more than 31 days before departure - Tour not confirmed
You can cancel via email at hello@weroad.com

If it was your first unconfirmed booking (if you have more than one), nothing has been charged: no refund is needed.

If you paid the €/£/$100 deposit, the deposit is not refunded if you choose to cancel: you can, however, change trip from your MyWeRoad Personal Area and use the amount towards another departure.

The deposit is fully refunded only if WeRoad does not confirm the tour.

Tour confirmed – you paid only the €/£/$100 deposit
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the deposit paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Account and use the amount for another departure.

Tour confirmed – you paid the full amount
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the amount paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Area and use the amount for another departure.

If you cancel less than 31 days of departure
You can cancel your booking at any time. However, in case of cancellation of less than 31 days before departure, no refund of the amount paid is provided, nor is it possible to change your trip, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.
The private room fee, included in the price of your trip, is not refunded under any circumstances within this time frame, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.

If you have Flexible Cancellation
With Flexible Cancellation, for all departures from May 14 to September 30, 2026, you may cancel your trip up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund, whatever the reason. The only amount not refunded is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.

PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!

For any doubts about your specific situation, write to our team at hello@weroad.com - we’ll help you!

Yes, you can change your trip directly from your MyWeRoad personal area, up to 31 days before departure. If you purchased Flexible Cancellation, to give you maximum flexibility, for all departures from May 14 to September 30, 2026, you may cancel your trip up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund, whatever the reason.

How to change your trip from MyWeRoad

• Enter your booking
• Scroll to the “Change your trip” section at the bottom right
• Select a different date for the same trip or a completely different trip

Things to know

You can change your trip up to 3 times from your MyWeRoad personal area. Further changes must be requested by contacting our team at hello@weroad.com.
The new trip must depart within 12 months from the original departure date.
If your original booking included a private room, Flexible Cancellation, discount codes, gift cards, or vouchers, we will notify you before confirmation if they cannot be applied to the new trip.

You cannot switch to sold-out trips. For “On request” departures, we will check availability. For “Last spots” departures, availability in rooms of your same gender may not be guaranteed.
If there is a price adjustment: if the new trip costs less, we will refund the difference; if it costs more, you will need to pay the difference.

PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!

In some cases – for example when a departure is not yet confirmed and it is your first unconfirmed booking – you can book without paying the €/£/$100 deposit upfront.

This means that you can secure your spot at zero cost: nothing will be charged until the departure is confirmed. Once the departure is confirmed, the €/£/$100 deposit will be automatically charged within 48 hours according to the terms agreed at the time of booking.

Yes, but fees are non-refundable. If your plans change, you can modify your trip free of charge up to 31 days before departure.

How cancellation works Fees paid are not refundable in cash, regardless of whether your trip is confirmed or not. You can move your booking to another trip free of charge, up to 31 days before departure. After this deadline, changes are no longer possible.
Please note: if it's your first unconfirmed booking, you will only be asked to provide a credit card, PayPal, or Revolut as a guarantee, but nothing will be charged. From the second unconfirmed booking onwards, a mandatory £/$100 deposit will be required.

Exception: trip not confirmed by WeRoad If you wish to cancel, the rules above always apply. However, if WeRoad is the one not confirming the trip, you are entitled to a full refund of any amount paid.

Flexible Cancellation If you purchased the Flexible Cancellation option (available in the first step of the booking process), for all departures from May 14 to September 30, 2026, you may cancel your trip up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund, whatever the reason. The only non-refundable amount is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.

How to cancel your trip Write to hello@weroad.com indicating your booking code. We will reply as soon as possible applying the cancellation conditions for your booking.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!

We offer several payment methods to fit every need:

1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.

Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking. 

1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously. 

2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!

3. If the Group Leader has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. 

If a departure is “Open to book”, it means that the trip is not yet confirmed and we are waiting for a few more bookings… maybe yours!

The good news? If it’s your first booking on an unconfirmed departure, you can book without paying anything! Just. leave your credit card details as a guarantee: no immediate charge, €/£/$0 deposit.
In the meantime, wait for the departure to be confirmed before purchasing your round-trip flights!

