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The Best Guide to Travel in Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know to visit Kazakhstan in 2024

This is the most complete and updated online guide to travel in Kazakhstan. If you find yourself fascinated by this vast, beautiful country and love unusual destinations , this travel guide will tell you everything you need to know to prepare you to visit Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan , a former Soviet republic, is a Central Asian country that extends West from the Caspian Sea to the Altai Mountains in the East. It’s one of the few countries in the world that can still be considered an off-the-beaten-path destination.

Kazakhstan borders both Russia and China and is the 9th largest country in the world so there’s a lot for you to explore. The word Kazakhstan literally translates to ‘the Land of the Wanderers’.

From arid plains, endless steppes, and dusty desert villages where you’ll see more camels than people; to lush valleys, snow-capped mountains, and modern cities, travel in Kazakhstan will surprise you every step of the way.

This travel guide will provide you with useful and up-to-date travel information regarding Covid 19, Kazakhstan travel tips, and recommendations to visit Kazakhstan.

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Kazakhstan Travel Essentials & Resources

• 18 useful things you should know to visit Kazakhstan
• Plan your trip:  Itinerary Planning for Kazakhstan
• Tours & Experiences:  City Tours, Adventure Tours
• Visa:   Check the required Kazakhstan travel documents!
• Getting there:  Search for flights to Almaty or Nur Sultan
• Where to stay :  Find a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or homestay in Kazakhstan
• Travel Insurance:   Choose the best travel insurance for Kazakhzstan
• Getting around :  Rent a car in Kazakhstan  or  travel by train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Visit Kazakhstan in 2024 – Kazakhstan Entry Requirements

As the world regains some kind of new ‘normal’ following the global pandemic, it’s really important that you do your research on the current regulations in place regarding Covid-19.

You may be wondering, ‘is Kazakhstan open for tourism?’ and the answer would be yes. The majority of Kazakhstan travel restrictions have been lifted and international flights into and out of the country have now resumed. All commercial flights to and from Kazakhstan are operating as normal too.

1.1 Kazakhstan entry Requirements COVID

Travelers arriving in Kazakhstan no longer need to present a negative PCR test result or proof of vaccination.

Almost all Covid restrictions have been lifted in Kazakhstan, except for medical facilities where face coverings must still be worn.

Upon taking your outgoing flight from Kazakhstan, you may be screened and have your temperature taken and assessed for any coronavirus symptoms. It’s still important that you check with your airline for the latest updated travel information.

1.2 Kazakhstan vaccination requirements

It is not compulsory to get any vaccinations in order to travel to Kazakhstan. You only need proof of a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country where there’s a risk of yellow fever.

2.  Do I need a visit to travel in Kazakhstan?

2.1 kazakhstan visa requirements.

For the last few years, due to the global pandemic, Kazakhstan’s visa-free regime has been suspended. However, in 2022, it has now been reinstated. If your country is on this list , you’ll have to apply for a visa at the embassy where your residence is.

However, the embassies are willing to make an exception if you don’t have an embassy in your home country. Find out what you need to apply for a visa for Kazakhstan here .

There is a list of the countries eligible to visit Kazakhstan without a visa. If your country is on the list , you’ll get a free visa (in the form of a stamp and a registration card) on arrival at the airport or at any land border.

The Kazakhstan Tourist visa is valid for a single visit of up to 30 days, two visits of up to 30 days each within a 60-day period, or three visits of up to 30 days each within a 90-day period.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of three months beyond the expiry date of your visa. Your passport should also have at least 1 blank page for your visa.

When visiting Kazakhstan, no matter if arriving in the country at the airport or at a land border, all visitors must fill in a registration card . This card will then be stamped twice at passport control upon arrival, showing that you’re registered. If you only see one stamp, make sure you ask nicely for the second one.

You must then keep this registration card with you throughout your stay in Kazakhstan. If you don’t have this card with you when you leave the country, you will have to pay a fine or even face deportation.

However, since 10 January 2020, it’s the responsibility of the host or hotel to register travelers. They have to do this within three working days from the date of the guest’s arrival in Kazakhstan and can be done on the Visa and Migration online portal or in writing to the Migration Service.

Travelers who need to obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to visit Kazakhstan, must register with the Migration Police. 

2.2 Can I extend my Kazakhstan visa?

It is no longer permitted to enter and re-enter visa-free as many times as you like, indefinitely.

Now all visa-free nationalities are only allowed a maximum of 90 days within 180 days of traveling in Kazakhstan . You can still leave and re-enter the same day. A tourist visa however can not be changed or extended once issued.

2.3 What happens if I overstay my Kazakhstan Visa?

If you happen to overstay your visa whilst in Kazakhstan, you’ll need to go to the nearest OVIR station and pay $4 for an extension and a B20 exit visa valid for up to 15 days.

Extensions are usually only granted for reasons such as flight cancellations or emergency medical care.

3. When is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?

Depending on what you want to do during your trip, you can visit Kazakhstan any time of the year. Kazakhstan has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers and the temperature will vary depending on the region of the country.

The period between May – October is the best time to visit Kazakhstan, especially the northern region and the southeastern region. The temperatures are not too high to go hiking and camping in places like Charyn Canyon , the Kolsai Lakes and the Tian Shan mountains around Almaty as well as in the highlands of the Altai mountain range.

If you can cope with the heat, it’s also a good period to go on a road trip or a train trip through the steppes and visit other parts of the country .

Spring and Autumn each last for about a month every year: April and October in the south, and May and September in the north.

The temperature on average can be a pleasant 20°C which is ideal for sightseeing in the steppes and visiting the cities and areas in the south of the country.

The 26 best and most beautiful places to visit in Kazakhstan

3.1 What is the hottest month in Kazakhstan?

The Summer in Kazakhstan is between late May and September and the hottest month is July. The summers in the south of the country and in the steppes can be scorching hot with temperatures known to reach 40°C (104°f).

4. Kazakhstan Travel Insurance

It’s not mandatory to have travel insurance if you are traveling to Kazakhstan. However, it’s always a good idea to have international travel insurance just in case the unforeseeable happens.

If you don’t have travel insurance yet, I highly recommend  IATI travel insurance  as it covers both medical costs and theft or the budget-friendly travel medical insurance by  SafetyWing .

The 3 best travel insurance companies compared!

5. What is the best way to get to Kazakhstan?

You can fly to Kazakhstan, enter by road via a border crossing, or by taking a cargo ship across the Caspian Sea .

5.1 Flying into Kazakhstan

There are many daily international flights to Kazakhstan.

There are the 3 main international airports in Kazakhstan: Almaty International Airport (ALA), Astana International Airport (TSE) and Shymkent International Airport (CIT). 

5.2 How to travel to Kazakhstan by road

Kazakhstan shares borders with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan , Uzbekistan , and Turkmenistan.

Are you planning to travel overland between the Central Asian countries? Then the following guides will come in handy:

• How to get from Almaty to Tashkent (Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan) by train or bus?
• How to get from Almaty to Bishkek (Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan) by bus?
• How to get from Bishkek to Almaty (Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan) by bus?

For information about the different border crossings, read this page on Caravanistan

5.3 How to travel to Kazakhstan By boat

I entered Kazakhstan by taking a cargo ship from Baku (Azerbaijan) to Aktau (port in West Kazakhstan) across the Caspian Sea.

8 things you need to know about how to cross the Caspian Sea from Baku to Aktau by ferry.

6. IS Kazakhstan a safe country to visit?

A lot of people are concerned about travel safety in Kazakhstan because of the ‘stan’ part. But I can assure you, it’s very safe to travel in this vast country!

Kazakhstan is not a country where you’ll see a lot of violence. The majority of the locals are very helpful and hospitable and the only way you might get hurt is from a bad hangover from drinking too much vodka.

Some people are concerned about travel safety in Kazakhstan, but it’s very safe to travel in this vast country. There are the normal risks of pickpockets and petty crime, and travelers are advised to be cautious of corrupt police. They are also advised to be cautious at night in and around clubs and bars. However, Kazakhstan is generally a very friendly country and foreigners are respected.

I have walked many times on the streets in Almaty and Shymkent alone at night as a woman and not once did I feel uncomfortable or unsafe. During our road trip through the steppes , I’ve never encountered a person who wanted to harm me and my friends in any way.

There’s not as much corruption in Kazakhstan as there used to be, but if you travel around the country with your own car, the traffic police might stop you and find a reason to fine you.

How do you deal with bribes and corruption? First of all, don’t panic, get angry or be impatient. Stay calm and friendly, keep smiling and act like you have all the time in the world.

Most officials only speak Russian so even if you understand the language a bit, pretend that you don’t. If the office happens to speak English, you suddenly can’t speak English anymore.

