What are the highlights of the central steppe?

Karkaraly's granite peaks, pine forest and lakes, the Bektau-Ata hills, and the historic Ulytau range at the symbolic centre of the Kazakh steppe.

When is the best time to visit?

May to September; late spring and early autumn are most comfortable on the open steppe, which is hot in midsummer and severe in winter.

Space, solitude and nomadic heritage — empty horizons, granite oases and long horse journeys, ideal for travellers after wilderness and history rather than high peaks.

Karaganda has an airport a few hours from Karkaraly; the deeper steppe is reached by road with a guide. Trips are organised with transfers and camp logistics.

Things to do in Central Steppe & Ulytau

The rocky heart of Kazakhstan is a land of granite hills, pine-island oases and steppe running unbroken to every horizon. This is the country's nomadic soul — the symbolic geographic centre at Ulytau, mausoleums of Silk Road khans, and the kind of empty space that makes a horse journey feel like time travel.

Granite oases

Trekking and rock climbing in Karkaraly National Park near Karaganda, and the weathered Bektau-Ata hills — startling islands of forest and lake in the steppe.

Steppe journeys

Ridge walks and history routes in Ulytau, long horse and cycling journeys across open grassland, and the birdlife of Kostanay's lakes. Open the Book here tab to see what is running.