Roads of Kazakhstan

Sprawled across Central Asia, Kazakhstan is a mesmerizing tapestry of landscapes and history. As the world's ninth-largest country, it uniquely blends the vast expanses of its steppes with the rugged majesty of its mountain ranges, presenting driving enthusiasts with an array of experiences.

The Austrian Road stands as a poignant reminder of the nation's history, constructed by Austro-Hungarian WW1 prisoners in 1915. It winds through the countryside, offering a combination of scenic vistas and a journey back in time. The challenging Ozerny Pass, meanwhile, is not for the faint-hearted. It tests drivers with its unpredictable terrains, all while rewarding them with unparalleled views.

Then there's the M32, dubbed the Modern Silk Road. This iconic route captures Kazakhstan's strategic importance in connecting the East to the West, reminiscent of the ancient trade routes. Additionally, the Almaty-Bishkek highway is a testament to nature's grandeur, snaking its way through the impressive Tian Shan Mountains, and the A-2 highway, stretching towards the Russian border, provides a panoramic experience of the iconic Kazakh steppe.

The Austrian Road, so-called because it was built by Austro-Hungarian WW1 prisoners in 1915, is a marvel of engineering located in the Altai Mountains of East Kazakhstan. Its remoteness and lack of other traffic mean you should be able to take care of yourself.

The Western Europe-Western China (WE-WC) Highway is a transcontinental expressway linking China's Yellow Sea coast with Western Europe.

M32 is one of the main highways of Kazakhstan. It crosses the country, running from the Russian border towards the border with Kyrgyzstan. It’s a good road for those who wish to undertake such a journey to the heart of the country.

Pereval Ozernyy is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,514m (11,528ft) above sea level, located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It's said to be one of the most treacherous drives in the area.

Located in central Kazakhstan, the road from Jezkazgan to Kyzylorda is a challenging drive.

Burkhatskiy Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.137m (7,011ft) above the sea level, located in Katonkaragay district of East Kazakhstan Region in the eastern part of the country.

A27 is a major route in Kazakhstan. It’s an epic road trip linking the Russian border to Aktobe.

Located in the Mangystau Region of Kazakhstan the Underground Mosque of Sacred Beket Ata is a religious monument of architecture which dates back to the XVIII century.

Alatajsky Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.792m (5,879ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Kurshim and Katonkaragay districts of East Kazakhstan Region in the eastern part of the country.

The Tian-Shan astronomical observatory and Space Station of the Physical and Technical Institute (known as Kosmostantsiya) is an observatory at an elevation of 3.381m (11,092ft) above the sea level, located in Kazakhstan.

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.

Pereval Maydantal is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.544m (11,627ft) above the 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.

Pereval Chon-Kokkiya is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.790m (9,153ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Pereval Chunkuris an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.111m (10,206ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Located in the Almaty region of southern Kazakhstan, Charyn Canyon has been carved by the Charyn (Sharyn) River over millions of years.

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.

Pik Lokomotiv is a high mountain peak located in the Talğar District of Almaty Region in Kazakhstan.

Pereval Ak-Kiya is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.027m (9,931ft) above the sea level, located in Talgar District of Almaty Region in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan.