A relatively densely populated area, South Kazakhstan, and a land that has seen a lot of history. Especially through this part of the country many branches of the Silk Road went, as a result of which were built many cities - and destroyed again. Several ruines can still be visited, as well as preserved buildings, the most famous of which is the mausuleum of prophet Khoja Ahmed Yasawi from 1389 in Turkestan.

This is a part of Kazakhstan where many Uzbeks live and few Russians, hence the presence and influence of Islam is larger than in other parts of the country. (But there is no risk whatsoever for non-Muslims).

Also here one finds a wide diversity in nature, although steppe and (semi-)desert are predominant. There's the great Syr Darya river, its water heavily used for the intensive cotton farming in this area. There are several high mountain ranges in the border areas with Kyrgystan and Uzbekistan, where even snowleopards still survive.

In the far west of this region lies the notorious Aral Lake, half the size of its older self, because of large-scale tapping from the feeding rivers for the cotton. The shrinkage has come to a halt and the lake is even growing in size due to succesfull projects to turnaround this environmental disaster.

Relatively close to the Aral Lake is situated another phenomenom of Kazakhstan (or Russia), namely the internationally renowned space-center Baikanur. Situated in Kazakhstan, rented and operated by Russia. It's possible to visit Baikanur, though the paperwork via Moscow takes some time and it's not a budget tour. We are glad to be able to offer tours to Baikanur.

However, for the majority of the visitors in South Kazakhstan the prime interest lies in the rich history and her remains, often in combination with a visit to the wonderful and well-accessible nature reserve of Aksu Jabagly, with lovely nature and good facilities, just a nighttrain away from Almaty.

Finally, a visit to South Kazakhstan can easily be combined with a visit to neighbouring Uzbekistan and/or Kyrgystan, and we do offer tours in these countries as well.