Talk to them in a foreign language, and pretend that you have no idea what’s going on. They’ll soon realize they aren’t going to get any money from you and that you’re wasting their time and will eventually give up and let you go.

Remember: never give in and pay a bribe. If you do, you’ll encourage the offices to continue doing this. This doesn’t only affect tourism and travelers in a bad way, it also affects the local people as they become victims of bribery as well.

Is Kazakhstan Safe? 15 useful tips to travel safely in Kazakhstan

7. Money and Currency in Kazakhstan

7.1 what kind of money do they use in kazakhstan.

The official currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT).

• Banknotes circulating in Kazakhstan: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 tenge.
• Coins circulating in Kazakhstan: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 tenge.

I always use the  Xe.com app  to convert and stay up-to-date with the current exchange rates. At this time of writing, the current exchange rates are:

• $1 USD = 451 KZT
• €1 Euro = 475 KZT
• £1 British Pound = 552 KZT

7.2 Which credit cards are accepted in Kazakhstan?

Visa is probably the most widely accepted credit card. However, Kazakhstan has a cash economy which means paying with a credit card can be quite difficult in many places.

Many taxis, restaurants, local tour operators, and small shops will still only take cash, not cards. It’s only been over the last few years that credit card usage has been more widely accepted. So make sure you’re prepared to bring plenty of cash with you if you’re planning a trip.

7.3 ATMs in Kazakhstan

ATMs are very easy to find in the cities but make sure to bring cash money when you visit remote villages and regions. You can use Visa, Maestro, and Mastercard to withdraw cash from ATMs in Kazakhstan.

It’s also worth noting that withdrawing small amounts of cash from ATMs can be costly due to the charges by the credit card companies and the banks handling the transactions.

7.4 Exchanging money in Kazakhstan

There are plenty of exchange offices, especially in the big cities, if you want to exchange some of your currency.

Rates are competitive as soon as you leave the airport and an important tip once you have exchanged your cash into tenge is to hold onto your small change.

Your 10, 20, 50, and 100 tenge will be really handy and useful when paying for bus tickets and snacks, larger notes won’t be accepted in small shops.

7.5 How much money do you need in Kazakhstan?

You may be wondering about how to budget for your trip and asking ‘Is it cheap to travel in Kazakhstan?’. Like most of Central Asia, travel in Kazakhstan is relatively cheap.

A good meal will cost around $3 in a local restaurant, a dorm bed in a hostel for around $7, and a train ticket around $15 every 1000km or so.

Tourism is still pretty new In Kazakhstan but with more visitors coming each year, more services are being offered which means that tours and activities are still relatively cheap.

7.6 Should you tip in Kazakhstan?

Tipping is not compulsory in Kazakhstan because a service charge is usually included in restaurant and hotel bills.

However, it is becoming a more common practice based on the growing number of tourists. Taxis and train travel have a fixed charge already included in the price.

8. Kazakhstan transportation: How to Get around Kazakhstan

8.1 does kazakhstan have good transportation.

The public transport in Kazakhstan is quite well developed. You can get around Kazakhstan by train, bus, mashrutka (min-bus), (shared) taxi, and plane.

8.2 Are there trains in Kazakhstan?

Yes, Kazakhstan has a rather good railway system. As it’s a huge country and the easiest and most comfortable way of getting around Kazakhstan is by taking a train.

Not only is it a cheap way to travel long distances, but there are also regular connections between all of the main cities and towns and you’ll meet many locals along the way.

It’s better to buy your tickets in advance as they tend to sell out during the summer and on holidays. You can book your train tickets on tickets.kz where you can select your seat/bunk bed in advance.

If you’re going on an overnight journey you will get sheets, a pillow, and a blanket. Bring enough food and drinks with you as the food prices on the train are very expensive. It’s also forbidden to drink alcohol on the train.

Kazakhstan Railway Guide: How to travel by train in Kazakhstan

8.3 Getting around Kazakhstan by bus

Buses are great for travel within cities like Almaty , Shymkent and Nur Sultan for short and quick journeys.

The average price for a bus ticket in Almaty is around 200 tenge, which you pay to the driver when you get onto the bus. Don’t forget to ask for a receipt so you can show it to the ticket inspector when he/she comes around.

Every bus has a number and it can sometimes be confusing trying to find out which one to take. You can ask your hostel or hotel which number you need to get on or you check the bus routes within cities via  maps.me  and  wikiroutes .

Just type in the name of your location and destination and the app will show you the number of the bus going there.

For longer journeys and travel in Kazakhstan, I would recommend taking the train for reasons regarding both cost and comfort.

8.4 Getting around Kazakhstan by minibus (marshrutka)

A marshrutka is a mini-bus that looks like a van and is a popular public transport for the locals. It’s not the fastest way to get around but it’s definitely a cultural experience.

They run on fixed routes around a city and you’ll also see many marshrutkas within smaller cities and towns. When taking a marshrutka in a city, each marshrutka has a number, and to avoid any confusement, you can either ask at your hostel or hotel which number to get on or you can download the app called Maps.me .

Just type in the name of your location and destination and the app will show you the marshrutka going there.

8.5 Getting around by (shared) taxi

Taking a shared taxi is more expensive than a bus or a marshrutka (about triple the price) but it is a much faster way to get around in a city. Sharing a taxi means that you share the car with other people and you split the costs so you pay per seat.

As it is a shared taxi, with many seats, it’s important that you tell the driver that you only wish to pay for one seat, not for the entire taxi before leaving. They leave when all of the seats have been filled. You’ll find these taxis everywhere in the cities and near bus and train stations.

You’ll often see locals waving down cars on the side of the road. The drivers that stop for them are often unofficial taxi drivers who earn a bit of extra money by giving locals a ride and charging them for the gas costs. If you want to catch a ride like this, it’s good to know in advance how much you should pay (some drivers like to charge foreigners more).

If you want to take a taxi in a city but you don’t feel confident waving down cars and/or bargaining for a good price, you can always use the Yandex Go app . This app works similar to Uber and these taxis work with a standard rate per kilometer which you can see on the app or on the meter inside the taxi. 

8.6 Domestic flights in Kazakhstan

If you don’t have much time to make a long-distance journey by train, you could always take an airplane to fly between the main cities in Kazakhstan. You can book your tickets on this website .

8.7 Hitchhiking in Kazakhstan

Hitchhiking in Kazakhstan is similar to hitchhiking in Kyrgyzstan . Although you’ll see a lot of people standing on the side of the road waving down cars as a sign that they want to get a lift, it’s standard to pay the driver for the costs of the petrol.

If you’re after getting free rides, you’ll have to explain this to your driver before you get in the car.

If you’re hitchhiking long distances in Kazakhstan, you’ll often have to travel across the steppes and desert. Make sure you bring enough water and food in case you’re stuck without a ride in the middle of nowhere!

8.7 Driving in Kazakhstan

Going on a road trip in Kaz akhstan is definitely a worthwhile adventure. It’s a brilliant way to explore this vast country at your own rhythm.

As long as you’re an experienced and confident driver, renting a car gives you the opportunity to reach far and remote places. Since many of the country’s attractions are difficult to reach on public transport, hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore places off of the beaten path.

The state of the roads is generally good if you are driving along the main highways. If you want to drive across the steppes or on secondary roads, you can expect dusty tracks and countless potholes, so take care!

There are a few ‘must haves’ when hiring a car that is important to take note of before you set off on a road trip.

You’ll need an international driving license and proof that you have insurance. You will also need to have the vehicle’s ownership documents with you as most likely, you will meet traffic cops along the way.

If you are driving your own car with a foreign registration plate, you will probably be stopped a few times. As long as you haven’t broken any traffic law, you won’t be fined (see how to deal with bribes in section 6. Is Kazakhstan safe ).

You have to drive on the right side of the road in Kazakhstan and crossing a solid white line is a big no-no. Another traffic law that you should keep in mind is that your car lights must always be switched on when you’re outside of a city. Here’s a great guide with info about driving and traffic rules in Kazakhstan here.

There are several petrol stations along the way but make sure you have enough petrol in the car to drive a distance of a minimum of 300km before you come across the next petrol station. A good tip is to bring a spare jerry can for fuel if you’re planning on driving long distances.

And lastly, be aware that whilst on the road, some Kazakh drivers love to push the gas pedal and overtake other cars in the craziest ways!

Going on a road trip through Kazakhstan is definitely worthwhile as long as you’re an experienced and confident driver! You’ll be able to reach very remote places and camp under the stars!

Almaty City Guide: The 19 best things to do in Almaty

9. Kazakhstan Tours

With more tourists choosing to travel to Kazakhstan, tourism in Kazakhstan is developing slowly.

Because of this growth in tourists, there are more tour companies now than ever before meaning that there are more scheduled tours for you to choose from.

Going on a tour is particularly interesting to get to remote destinations like Charyn Canyon , Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy , Altyn-Emel National Park , etc., as they are hard to reach by public transport.

You can search online for tours in Kazakhstan , organized by local tour companies or you can join my 10-day Best of Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour!

Join the 10-day Best of Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan Adventure and visit Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Lake Kaindy, Karakol, Son Kul lake, and many more! 

10. Where to stay in Kazakhstan

There are now many great accommodation options in the big cities and towns of Kazakhstan.

10.1 Hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in Kazakhstan

Hostels are the cheapest option for accommodation, starting from $5 per night for a bed in a dorm.

Most of the country’s cities now have at least 1 modern backpacker haunt, Almaty has more than 20 now. These hostels are often located in refurbished apartments in the center of town and run by young people themselves. Hostels in Kazakhstan are a good place to meet other young, budget-conscious travelers.

You can find a nice private room in a guesthouse, starting from $15 per night .

Nur-Sultan and Almaty have many great hotel options ($40-$250) for luxury and business travelers, and there are also plenty of apartment rentals ($15-$50). 

10.2 Staying in a yurt in Kazakhstan

Unlike in its neighboring country Kyrgyzstan , it is difficult nowadays to experience real nomadic life in Kazakhstan.

Most Kazakhs have never even slept in a yurt themselves as there are only a few people who still spend time living in a yurt during summer, either herding camels in the Kyzylkum desert, or whilst shepherding in the Altai mountains.

If you happen to have your heart set on staying in one, it is possible through a holiday rental company or you can pay a visit to a pop-up restaurant or shop/market in a yurt but they are no longer homes for nomadic people in Kazakhstan.

10.3 Camping in Kazakhstan

There aren’t many designated camping sites in the country but wild camping in Kazakhstan is permitted anywhere.

If you can, you should definitely experience camping for at least one night in the steppes ( watch this video to get inspired ). It’s an incredibly unforgettable experience! There are so many scenic spots to spend a night under the stars.

It’s important to note that there are some dangers to watch for when it comes to camping. Bears and wolves roam in the wild in Kazakhstan and ticks are very common, especially in the mountains.

There are also some snakes, spiders, and scorpions in the dryer landscapes, and although they shouldn’t stop you from camping in Kazakhstan, it’s wise to be mindful of these creatures when traveling in Kazakhstan.

11. Kazakhstan Food and drinks

The cuisine in Kazakhstan is quite similar to the food in both Kyrgyzst an and Uzbekistan .

The majority of meals consist of beef, mutton, and chicken, either served within dumplings or on top of noodles, rice, or potatoes. However, if you happen to be feeling adventurous, you could try the canned camel or horse meat.

When eating out, food is generally served with either a soft drink or water. Kazakhs love drinking tea and most meals are followed by tea with milk, salt, sugar, and/or butter.

If you happen to be a coffee lover, instant coffee is usually your main option but coffee culture is now rapidly establishing itself nationwide.

11.1 5 Kazakh Dishes you have to try

1) what is the national dish of kazakhstan.

Beshbarmak is Kazakhstan’s national dish which is eaten daily in homes throughout the country. It is a slow-cooked dish made with boiled mutton, beef, horse or camel, and it is served with either boiled or flat dumplings or thin noodles, and onions.

This dish is usually eaten with your hands which explains its name which translates to ‘five fingers.’ Traditionally, the meat is served in small portions to make sure that the male elders can chew it without difficulty.

Pilaf , also known as plov, is a rice dish that is considered to be a sign of wealth and prosperity in Kazakhstan. The dish contains meat that’s cooked together with onions and carrots and then rice is then added and once plated, the dish is then decorated with dried fruits.

Pilaf is very commonly a centerpiece when celebrating occasions that are meant to bring success and happiness, like weddings.

Kazy is a type of sausage made from horse meat along with a mix of spices. The ancestors of modern Kazakhs, who were hunters, consumed large quantities of horsemeat.

They created kazy as they thought it was a clever way in which to preserve meat. It is considered to be an obligatory dish at weddings.

Manti are dumplings that have been stuffed with meat and then boiled are served with dried mint. If you decide to try Kazakhstani manti, be ready to say goodbye to your voice of reason as these are delicious.

Baursak is a type of soft dough made using wheat flour that has been fried in either lamb or beef fat. Different regions in Kazakhstan are known for different-sized baursak. Kazakhstanis love them so much that they celebrate a day dedicated to them called ‘Baursak Day’ every Autumn.

They are normally rounded or diamond-shaped with some recipes incorporating cottage cheese into the dough. Often served with either tea, shurpa (a traditional soup) or as an appetizer or dessert.

11.2 Is vegetarian food available in Kazakhstan?

It might be challenging for vegetarians to find some typical Kazakh dishes without meat. However, it’s not impossible and you can definitely ask for meals to be made without meat.

In cities like Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent you’ll find many small restaurants that serve vegetarian meals.

If you happen to be traveling during summer, you’ll find your dose of vitamins in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from the markets in the towns and cities.

However, when in the steppes, you won’t find many options when looking for fresh fruits and veggies so be sure to take some with you if you can.

11.3 What is the national drink of Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan’s national drink is fermented horse (mare’s) milk known as Kumys or Koumiss. A drink that’s been around for thousands of years, this bitter and sour-tasting milk drink is made with yeast cultures and mare or camel milk (known as shubat) and is believed to be medicinal.

It is slightly alcoholic and said that drinking kumys will improve your overall health, make your soul younger and your feet stronger.

Traditionally made by the nomads of Central Asia, this drink still remains important to people in both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan today.

11.4 Alcohol in Kazakhstan

Although the majority of people in Kazakhstan are Muslim, vodka is still a popular drink. Kazakhstan is the world’s seventh-biggest consumer of vodka.

It is customary that young people do not drink alcohol in front of elderly people. The legal drinking and buying age for alcoholic beverages is 21 years old.

11.5 Is tap water safe to drink in Kazakhstan?

I wouldn’t advise you to drink the tap water in Kazakhstan, especially not in small towns and villages. Buy bottles of water in the local supermarkets or better, bring a LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle .

This is a reusable bottle that filters water using a microfiltration device. When you drink water using this bottle, any dirt, bacteria, or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through.

It’s not only good for your belly and wallet, but it’s also great for the environment because you don’t have to buy any plastic bottles of water!

They are very light to carry and super useful for when you go trekking in the mountains . You can use it to drink the water from the rivers and lakes without becoming sick! Another way to filter water is by using a  steripen .

12. Packing list for Kazakhstan

12.1 what should i wear in kazakhstan.

The cities in Kazakhstan are very westernized so for the majority of the time, you can wear whatever you like.

However, if you’re planning on visiting rural areas, don’t wear miniskirts, short shorts and revealing tops as most people living there are quite conservative. Also, if you are visiting religious buildings and places, such as Turkestan, wear a long skirt or trousers as well as cover your shoulders.

You should also pack appropriate clothes for the period in which you’re going to travel in Kazakhstan and the type of activities you’re planning on doing.

In winter (November – March) you should always bring warm clothes, a down jacket , a hat, a scarf, thermal underwear , warm boots and maybe a few lighter clothes for the mild days in the southern regions.

The summer (June – September) can be very hot, especially in the southern part of the country so bring light clothes.

If you’re planning on hiking and camping in the mountains around Almaty during the summer, you should also bring warm clothes as the temperature at night can still drop to 0°C.

As Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan have similar cultures and climates, you should read The Complete Packing List for Kyrgyzstan to know in detail what to wear and pack.

12.2 Travel essentials for Kazakhstan

There are a few items that I would class as essential when traveling in Kazakhstan:

• Water Filter Bottle : I highly recommend bringing a reusable bottle with a microfiltration device (see 11.5 Is it safe to drink the water in Kazakhstan?) . I use and highly recommend the  Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle .  Another way to filter water is by using a  steripen .
• Portable power bank :  you won’t always have electricity available to charge your electronic devices, especially not when you’re planning on spending time in the mountains or in the steppes. I use and recommend  Anker Power Bank   as it has a 20,000mAh cell capacity providing at least 5 full charges for my phone. I can even charge my camera batteries with it!
• International travel adaptor : the power sockets in Kazakhstan are of type C and F (the same as in Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In case you need an adaptor, I use and recommend this  all-in-one Universal Travel Adaptor  as you can use it worldwide.
• Biodegradable toilet paper :  you’ll have to be comfortable using a squat toilet in Kazakhstan. With the exception of the guesthouses where you’ll have a western-style toilet, most toilets will be outside in the form of a separate small building with a hole in the ground. Sometimes there’s toilet paper but you should definitely bring  biodegradable toilet paper  with you. I mention biodegradable as the toilet paper disappears in the ground so we can keep it environment-friendly!
• The same goes for   biodegradable wet wipes . Some homestays don’t have showers so wet wipes are very handy if you want to refresh.
• Immodium  (or any other anti-diarrhea medicine) : a lot of the travelers eventually suffer from diarrhea at one point or another throughout their first trip to Kazakhstan. As prevention, I use  activated charcoal  (it helps your body get rid of toxins and unwanted substances, ask about it in your local pharmacy).
• a head torch 
• a good pair of walking boots
• appropriate clothing depending on the time of year and planned activities 
• a good day backpack for walking and hiking 
• sun protection (a hat/headscarf/sunscreen)
• passport and a copy of your passport and any other relevant documents
• a copy of your travel insurance policy number written down somewhere  

13. Are drones allowed in Kazakhstan?

According to KAA, drones are allowed in Kazakhstan, subject to AAK regulations .

You must register your drone and gain a license for using it whilst in Kazakhstan. If you do not get a license, you could face a fine, detention, or your drone could be confiscated .

You can get a license from the Aviation Committee in Nur-Sultan and there are certain rules you must follow when operating your drone whilst in the country.

Reading Tip: What’s in my camera bag: photography essentials and camera gear for travel photography

14. How is the internet in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is not a place to head to if you depend on the internet for work. Access to a fast-speed WiFi connection is rare and many websites have been blocked by the government.

In January 2022, there were nationwide anti-government protests in Kazakhstan. Some of these protests turned violent and in order to regain control, the government intentionally shut down the internet across the entire country for five days.

This was permitted due to a law that came into place in 2012, regarding national security in Kazakhstan. This law states that the government can disrupt communication channels for the containment of riots.

14.1 Which is the best sim card in Kazakhstan and how to get one?

The Beeline KZ card is a great SIM card to buy whilst in Kazakhstan and you can pick it up in any local shop.

It will give you enough coverage to update your Instagram feed or call your mum on What’s App and tell her that you’re doing fine.

14.2 REcommended apps for traveling in Kazakhstan

• M aps.Me : This is one of the most practical apps you could use in Kazakhstan. You can download the map of the country so you can use it offline. It gives you very accurate directions and shows you where you can find the nearest restaurants, bus stations, ATM, hotels, places with wi-fi, points of interest, etc. It also tells you the number of the marshrutka you need to take when you travel within a particular city. This is also a great app to use while hiking as it shows most of the trails.
• 2GIS :  This is very similar to Maps.Me but only works for big cities such as Almaty, Shymkent, and Astana. You can download the map of the city for offline use. This app only works in Russian but it’s the most popular and accurate navigation app in Central Asia.
• Booking.com :  You’ll need internet to use this app but it’s a great tool to find (last-minute) accommodation in the country.
• Google Translate:  Translates written and spoken Russian or Kyrgyz. Only Russian is available to download for offline usage.
• Xe currency:  very handy to check exchange rates, also works offline.
• iOverlander: Great app for when you go on a road trip. This app serves as a database of places for overlanders. It includes information about (free) camping sites, restaurants, mechanics, petrol stations, water sources,…
• Yandex Go : Great app to use if you want to take a taxi in the major cities without getting ripped off. All the Yandex taxis have a meter so you’ll always know how much to pay. It works similarly to Uber. Just enter your location and a taxi will arrive within 5 to 10 minutes.

15. Culture and etiquette in Kazakhstan

The Kazakh people are descendants of ancient Turkic nomadic tribes and used to travel along the Kazakh steppes for centuries. Their culture was very similar to the nomadic culture that we can still see in Kyrgyzstan today.

The word “Kazakh” means “a free and independent nomad” in Turkic. However, their way of life has changed dramatically over the past century.

When Kazakhstan was still a republic of the former USSR, it rapidly developed its agricultural and industrial sectors because of its massive oil and gas reserve. The majority of the Kazakh people left their nomadic lifestyle and moved to the cities to work. Unlike in its neighboring country Kyrgyzstan, it’s nowadays very difficult to experience the nomadic culture in Kazakhstan.

Many people from other USSR republics were sent to Kazakhstan to work in the industrial sector. That’s why Kazakhstan became a multinational state inhabited by 17.8 million people belonging to more than 120 nationalities !

Kazakhstan is doing economically very well, better than any other country in Central Asia and when you visit a city like Nur Sultan and Almaty, you can tell that there’s money in the country!

It’s therefore important to tell you that the people of all ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan are called Kazakhstani . Only the people of the Kazakh ethnic group are called Kazakhs and they are becoming a minority in their own land!

The Kazakh are extremely hospitable people. In ancient times, there was an unofficial law that said ‘ Meet a guest as God’s messenger’ and hospitality is seen as a type of sacred duty.

If you are invited to someone’s home, it is customary to be served tea and bread even if you have not been invited for a meal. The serving of bread is seen as a sign of respect in Kazakhstan culture. Meals tend to take a long time as they are seen as social events.

It is common to greet people with a handshake using both hands. The majority of rules and social etiquette circle around the country’s Muslim faith and nomadic traditions.

If you want to learn about the Kazakh people and their traditions, you should go on a road trip and visit the small villages in the steppes. Most people there still live and work as shepherds. But you’ll see that their culture has become a mix of Kazakh and Russian traditions.

16. What is the Religion in Kazakhstan

The vast majority of the Kazakh people are Muslims, but the Islamic religion came late to the area.

The practice of the religion differs from region to region and is in general not so strict. You won’t see many women wearing a hijab and the majority of the men won’t say no to a good shot of vodka.

17. Do people in Kazakhstan speak English?

In the cities and more tourist areas, you will find more and more people who know and understand English.

However, it’s mostly the younger generation who seem to know more, with the percentage growing since the fall of the Soviet Union.

If you want to talk to the locals, it would serve you to learn some Russian. A Russian phrasebook would definitely come in handy.

17.1 Which languages are spoken in Kazakhstan?

The official languages of Kazakhstan are Kazakh and Russian. Only 64.4% of the population speaks Kazakh while Russian is spoken by almost everyone.

You’ll notice that the people living in the Almaty region and northern areas are predominantly Russian speakers. If you want to be able to communicate with the locals, I’d suggest you learn some Russian.

l study  Russian by using the audio classes of Pimsleur . This is a great learning method to study a new language.

A phrasebook will definitely be useful. I recommend both the  Lonely Planet Central Asia Phrasebook  and  the Lonely Planet Russian Phrasebook & Dictionary .  I also recommend installing the Google Translate app and downloading the Russian language pack for offline use.

18. Recommended books about Kazakhstan

I recommend the following books and guides for traveling in Kazakhstan: 

Kazakhstan Bradt Travel Guide   is one of the most comprehensive travel guide books about Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan – Culture Smart!   offers an insider’s view of Kazakhstan’s fascinating history, national traditions, various cuisines, and cultural scene.

Lonely Planet Central Asia  is ideal if you’re also planning on visiting other destinations in Central Asia

Apples Are from Kazakhstan: The Land that Disappeared is Christopher Robbins’ both hilarious and grim travelogue of his travels in Kazakhstan. He finds Eminem-worship by the shrinking Aral Sea, hears the Kazakh John Lennon play in a dusty desert town, joins nomads hunting eagles, eats boiled sheep’s head (a delicacy), and explores some of the most beautiful, unspoiled places on earth.

Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan is a compelling portrait of Kazakhstan by journalist Joanna Lillis. This book explores how a president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, transformed himself into a potentate and the economically-struggling state he inherited at the fall of the USSR into a swaggering 21st-century monocracy.

I wish you such wonderful and fantastic adventures in Kazakhstan! If you still have questions about your upcoming journey, let me know in the comments below, or don’t hesitate to send me an email . I would love to help you plan your visit to Kazakhstan.

Related Posts

Best Tips and complete Packing List for Traveling in Central Asia in 2024 – When to go and what to wear when visiting Central Asia

The Complete Hiking Guide to Sayram Ugam National Park, one of the most beautiful Kazakhstan National Parks

19 Best Things to do in Almaty Kazakhstan  – The Complete Guide to visit Almaty City

How to visit the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, The most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan

Blown away by the beauty of Charyn Canyon – The Complete Travel Guide

How to get from Almaty to Bishkek by public transport in 2024: Best way to Cross the Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan border

More kazakhstan travel resources:.

• The Travel Guide to Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know before you go
• The 26 most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Kazakhstan
• Is it safe to travel to Kazakhstan: 15 useful safety tips
• Almaty City Guide: The 19 best things to do in Almaty
• The 5 best and most beautiful hikes in the mountains near Almaty
• Charyn Canyon Travel Guide
• Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy Travel Guide
• Sayram Ugam National Park Travel Guide
• Turkestan Travel Guide: discover the spiritual center of Kazakhstan
• Visiting the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan
• Trekking in Kazakhstan: 5-day hiking itinerary in the Northern Tian Shan Mountains
• A beginner’s guide to skiing in Shymbulak, Almaty

10 thoughts on “The Best Guide to Travel in Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know to visit Kazakhstan in 2024”

Very useful and comprehensive information

Excellent informative article…

Hi. I want to thank you for good article. I hope you liked Kazakhstan. I would like to add a few comments: You wrote, “Despite being a Muslim country …” Kazakhstan is not a Muslim country, it is a secular state. I know that many people confuse Turkic and Turkish. The word “Kazakh” means “free and independent nomad” in Turkic (non-Turkish). The Kazakh people are a descendant of the ancient Turkic nomadic tribes. Thank you!