Generally, our groups have an average of 11 people. Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to travelers between 18 and 49 years old. The indicated age is meant to give you an idea of the type of group, but it's not a strict limit: it's possible to participate even with a few years more or less, as long as you can keep up with the pace and energy of the group you're traveling with.

Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Group Leaders, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported. 

If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700. 

Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking. 
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked. 

Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!

For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.

The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!

For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation. 

The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!

The WeRoad Travel Group Leader is an experienced and skilled traveler who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too! 

The Group Leader will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Group Leader assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.

When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.

But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here. 

Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travelers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.

You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.

During the booking process, you can also choose to stay in a mixed-gender room. If needed, only travelers who have opted in to this option may share a room with travel companions of a different gender.

On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travelers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout. 

Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email hello@weroad.com if you have a preference on this. 

Find out the entry requirements for Kazakhstan, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Kazakhstan – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Kazakhstan spans across two time zones: East Kazakhstan Time (GMT+6) and West Kazakhstan Time (GMT+5).

• If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 6pm in East Kazakhstan and 5pm in West Kazakhstan.
• If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 10pm in East Kazakhstan and 9pm in West Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan doesn't observe daylight saving time, so these time differences remain constant throughout the year.

Kazakhstan covers two time zones. Western Kazakhstan operates on West Kazakhstan Time (UTC+5), while Eastern Kazakhstan uses East Kazakhstan Time (UTC+6). If it is 12 pm in the UK, it will be 5 pm in Western Kazakhstan and 6 pm in Eastern Kazakhstan. For the USA, if it is 12 pm Eastern Time, it will be 10 pm in Western Kazakhstan and 11 pm in Eastern Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan does not observe daylight saving time, so these time differences remain consistent throughout the year.

Kazakhstan uses the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) as its currency. The daily exchange rate is approximately:

• 1 GBP to 590 KZT
• 1 USD to 470 KZT
• 1 EUR to 510 KZT

You can exchange currency at banks, official exchange offices, and some hotels. Make sure to check rates as they can vary slightly between providers.

Kazakhstan uses the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) as its currency. The daily exchange rate can fluctuate, but on average you might expect:

• around 550 KZT for 1 GBP
• 450 KZT for 1 USD
• and 500 KZT for 1 EUR

You can exchange currency at banks, official exchange kiosks, and some hotels throughout the country. Always check for the latest rates before you exchange your money.

Payment methods in Kazakhstan include cash, credit cards, and mobile payments.

• Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops or rural areas.
• Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban areas.

Having a mix of payment options will ensure you're prepared for any situation.

In Kazakhstan, you can pay with cash, credit cards, and mobile payment apps. Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in cities, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller towns or markets. ATMs are common and dispense local currency, the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Using mobile apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay is becoming more popular in urban areas. Remember to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.

Tipping in Kazakhstan is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, you can leave around 10 percent of the bill as a tip if you are happy with the service. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, rounding up the fare or bill is a nice gesture. It's always good to carry some local currency for tipping, as not everyone accepts credit card tips.

Tipping in Kazakhstan is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a tip of around 10 percent is common if you've had good service. Taxis don't typically require tipping, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. For hotel staff like porters, a small tip is appreciated for good service. Keep some small local currency bills handy for tipping when you feel it's deserved.

In Kazakhstan, internet access is generally good in urban areas, but coverage can be spotty in rural regions. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and shopping centers in cities. However, for more reliable connectivity, especially if you're traveling around, we suggest you buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan. Popular providers include:

• Beeline
• Kcell
• Tele2

These offer various data packages that can suit your needs. Just make sure your phone is unlocked to use a local SIM.

In Kazakhstan, buying a local SIM card is a good idea for staying connected. Local providers like Kcell, Beeline, and Tele2 offer affordable plans with good coverage. You can purchase a SIM at the airport, in major cities, or at authorized retailers. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and public areas in larger cities, but it might be less reliable in rural regions. If you want consistent access, a local SIM or an e-SIM data plan is recommended.

