Central Asia not only consists of Kazakhstan, but also the neighbouring countries Uzbekistan, Kyrgystan, Turkmenistan and Tadjikistan. And basically also the Chinese province of Xinjiang which has historically and culturally much more in common with Central Asia than with China.

That's why we offer a number of programmes ('modules') in these countries, which you may combine with a program in Kazakhstan. At this moment we can offer programs in all the above mentioned countries except for Tadjikistan. The touristic highlights of these countries are:

Kyrgystan

The smaller (and poorer) neighbour in the south, a people that the Kazakhs have most in common with. Kyrgystan is often called the 'Switzerland of Central Asia', not because of its banking system but because of the mountainous character of the country. Just like the Kazakhs the Kyrgys have a nomadic background and especially in Kyrgystan you'll find many summer nomads, grazing their herds and living with their families in yurts.
Except for trekkings, horseriding and other active holidays you can relax at the Issyk Kul lake, the pearl of Kyrgystan at a height of 1.800 meter.
Compared with Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan is less developed, less diverse but concise and cheaper.

Uzbekistan
The other direct neighbour of Kazakhstan, and one with which the mutual relations are not so good, as both countries aspire Central Asian leadership. Uzbekistan is by far the most visited country in the region, especially because of its beautiful ancient cities Samarkand, Buchara and Khiva.
Uzbeks are not and have never been nomads, and therefore the culture is completely different from the Kazakh and Kyrgyz culture. This is the land of cotton, with a more varied cuisine less based on meat and relatively more on fruits and vegetables.
Uzbekistan is nowhere as far as Kazakhstan in developing its economy (and politics), as a result of which the country is less Westernized, more traditional and also cheaper, thanks to an omnipresent black money market.

Turkmenistan
The black sheep of the region, at least until the death of the Leader Turkmenbashi in 2006. Now it seems the country is somewhat opening up, also because of its huge gas reserves.
Naturally Turkmenistan is a big sandbox, but beneath the sand and in the oases can be found fascinating ruines of ancient cities like Merv, Mary and Konye Urgench.
Interesting is also the capital Ashgabat, a combination of old Turkmen culture and modern megalomanie.

Xinjiang (China)
Bordering with Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan and Tadjikistan, you'll find many representatives of these country living here, along with the Uygurs and Han Chinese. Since the early 2000's it's possible to cross into Xinjiang from Kazakhstan by train, reaching Urumqi. From Urumqi highlights of Xinjiang like Turfan and Kashgar can be visited.
A spectacular border crossing is the one over the Torugart Pass between Xinjiang and Kyrgystan.