Hello Kamshat, thank you! We really enjoy traveling in Kazakhstan 🙂 And thank you for your feedback, I’ve adjusted it in the text! Much appreciated!

Hi! Great article and very useful! Just few comments: Kazakhstan is not Muslim country, even though its true that majority of people are Muslims; Kazakhs are not becoming minority in Kazakhstan, we (Kazakhs) represent almost 70% of the Kazakhstan’s population; there are more than 3 international airports in Kazakhstan (minimum 10).

Hi Zhuldyz, thanks for your comments. I’ve re-read this article and can’t see where I wrote that Kazakhstan is a Muslim country. I mention that the majority of the people are Muslims. I’ve talked with people in Kazakhstan and read several reports on the population of Kazakhstan that tell that the Kazakh ethnic group is becoming a minority. With this I don’t mean the Kazakhstani people. And there are indeed more international airports in Kazakhstan, I’ve just mentioned that those are the 3 main ones 🙂

Cheers to that ability to share your inner-riches got a good tip. nice website I will bookmark this. I like these type of article which enhances my vocabulary keep it up ill be looking forward to your next articles.

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The Secret to Frying Fish in a Tiny Kitchen? A 5-Pound AirHood

In my narrow Philadelphia row-home kitchen , I have a very sensitive smoke alarm — and a Chihuahua whose nemesis is said sensitive smoke alarm. The alarm goes off at a mere hint of smoke, despite the fact that my stove has an over-the-range hood. Instead of actually venting smoke outside, the hood just captures grease (sort of) and recirculates air, often leaving my white cabinets with a smear of leftover oil after, say, a marathon falafel-frying session. Not to mention that frying fish or smoking meats would leave a lingering smell on my curtains and rug for days after.

So I was intrigued when I heard about the AirHood, a portable exhaust hood you can move around your kitchen, whether you place it next to your stove or beside a cutting board of fragrant garlic. It’s billed as “The World’s First Portable Kitchen Air Cleaner” and works by using replaceable charcoal filters to clean the air it sucks up and flows back out. At $159.99, it seemed a remarkably cheap fix for simultaneously capturing smoke, protecting my cupboards from oil slicks, and putting my Chihuahua out of her misery. I wondered: Could this be the solution to my conundrum? And so I set out to test the AirHood.

When it arrived, I was charmed by its Cadmium Orange color and how surprisingly small it was — it looked like a tiny Martian on my counter. It weighs just a hair over five pounds, and the fan part is eight inches in diameter while the entire unit is 14 inches tall. The 70-inch cord gave ample length to plug it in on my kitchen cart or counter — which is where I decided to place it for the first test run: frying potato croquettes and sautéing tomatoes.

When I turned on the AirHood, it was no louder than my over-the-range hood. As I fried the croquettes — which in the past have set off my smoke alarm and left my apartment smelling like oil — I noticed that the AirHood’s suction, working together with my stove’s hood, removed any presence of smoke in my kitchen. It also whisked away the steam that was produced as the tomatoes sautéed. After the meal, there was no leftover scent in my kitchen or my apartment, and cleanup was easy: I just cleaned the AirHood’s metal filter with a sponge and dish soap (although it’s dishwasher safe, too).

Okay, so it passed the dinner-for-two test, but I wanted to know how it would work for a larger group. One weekend, I invited 45 people over for a big dinner of croquettes, seared salmon, and baked pasta made with a funky cheese, and I aimed the AirHood at my four-burner stove. I was careful to place it about 18 inches away from my gas stove (the company’s website cautions against placing it too close to flames), turned each burner on, and set the AirHood to its highest (and loudest) setting, and I got to cooking.

Two hours of intermittent frying, searing, and baking later, the AirHood was still humming and my smoke alarm remained quiet. My white cabinets were devoid of grease smears, and my kitchen — and house — smelled like delicious cooked food and not oil. There were no lingering fishy or funky cheese smells. My guests didn’t even notice the AirHood on my countertop, nor did they remark upon any extra noise it made.

So what’s the verdict? I think I love the AirHood. It’s part of my kitchen now and whenever I’m frying fish or am cooking something that produces above average smoke, I turn both it and my range hood on. I can even see myself packing it along with my knife kit to my next private-chef gig to avoid setting off someone else’s smoke alarm. And yes, my Chihuahua loves it, too.

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'Conan O'Brien Must Go' is side-splitting evidence of life beyond late night TV

Eric Deggans

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway. Conaco/Max hide caption

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway.

To be honest, when I first heard Conan O'Brien was ending his TV talk show in 2021, I assumed news that he might turn to variety shows and online programs to continue his career was some combination of face-saving and wishful thinking.

But after watching the four episodes of his new Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , it's now obvious — even to a thickheaded critic like me — that leaving late night TV really was liberating for O'Brien. He's leveraged his unique sensibility into several different podcasts, a deal with Sirius XM , specials featuring other stand-up comics and now this travel series for Max — which resembles jokey specials he did for cable channel TBS back in the day.

And as the late night TV genre crumbles under sagging viewership and the decline of traditional media, O'Brien's renaissance also provides an example for the future — where fertile comedy minds and talented performers can spread their work over a much larger canvas.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Is conan o'brien the best 'hot ones' guest ever discuss., learning a lesson from 'hot ones'.

O'Brien already made a splash recently with his brilliantly maniacal appearance on the interview-while-eating-hot-wings show Hot Ones , slobbering over hot sauces while claiming, as he was checked over by a fake doctor, that "I'm fine! I'm perfectly f*****g fine!"

This is the place where O'Brien shines — he's called it "this strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid" — and it's on full, freakish, super silly display in every episode of Conan O'Brien Must Go .

The conceit of the show is pretty simple. O'Brien heads overseas to visit average folks in Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland who had once Zoomed in to speak with him on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan . Sometimes the visits seem like a surprise — he catches one aspiring Norwegian rapper in shorts and Crocs after popping up on his doorstep — and others seem a bit more planned, including his visit to a radio show with about four listeners in Buenos Aires.

Each episode begins with a solemn monologue which sounds like it is delivered by the film world's most eccentric voice, German filmmaker and actor Werner Herzog (he's not credited in the show and when asked, a publicist at Max shared a quote from O'Brien: "I can neither confirm nor deny the voice in question.")

The torturous accent by "Herzog" makes every line sound absurdly hilarious, describing O'Brien as "the defiler ... with dull, tiny eyes ... the eyes of a crudely painted doll ... he scavenges in distant lands, uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie."

Now that's smart. And oh so stupid.

A funhouse mirror version of a travel show

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway Conaco/Max hide caption

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway

Fans of O'Brien's Conan Without Borders specials on TBS already know what his style is when he tackles a travel show — throwing himself into outrageous reactions and situations while working his quirky brand of improvised conversations with hapless bystanders.

In the Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , that includes O'Brien offering screechy vocals onstage during a performance of a Norwegian emo/rap band. Or asking provocative questions of a couple therapist/sex expert. Or getting beat up in a "fight" with a 10-year-old boy in a bar.

It's all an excuse for O'Brien to unleash his energetic wit, taste for silly absurdity and skill at drawing laughs from sympathetic — if often befuddled — strangers. Whether you enjoy this special will depend on how you feel about O'Brien's style, which can feel a bit like the world's best class clown doing everything possible to make you crack a smile.

(Rent a family in Norway so they can say goodbye when he gets on a SeaCraft? Check. Get local artists to paint a mural of O'Brien, a soccer star and The Pope on the side of a building in Argentina? Double check.)

'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of

But what amazes in a larger sense is how O'Brien has turned his sensibility into a comedy brand to fuel work on many different platforms. And, at age 60, with more than 30 years as a comedy star, he's been released from the shackles of any genre to shine wherever he chooses — whether it's an episode of Hot Ones or a streaming service which sometimes looks like a collision between True Detective and 90 Day Fiancé .

Leaving late night TV as late night left him

I'm old enough that I started covering TV not long after O'Brien made his first move from the shadows of life as a comedy writer – he worked on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — to succeed David Letterman in 1993 as host of NBC's show Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers). Back then, NBC gave O'Brien years to figure out the show, honing his smartly serious comedy in a way that would inspire then-teenage fans like Seth Rogen and Bill Hader .

