Kazakhstan has a fascinating history as a part of the Silk Road, which connected Europe and Asia through the exchange of goods, people, and ideas. Today, it has emerged as a flourishing economic center due to its abundant oil reserves and precious minerals. The country is home to many hidden treasures that will amaze you with their beauty and uniqueness. If you venture beyond the cities, you can explore its scenic mountain ranges, vast steppes, and boundless deserts.
For those wanting to explore the stunning country in Central Asia, here is some good news. Kazakhstan has recently made a significant move to boost its tourism industry by establishing its first international tourism office in India. The office will be headed by Kairat Sadvakassov, the chairman of Kazakh Tourism. This momentous occasion coincided with the SATTE travel exhibition in New Delhi, indicating a promising future for cultural and tourism exchange between the two countries.
Kairat Sadvakassov, the Chairman of Kazakh Tourism, has appointed Prashant Chaudhary as their representative in the Indian market. Chaudhary is the head of Salvia Promoters, a company that specialises in promoting markets in Central Asia and Russia. Sadvakassov expressed his happiness in establishing a presence in India, which he called "one of the most promising outbound tourism markets globally." He also outlined his plans to replicate this experience in other target markets. This partnership is significant as it showcases the growing importance of India in the worldwide tourism landscape and Kazakhstan's eagerness to welcome Indian travellers.
Incidentally, reports say that the Indian outbound tourism market is projected to exceed 50 million tourists by 2026. Kazakhstan could be the perfect holiday destination for Indian travellers with potential to host up to 500,000 tourists annually by then.
Not many know that Kazakhstan now offers a visa-free entry regime for Indian citizens, allowing for a visa-free stay for up to 14 days. The maximum duration of the visitor’s visa-free stay is 42 days within any 180-day period. This means you can explore Kazakhstan without worrying about applying for a visa or paying any fees. However, you still need to have a valid passport with at least 90 days of validity post-travel and a minimum of two blank pages.
Indian travellers will be happy to know that they can take a direct flight to Kazakhstan. The major cities for arrival are Shymkent, Almaty, and Astana (now Nur-Sultan). Two Kazakh airlines, Fly Arystan and Air Astana, offer regular flights. The best option right now is Almaty, the largest city and former capital of Kazakhstan. The flight is operated by Air Astana, the national carrier of Kazakhstan, and it takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. The flight is available four times a week. Almaty is an excellent starting point for your Kazakhstan adventure as it offers a mix of modern and Soviet-era architecture, cultural attractions, and easy access to the nearby mountains.