Kazakhstan Steppe Highway
Kazakhstan
Across the world's largest landlocked country from the former capital Almaty to the space-age new capital Astana, through the Kazakh steppe's infinite flatness, past Lake Balkhash's bisected chemistry (fresh water in the west, salt in the east), and the Soviet-era coal city of Karaganda with its extraordinary Gulag history.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Almaty
Former capital at the foot of the Tian Shan. The Medeu ice rink at 1,691 m and the Central State Museum anchor Central Asia's most cosmopolitan city.
- Kapshagay Reservoir
A vast Soviet-era reservoir on the Ili River, 80 km north of Almaty. Windswept beaches and a scrubby steppe shore mark the first taste of the open plateau.
- Lake Balkhash
A 605 km lake uniquely split: fresh water in the west fed by the Ili River, salt water in the east. The Soviet copper smelter's silhouette lines the southern shore.
- Karaganda
A coal city built by Gulag labour. The ALZHIR camp museum 30 km north held wives of Soviet-era 'traitors'. Intact Stalinist architecture fills the wide centre.
- Astana
A capital built from scratch since 1997. The Bayterek tower, Khan Shatyr tent, and Nur-Astana mosque create an audacious skyline above the open steppe.
Where to Eat
- Kishlak RestaurantUzbek
Offers traditional Uzbek dishes like plov and shashlik in a cozy setting.
- Rixos President AstanaInternational
Luxury dining with a variety of international cuisines in an elegant atmosphere.
- Line Brew KaragandaSteakhouse
Renowned for its hearty steaks and home-brewed beers in a rustic ambiance.
- Balkhash Fish RestaurantSeafood
Specializes in fresh fish dishes sourced directly from Lake Balkhash.
- Sunduk RestaurantKazakh
Serves authentic Kazakh cuisine with live folk music performances.
Things to Do
- Big Almaty LakeNature
A stunning alpine lake surrounded by majestic mountains, ideal for hiking and photography.
- Baiterek TowerLandmark
Iconic observation tower offering panoramic views of Astana's skyline.
- KarLag MuseumMuseum
Museum dedicated to the history of the Karaganda labor camp system during Soviet times.
- Tamgaly PetroglyphsHistoric Site
UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient rock carvings dating back to the Bronze Age.
- Astana OperaCultural Venue
State-of-the-art opera house hosting performances of classical and contemporary works.
Travel advisory
The Almaty-to-Astana route runs entirely within Kazakhstan and does not cross an international border. Long stretches of steppe highway have no fuel or services for 200km or more, so plan fuel stops carefully. Roads are generally paved but can be damaged by extreme temperature cycles.