O'Brien left NBC after a disastrous deal where the network tried to make him host of its venerated late night program The Tonight Show and also keep its former host Jay Leno at the network. He moved to a late night show on TBS in 2010, but even then, there was a sense that his creativity was a bit hemmed in by the format.

After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night

By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night shows — as young viewers consumed his content online and ratings on cable dropped.

Now, with a podcast and digital media company worth many millions and growing status as a TV comedy legend still willing to do almost anything for a laugh, O'Brien is proving there is a successful life beyond late night.

Particularly, if you have the talent to play the fool while leaving little doubt you're also the smartest person in the room.

Gohagan & Company

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“ My husband and I were excited to be traveling on the "Antiquities of the Red Sea and Aegean Sea " which was scheduled to leave on October 31st. ” in 2 reviews

“ The tour guides were knowledgeable and Gohagan representatives were friendly and helpful throughout our 10 day adventure in the South Pacific! ” in 2 reviews

“ As a Tour Director, my colleagues and I proudly enjoyed every minute of being with you, through the Baltic, Mediterranean, Tahiti , New Zealand, Antarctica and every other part of the world. ” in 2 reviews

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For more than 35 years, Gohagan & Company has been curating all-inclusive, affinity travel programs for intellectually curious and discerning travelers. As the preferred provider of exclusive travel programs for North America’s most prestigious alumni associations, museums and cultural institutions, we offer enrichment opportunities on board and excursions designed to enhance and illuminate the culture, history and traditions of our destinations—including private or early admission to museums and specially arranged architectural site visits. …

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My wife and I traveled with Gohagan numerous times over the past 10 years on trips sponsored by National Trust Tours (NTT). We always appreciated the quality of the services provided, as well as the mix of travelers, primarily sponsored by university alumni associations and cultural organizations. Unfortunately, the sale of the company by the founding family, the Gohagans, to a private capital business, in conjunction with the pandemic, virtually destroyed the company. Office staff in Chicago were let go or left, and new hires quit before they learned their jobs. The institutional knowledge base was lost. It got so bad that, for a while, the standard voice response if you called Gohagan was: "We are not able to take your call now, but will get back to you in three weeks." -- No lie! We were booked for a trip to Iceland in July, 2022, and, while Iceland and the Ponnant ship were a delight, anything about the trip that was dependent o Gohagan was a disaster. We vowed never to travel with them again. Alas, a year and a half later, with assurances from NTT that things had improved at Gohagan, along with a substantial discount offered in way of apology by Gohagan, we booked on for a trip to Panama and Costa Rica, albeit with some trepidation. Much to our delight, Gohagan has indeed recovered much of its former quality. They are not back to where they were 4 or 5 years ago, but they did an excellent job planning and executing this trip. The Chicago office is no longer a black hole where questions go to die, and they assembled a mostly excellent team of local guides. The contractors who served as travel leaders were all responsive to the needs of us travelers, and, while I would have liked them to be a bit more proactively engaged in our trip, they were at least available to help when needed, throughout. My wife and I are pleased to see Gohagan recovering so well, and look forward to the possibility of traveling with them again in the future.

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Business Owner

Mar 21, 2024

Charles, thank you for taking the time to leave your comment. We appreciate your feedback, and your ongoing patronage of Gohagan & Company. We want to assure you that we continue to make improvements with ongoing training initiatives, product research and other enhancements. We would love to welcome you on another NTT and Gohagan & Company journey soon!

Very bad performance by Gohagen today in Santorini. They gave us very bad instructions as to how to get off the island, and as a result we had to wait in line for two hours fifteen minutes in a unruly crowd in the hot sun. SHAME ON YOU GOHAGEN

Last year's trip with Saint Mary's College Alumnae Association was wonderful. The planning with Gohagan could have been much smoother. There were unhelpful staff members and phone calls not returned. I hope there customer service has improved. I received the most help from Ana Gurian. I'm hesitant about traveling with Gohagan again. Also the single occupancy rate for the current alumnae association is ridiculous. 200% higher than double occupancy.

Vi, we apologize for your disappointing experience. Thank you for your positive feedback about Ana. We are proud of strides we've made in our service department, with ongoing training initiatives, caring staff and increased stability. We would love to have you travel with us again!

We booked an alumni trip to Alaska. The initial agent was awful-- did not return calls or answer emails, gave faulty information and did not functioning in a timely manner--we frequently waited weeks for answers and only got them by repetitious calling and emailing. We were told Gohagan would help book our flights but they were too busy-- when they finally got around to offering to assist us-- we had booked our tickets at a much higher price than if we had booked at the time we reserved our trip-- almost double the cost. No help was ever offered with hotel booking although we were told they would. We were not told about shore excursions until they were sold out. They would not initially give us the arrival departure schedules to book our own. Again by the time they granted us that info (they were afraid we would miss the boat, we are all seasoned travelers). T The cruise was actual nice due to it being on Windstar and their wonderful staff except we were in an old room that had no outlets on the bed walls-- so we had to string an extension cord across our room to use a medical device. Safe to have an extension cord strung across the room in the middle of the night? But the most disturbing aspect is the title of our trip was The Inside Passage to Alaska-- but we didn't go up the Inland Passage way-- they went around Vancouver Island in the open sea-- a totally different experience that what we expected. Beautiful but not what we paid for. Never was this change explained. Once Gohagan replaced the initial agent, answers were much more forthcoming but by then the stress and disgust had really built up, as well as missing opportunities to book shore excursions that we were really interested in. Again, I would travel on WindStar but never would I use Gohagan to arrange my travel. Gohagan's agents on the actual cruise ship were helpful but by then all of the above was done. Not the experience we had expected for a high end cruise.

I recently took a cruise to Alaska with "Inland Passage" in the title. I do not believe we took the Inland Passage as advertised. There were excursions that were full before I even knew they existed. When I arrived in my cabin I soon realized I needed an adapter for my CPAP. I was offered an adapter as well as an extension cord because my CPAP cord wouldn't reach the adapter. This could have caused a trip hazard. In hindsight they could have offered me a different room. The ship had newer rooms that had more than one 110 outlet, and the ship was not full. I had difficulty selecting my own excursions because it was next to impossible to get arrival and departure times for each port. The agent I worked with would not return calls nor emails. I did eventually have a different agent who was much easier to work with. I think the WindStar ship itself was excellent, but I can not recommend Gohagan.

Apr 11, 2023

Rita, thank you for taking the time to bring this to our attention. A team member has been notified to reach out to you as soon as possible to discuss the situation and answer any questions you have about your cruise. We look forward to talking with you soon!

I, as well as the three friends I am traveling with, have repeatedly requested specific information regarding our cruise for over three weeks and we seem to be getting the run around. They have not returned any of my calls in this three week period. This is frustrating because we would like to book excursions, but cannot get daily disembarking and departure times.

This is our third cruise with Gohagan that I've taken with my husband and we have always had an amazing time. This cruise featured the Adriatic and Aegean Seas and we traveled through the 70 foot wide Corinth Canal just at sunset when the lights were on - truly spectacular! The travel directors with Gohagan were attentive and took care of every detail to make sure our cruise was enjoyable and memorable. Sue S.

Dec 5, 2023

Susan, thank you so much for sharing about your cruise, we are glad you enjoyed your experience! We can't wait to see you travel with us again soon.

Gohagan is staffed by unprofessional, unresponsive, passive aggressive service agents who refuse to provide trip details in a timely manner -- for a $20k+ vacation. The fact that Brown University uses them for alumni-affiliated travel literally keeps us from booking those trips. Once was enough. Everyone we met on our cruise had the same experience -- it was literally how people introduced themselves: Comparing nightmare experiences with Gohagan. Save yourself the tremendous stress and book directly with the cruise line.

BEWARE!!!! We booked a tour with them and specifically asked about their Covid policy prior to booking, we were told they issue a full refund if someone can't go on a tour due to Covid. After taking our full payment for the tour, they changed their covid policy and did not notify us of the change. One of us tested positive for covid two days prior to the tour, and when we contacted our Gohagen representative, he stated he would start processing a refund. Well, that refund never came and now our attorney is involved. This company is NOT Reputable, does not stand behind their words, on their recorded line, and their customer service department uses "Ghosting" as a means of conflict resolution. Horrible company! Sue M.

Mar 24, 2023

Susan, we are sorry to hear about your experience with us. Please email [email protected] with your contact information and a team member will reach out shortly to further discuss your experience. Thank you.

