What are the most spectacular roads in Kazakhstan?
Tucked away in the central part of Asia, Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world. Due to its size, the country has countless spectacular roads, running through steppes, deserts and mountains. Remember to check carefully the weather before venturing on any drive as its climate ranges from arid and semi-arid in the south to continental in the north, with extreme temperatures in winter and summer.
With such a geography, and sharing borders with 5 countries: Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, the country is worth a visit. The most popular drive of the country is the Austrian Road, so-called because it was built by Austro-Hungarian WW1 prisoners in 1915. If you prefer driving on high mountain roads, Ozerny Pass is an international border pass at 3,514m (11,528ft) above sea level, on the border with Kyrgyzstan. It's said to be one of the most treacherous drives in the area.
Travel Guide to Talgar Pass
Pereval Talgarskiy is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.164m (10,380ft) above the sea level, located in the Talğar District of Almaty Region in Kazakhstan.
Pereval Ketmen'
Pereval Ketmen' is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.037m (9,963ft) above the sea level, located in Almaty Region, in south-eastern Kazakhstan, near the Chinese border.
Charyn Canyon
Located in the Almaty region of southern Kazakhstan, Charyn Canyon has been carved by the Charyn (Sharyn) River over millions of years.
How to drive to the international Pereval Maydantal?
Pereval Maydantal is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.544m (11,627ft) above sea level, located on the border of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The climb is a series of narrow zigzags, with some impressive drops to the valley below.
Driving the high-altitude mining track to Pereval Chon-Kokkiya
Pereval Chon-Kokkiya is a high-altitude mountain pass at an elevation of 2,790 meters (9,153 ft) above sea level, located on the international border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Positioned within the western Talas Range, the unpaved mountain road serves as an industrial border crossing primarily used by heavy mining trucks.
How to drive the road to Pereval Chunkur?
Pereval Chunkur is an international high mountain pass reaching an elevation of 3,111m (10,206ft) above sea level, situated on the border between the Jambyl Region of Kazakhstan and the Talas Region of Kyrgyzstan. The route is a significant logistical link across the Tian Shan range, spanning 26.7 km from the settlement of Uych-Emchek. The road is characterized by its mixed surface—combining paved and unpaved sectors—and a sustained vertical climb that requires disciplined engine management and specialized vehicle preparation.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Lokomotiv Peak
Pik Lokomotiv is a high mountain peak located in the Talğar District of Almaty Region in Kazakhstan.
Driving the Pereval Ak-Kiya: A 3,027m high-altitude dirt climb in Almaty
Located in the Talgar District of the Almaty Region, Pereval Ak-Kiya is a high-altitude challenge that tests the limits of any 4x4. Reaching an elevation of 3,027m (9,931ft) above sea level in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan, this is not just a mountain road; it is a raw, unpaved track that runs entirely above 2,500m, where the air is thin and the weather is unpredictable. The 58 km (36 miles) journey from Saty is a relentless test of mechanical endurance and driver focus.
The Road to Kazakhstan’s Forbidden Soviet Base: Emba-5 Still Hides Secrets
Emba 5, now known as Zhem, is a former Soviet military base located in western Kazakhstan. Once part of a Cold War testing complex, it has been mostly abandoned and faded from use. The road to reach it is long, rough, and passes through remote terrain, but it's still possible to get there by car. Here's what to know about the site - and the road that leads to it.