Kazakhstan

Almost the size of Western Europe yet with a population of just 19 million, Kazakhstan is a nation blanketed in rugged, scenic and unexplored landscapes. For the traveller eager to veer off the beaten track, little can compare: the vast steppes stretch as far as the eye can see, the Altai Mountains stand gracefully tall and the Charyn Canyon invites the adventurous spirit.

The most economically advanced of the ‘stans’, its burgeoning cities are a testament to its progress. The capital, Astana, is a 21st-century showcase of modern architecture and futuristic design – its skyline punctuated by the emblematic Bayterek Tower and the glimmering Khan Shatyr. Its largest city, Almaty, boasts the chic ALZhiR Museum-Memorial Complex, bustling shopping districts and an energetic nightlife.

Amidst its advancement, history still echoes throughout its landscapes, intertwined with ancient trading routes like Silk Road, where one can find ruined cities, fortresses and magnificent mausoleums, sustaining cultural inheritance from the Mongols, nomadic tribes and even the former Soviet Union.

A trip to Kazakhstan does not necessarily lend itself to the bucket list traveller; it’s not about ticking off the big sights, but forging your own course among paths seldom walked, while experiencing adventure and discovery in its purest form.