Atyrau - Uralsk - Shymkent - Almaty - Zharkent

Kazakhstan! Steppes, winds, horses, camels and endless bad roads. The soil in most of Kazakhstan is almost lifeless - sand, stones. Only prickly bushes and grass grow. The strongest winds walk in the steppes, which do not cease either in winter or in summer. The local people joke that the wind in Kazakhstan blows twice a year - half a year in one direction, and six months in another.
We drove all of Kazakhstan in transit. For 5 days managed to visit the northern, southern and middle parts of the country. We were amazed at how different the weather is in different regions. In the north, near the city of Uralsk, it was snowing and was more minus 10 degrees. With the strongest wind it was unbearably cold. And after two days of traveling by bus we came to the hot Shymkent. In early November this southern city was plus 32 degrees, but the steppes still continued. But the eastern side surprised us with the beauty of nature. At last the trees began to appear, and closer to Almaty mountains have grown on the horizon. A real city with snow-capped peaks!
Still in the country there is its own sea, lakes with half-salt half fresh water, forests, fields and a lot of oil. Amazing and very contrasting Kazakhstan. People! Kazakhs, or as they correctly call themselves - Kazakh people. in the country there are only about 18 million people. At first glance, severe restrained and unsmiling, but it is worth talking to them and immediately reveals the whole beauty of the soul of local people. Kazakhs are funny, curious, respecting their traditions and culture, infinitely generous, hospitable and deeply believing people. By the way, the main religion in Kazakhstan is Islam.
For a short 5 days we have a lot of good friends and we are infinitely happy to get acquainted with everyone. This people has much to learn. They know their history, respect the elders and raise children with love. The main value for them is the family. All generations spend time together from birth to old age. We hope to return again and travel around this amazing land properly, without hurrying anywhere. And now the road continues!