My husband and I were excited to be traveling on the "Antiquities of the Red Sea and Aegean Sea" which was scheduled to leave on October 31st. We had also opted to add on the 5 day post tour of Israel. This tour was definitely a "bucket list" trip of a lifetime! Sadly our excitement for this trip was extremely compromised by the war which erupted between the Hamas extremists and Israel at the beginning of October. And this is where the entire staff of Gohagan Travel really stepped up to the plate. When I emailed Ana Gurian, our Senior Advocate, about my concerns for our safety with the growing unrest in the region, she promptly answered my email and assured me that Gohagan Travel was monitoring the situation and would keep all of the tour group up to date with any decisions about changes that might be made. When I later spoke with her by phone, she truly listened to me and again assured me that the Gohagan Travel staff would put our safety at the top of their priority list! Finally when we received an email from John Stogis, Director of Passenger Services, and were given the option of continuing on the trip or receiving a Travel Certificate which gave us a credit to use for future travel with their company, I thought this was a fair and reasonable solution for this concerned traveler. I also want to mention that our initial airline reservations were handled very carefully and capably by Desiree Velazquez who kept us up to date on subsequent changes in airline times, etc. When our trip was cancelled, Michelle Rich facilitated that transaction with complete accuracy. Both Desiree and Michelle were always courteous and prompt in answering the questions we presented. Although this trip did not go, as we had hoped and planned, we are positive that we will be making travel arrangements in the near future with Gohagan travel group. They are superb at what they do. Dianne and Michael Young

Nov 10, 2023

Dianne, Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We hope to see you on a trip with us in the future!

Made a reservation for a trip in September 2023 and had to cancel due to conflict with family plans. Been waiting for a $1600 refund for 5 week's now and all I get is a run around from them. Very frustrating and unfortunately in seeking help I find they have a D- rating with the Chicago BBB. Saw other reviews that experienced same problem.

Mike, we are sorry to hear about your experience receiving a refund. We would appreciate it if you emailed [email protected] with your contact information so a team member can contact you soon to further discuss your concern. Thank you!

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‘conan o’brien must go’ is a wacky travel show: review.

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In “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” the comedian and talk show host puts his own irreverent spin on the well-worn travel show format. 

Premiering Thursday, April 18 on Max, the four-episode series is based on the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.” 

The show follows O’Brien, 60, as he visits “friends” that he’s made (aka, fans who have called into his podcast). 

The result is a travel show that feels self indulgent, at times – as all celebrity travel shows often do – but it’s also entertaining and provides an off-beat and quirky look into a variety of countries. 

It should appeal to fans of O’Brien, and it may also appeal to viewers who feel indifferent to him, but enjoy amusing insights into other cultures. 

Each episode opens with idyllic scenes of gorgeous landscapes. 

There’s a voiceover similar to what you’d hear in a nature documentary, narrating how O’Brien was once “a proud talk show host,” but “a changing ecosystem” has sent him to a “drier and harsher climate: the weekly podcast.” 

The voice further describes O’Brien as “This clown with dull tiny eyes, the eyes of a crudely painted doll,” and talks about how he is “forced to feed on that meagerist of morsels, the random calling fan, unhinged by the feral scent of their mild enthusiasm…..He scavenges in distant lands. Uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie.”

The first episode then cuts to O’Brien showing up to ring one fan’s doorbell in Norway. 

The shocked fan lets him into his apartment, and O’Brien proceeds to critique his living situation on the fly, pointing out how the bread in his kitchen is stale. 

O’Brien then leaves to do segments exploring Norwegian culture – including a segment visiting Viking enthusiasts, an interview with a psychologist about the modern day sex and dating customs in the culture, and he visits another fan who works on a fishing boat. 

“That’s right, I have two fans in Norway!” he boasts. 

The result is an hour that feels fairly well-rounded, digging into different aspects of the country and culture. But it never loses sight of doing it in O’Brien’s idiosyncratic way . 

When his second fan turns out to be laconic, O’Brien says, “We have zero chemistry, what are we going to do?” 

That breaks the ice, and it demonstrates O’Brien’s talent for thinking on his feet and making conversation with just about anyone.

However, sometimes his jokes and bits get tedious – like a scene when he loses his luggage, so he dons traditional “Norwegian” attire from a nearby store. He then interviews a local man on the street about how nobody really wears that, and O’Brien looks foolish. It’s mildly funny, but the man isn’t that chatty. So the result is a repetitive conversation where O’Brien keeps prompting a man, who gives terse “yes” answers. 

But, O’Brien is an old pro, and the show clips along at a steady pace. Just when a segment feels like its overstaying its welcome, the show moves onto new and fresh material. 

Other episodes include the comedian taking trips to Thailand, Argentina and Ireland. 

The Emerald Isle episode has an amusing bit where O’Brien hunts for Bono in a park among the shrubbery, as if he’s searching for a wild animal. Finding a pair of Bono’s trademark sunglasses, he comments that he’s close to finding the musician because “He sheds these.” He then uses a Global Humanitarian Award statuette as “bait.” 

“Conan O’Brien Must go” fits comfortably into the genre of “celebrity travel shows,” and it may not win over viewers who never much cared for him, but it’s an amusing watch.

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‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ Is a Keeper: TV Review

Legendary talk show host and hot wing evangelist returns to television with hilarious new Max travel show

By Stephen Rodrick

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The key to understanding Conan O’Brien’s comedy is knowing that it comes from a point of kindness. Yes, I know in this age of comics punching down , this kind of compliment may leave you with a neon “Must Avoid!” sign flashing in your bleary eyes — but stay with me.

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Conan’s three-decade run as a talk show host ended in 2021 under less-than-optimal circumstances , as he wound down his TBS show during the pandemic year. He talked to longtime sidekick Andy Richter , who sat among dozens of cardboard cutout fans. O’Brien quipped that they were last in line for the vaccine because the CDC had looked at the shows and “they said ours is the least essential of pretty much all the non-essential shows.”

There was some truth in that, but Conan had already started his move to other outlets , starting with his “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast in 2018.

The podcast is funny and sweet, especially the pre-interview segments with longtime associate Sona Movsesian and producer Matt Gourley. Conan mocks Sona’s legendarily bad work habits. and Gourley’s flea market predilections, but any kind of comedic acid is reserved for the self-lacerating O’Brien. (On a recent episode, Conan runs down his own looks, and it is cruel and hilarious, but part of me is thinking, “Dude, cut yourself a break.”). The only time things get contentious is when Conan visited by longtime friend Kevin Nealon — perhaps the podcast’s best episodes.

The podcast had an offshoot called “Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan,” on which O’Brien would talk to a fan, often in a faraway land. That led to O’Brien traveling to Norway, Thailand, Ireland and Argentina to meet them. Why? Well, a dour and ominous narrator, aka Werner Herzog, offered this rationale at the beginning of each episode: “Once a proud talk show host, he’s been driven by a changing ecosystem to a drier and harsher climate: the weekly podcast. Here , without the nourishment of his studio audience, this clown with dull , tiny eyes, the eye of a crudely painted doll , is forced to feed on that meagerest of morsels: the random call-in fan. Unhinged by the feral scent of their mild enthusiasm. He scavenges in distant lands uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition , and the occasional selfie.”

It’s a self-deprecating bit, but it’s also the truth. Conan has been doing travel shows for years, most notably one to Movsesian’s native Armenia , as well as a chaotic trip to Finland where O’Brien is treated as a god because of his physical resemblance to the Finnish president who happens to be a woman. He clearly loves the journey. And he loves the comedy set piece–see his classic “Old Timey Baseball” opus — which has always been an essential part of his appeal.

The encounters work because O’Brien doesn’t treat his new friends as fools — rather , he revels in the fact that he is the fool. (See his instant-classic appearance on “Hot Ones,” the show where interviews are conducted while the celebrity consumes increasingly acidic chicken wings. Conan rhapsodizes on comedy being all around us as green-yellow mucus drips down his nose.) Of course, there are exceptions made for old friends. Conan goes out for asada in Buenos Aires with the effete and erudite Jordan Schlansky, a longtime producer and frenemy. Schlansky and Conan are the Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon of American cable , and on his TBS show and podcast the two have tangled over Japanese customs, Conan hosting Schlansky’s bachelor party in his own office, and Schlansky hiding an expensive Espresso machine in an inaccessible part of their offices. (As with the Courtney Thorne-Smith segment, Conan’s visceral malice toward Schlansky works because it is so out-of-character).

During the Argentina episode, they get into a fierce argument about the proper pronunciation of the word “tango,” Conan then licks Schlansky’s favorite cut of meat — wait, that came out wrong. After, they go on an ill-fated trip to the Pampas, where both fail spectacularly at gaucho life.

Not everything works. O’Brien does a self-referential bit about the expensive drone he is using on the first show , and for the next four episodes I am distracted every time I see a beautiful shot thinking about the drone’s specifications and capabilities. Some of the stuff goes on a bit long, but so does my writing.