In Kazakhstan, people mainly speak Kazakh and Russian. Kazakh is the state language, while Russian is commonly used in business and everyday communication. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Salam (Kazakh), Privet (Russian)
• Thank you: Rakhmet (Kazakh), Spasibo (Russian)
• Yes: Iya (Kazakh), Da (Russian)
• No: Zhok (Kazakh), Nyet (Russian)
• Please: Otinish (Kazakh), Pozhaluysta (Russian)

In Kazakhstan, the official language is Kazakh, but Russian is also widely spoken and understood. Here are some useful Kazakh expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Sälem
• Thank you: Rakhmet
• Please: Ötiniş
• Yes: Iä
• No: Joq

It's always nice to learn a few local phrases to enhance your travel experience!

Kazakhstan uses Type C and Type F plugs, which are the same as those used in most of Europe. The voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices are from the UK, the USA, or other countries with different plug types, we recommend you bring a universal adapter to ensure compatibility with Kazakhstani sockets. Always check your device's voltage compatibility to avoid any issues.

In Kazakhstan, the plugs are of type C and F. The voltage is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you're traveling from a country that uses different plug types, like the UK or the USA, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to charge your devices. Make sure your electronics are compatible with 220V to avoid any issues.

In Kazakhstan, the main religion is Islam, with a significant portion of the population being Muslim. It's important to note that Kazakhstan is a secular country, so religious practices can vary widely. However, if you're visiting, it's respectful to dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Women might consider wearing clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Important religious holidays include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are celebrated widely across the country.

In Kazakhstan, the main religion is Islam, with a majority of ethnic Kazakhs being Sunni Muslims. Although Kazakhstan is a secular state, many cultural practices are influenced by Islamic traditions. Important religious holidays include Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, which are widely celebrated. While visiting mosques or religious sites, women should consider covering their shoulders and wearing a headscarf, and both men and women should dress modestly by covering their knees.

Kazakhstan offers a variety of climates, so packing smartly is key. Here's a helpful list for your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight shirts and trousers for summer
  • Warm layers for winter, like a down jacket
  • A raincoat or umbrella
  • Swimwear if visiting the Caspian Sea
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals for warmer days
  • Waterproof boots for winter
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses and a hat
  • Portable charger
  • Travel adapter (Kazakhstan uses Type C and F plugs)
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Common travel medications like pain relievers and anti-diarrheal pills

When packing for Kazakhstan, consider its diverse climate and range of activities. Here's a handy list to help you get ready:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight layers for summer
  • Warm jacket for cool evenings
  • Waterproof jacket for rain
  • Scarf or shawl
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals for warmer weather
  • Hiking boots if you plan to explore nature
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Portable charger
  • Sunglasses
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Basic toiletries, like shampoo and toothpaste
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Common travel medication, such as pain relievers and anti-diarrheal pills

Kazakhstan can have extreme weather, so pack accordingly to stay comfortable during your travels.

Kazakhstan has a diverse climate due to its vast size, so the weather varies depending on the region and season.

• Northern Kazakhstan: Cold winters with temperatures dropping to -20°C, and warm summers around 25°C. Best time to visit is late spring or early autumn.
• Southern Kazakhstan: Milder winters, around -5°C, and hot summers reaching up to 30°C. Best time to visit is spring or autumn.
• Central Kazakhstan: Experiences extreme temperatures, with very cold winters and hot summers. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit.

Overall, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are generally the best times to travel for pleasant weather conditions.

Kazakhstan experiences a wide range of weather conditions due to its large size and diverse geography. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• Northern Kazakhstan: Cold winters and warm summers. Winters can drop to -20°C (-4°F), while summers reach around 30°C (86°F).
• Southern Kazakhstan: Mild winters and hot summers. Winter temperatures can be around 0°C (32°F), and summers can soar to 40°C (104°F).
• Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer comfortable temperatures and pleasant weather throughout the country.