These are minor quibbles. If you’re a Conan fan, you’ll treasure the trips, just like his completists treasure encounters with a masturbating bear. The series ends with Conan tracing his family’s roots in Ireland. He comes across his ancestor’s land, makes a few jokes, but then looks at the land, clearly moved. Conan O’Brien has played the fool long enough; we grant him this moment of humanity with all our hearts.

All four episodes of “Conan O’Brien Must Go” are now available on Max.

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Arrive is a free Travel App to organize all your travel info including, flights, hotels, restaurant reservations, and points of interest. View places on the map and easily get directions with one click. You can manually add your details or forward confirmation emails to automatically add your travel details to your trip. Option to add notes and links to each item on your schedule. Invite your friends to collaborate or just stay informed of the schedule. Exciting and gorgeous curated recommendations with the food enthusiast in mind from several major travel destinations. Save your wish-listed travel places easily from Instagram to reference later. Handy WhatsApp personal assistant to provide you with your travel info when you're on the go. Collaboration Invite friends or family by trip through email in the app. Once invite is accepted those invited can collaborate on the itinerary or just browse and get excited for what's ahead. WhatsApp Personal Assistant Use the WhatsApp personal assistant to ask about your itinerary on the go. You can ask it things like, "when is my flight?", "when is Mary landing?", "what's the address of our hotel?" "what's my confirmation number?". Not only do you get the info you need fast, you don't have to create a bottleneck of constantly contacting the group for known details making your trip all the more enjoyable and seamless for everyone. If you're the planner you can refer everyone to text the personal asst instead of you to answer their questions quickly. Get Inspiration and Recommendations Check-out community shared itineraries or access our curated list of must-see activities and restaurants from destinations such as Paris, Ibiza, New York, Miami, LA, Berlin, Sydney, Tokyo, Bali, Lisbon, Barcelona, London and Amsterdam-more cities to come!

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Review: InterContinental Sydney Club Lounge

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InterContinental Sydney’s Club lounge has long been recognized as one of Sydney’s best club lounge experiences . In October 2022, the hotel underwent a grand relaunch, marking a fresh chapter for the heritage hotel. The refurbishment included its impressive rooftop club lounge.

Located within Sydney’s historic Treasury building dating back to 1851, InterContinental Sydney underwent a grand relaunch in October 2022, marking a fresh chapter for the heritage hotel. The comprehensive $120 million transformation encompassed a redesign of the hotel’s guestrooms, public spaces, wellness areas, club lounge, restaurants, and bars.

Style & Character

The new Club InterContinental experience is even more sophisticated and opulent than before, showcasing the unforgettable Sydney Harbour views that this luxury hotel is renowned for.

Best Hotel Executive Or Club Lounges At Hotels In Sydney

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We review club lounges at hotels in Sydney with a club or executive lounge. By reviewing each of these club lounges, I conclude which hotel club lounge is the best and which hotels I would select as having the best club lounge in Sydney. Book a standard room at the InterContinental in New York, Paris, or London, partners of our luxury travel concierge, and you will get a guaranteed room upgrade and free club lounge access. We can also help you get better deals at all luxury hotels in Sydney, including all the hotels with and without club lounges.

Following the hotel’s extensive transformation, guests staying in the InterContinental Sydney’s renovated Club Rooms now have exclusive access to the hotel’s newly refurbished Club InterContinental lounge and as you can see from the pictures, this club lounge is a cracker.

Standing proud in the reimagined rooftop space on level 31, the all-new Club InterContinental offers breathtaking panoramic views of Sydney Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney Harbour, and the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Service & Facilities

An ideal setting to meet, entertain, or savor, Club InterContinental is as memorable as it is refined. Visitors are greeted with ultra-personalised service, lavish interiors, and world-class cuisine.

Guests can indulge in a variety of world-class experiences, beginning with a deluxe breakfast on Level 32, continuing with a refined culinary offering in the afternoon, and happy hour with canapes in the evening.

Food & Drink

You can see the food we enjoyed at the InterContinental London club lounge to give you an idea of what to expect from the InterContinental Sydney club lounge.

Review: Club Lounge At InterContinental London Park Lane

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We've previously reviewed the best executive or club lounges in London. I am a big fan of the executive lounge at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House for the ambiance and food. The club lounge at the Langham London is also a great lounge with excellent food. But in my humble opinion, the "Club InterContinental" which includes the lounge at the InterContinental Park Lane in London, has the best views of any Club or Executive lounge in London.

The Australian wines here are excellent, and you can enjoy them or beers and spirits if you prefer.

This lounge is absolutely worth paying for at the InterContinental. It is the best lounge in Sydney for views and probably the second-best lounge in Sydney overall, along with the Four Seasons Sydney.

Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.

Image courtesy of InterContinental Sydney Club Lounge.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.

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Pengalaman dan ilmu yang dimiliki oleh  Ybhg Ustaz Datuk Dr Hj Zahazan Mohamed  kami pelajari dan manfaat kan agar pakej Umrah kami bukan sekadar Umrah. Ia penuh tarbiyah, ibrah dan motivasi agar pulangnya tetamu ALLAH membawa satu azam perubahan.

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Diurus dan dikendalikan oleh  Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, Tn Haji Mohd Yusof Wadi.  Berpengalaman lebih 25 tahun menguruskan Haji dan Umrah di Syarikat Tabung Haji Travel & Services Sdn Bhd. (THTS). Ianya suatu adunan mantap yang tergabung dalam satu acuan yang menguntungkan para pelanggan insyaAllah.

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I Wore This Viral Lululemon Belt Bag Across Italy for 10 Days, and Now I'll Never Vacation Without It

It has so much space that I could easily fit my passport, wallet, sunglasses, and more.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

Back in 2022 I embarked on a 10-day trek across Italy, and if there was one thing I knew I needed to pick up before the journey, it was the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag . At the time, the popular bag — the one you’ve likely seen all over the Internet — was sold out online as well as in most of the other stores across Manhattan, but the very morning of my flight I made a last ditch call to the location near my apartment and was met with nine thrilling words: “We just got them back in stock — but hurry.”

After traveling with my new bag through an airport in Norway on an unexpected layover, to the city streets of Rome, I knew that I would never go on another vacation without my belt bag — and two years later that remains to be true. Plus, right now you don’t have to search high and low for these bags like I did, because the $38 pack is currently fully in stock in 14 stunning colors on the Lululemon site, including new shades like the spring-ready Paradise Green.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

This versatile bag is everything you could possibly need in a functional travel pack: At 7.5 inches by 2 inches by 5 inches and with a capacity of 1L, it’s spacious enough for my sunglasses, wallet, passport, keys, and phone, and is easily adjustable to fit across my body when wearing just a tank top and even when I'm tucked away in my winter coat. The primary pocket features mesh pouches on either side, which I usually pack my keys and a lip balm into, and an additional slim pocket on the back of the pouch is my favorite way to ensure my passport stays safe and protected.

Water-repellent nylon fabric makes this bag perfect for both rainy days and sweaty adventures, and unlike most bags with adjustable straps that leave one long piece left hanging, this pack is made with a thin piece of elastic that evens out the loop for a more streamlined appearance. It can even be worn as a traditional fanny pack (which I use for running outside), as well as across your body for easy access to your essentials while hurrying through the airport. Thanks to its functional and versatile design, the Everywhere Belt Bag made it onto our list of favorite fanny packs to take hiking .

Travel + Leisure / Merrell Readman

I can get overwhelmed if I have too much to carry while I’m traveling, and this bag has shown me the joys of a hands-free vacation experience. It made it much easier to get through TSA and boarding my flight because my passport was always just a short reach away, and even on outings in Florence and Rome, I was happy to not worry about my purse getting snatched off my shoulder if I were to let my guard down. 

I’m not the only shopper that swears by this versatile fanny pack for travel now, and other Lululemon customers can’t help but rave about this sleek and functional bag. One shopper noted that they “travel a lot” and admitted that the bag is now “indispensable,” adding that it is the “perfect size with convenient compartments to keep well organized without the heavy bulk of a traditional purse.”

Another shopper raved that this pack is “nice if you’re traveling or just doing errands” because “if you have to pull your phone out or your wallet, [they’re] right there instead of digging through your purse to find whatever you need.” 

It’s very rare that an item is actually worth the hype that it has garnered, but in this case the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag has earned every ounce of praise it has received. Not only can it fit a frankly impressive amount of essentials (I’m an overpacker), but it’s also comfortable to wear, sleek, and has quickly become one of the most-used bags in my collection. 

Right now, the shopper-loved belt bag is available at Lululemon starting at $38, and is currently in stock in 14 stylish shades. Just don’t wait too long — it’s notorious for selling out quickly.

And if you're looking to elevate your travel style with other comfy and functional essentials, keep reading to find more must-have items to shop at Lululemon.

More Travel Essentials at Lululemon

Chargefeel 2 low women's workout shoe, scuba oversized hoodie, tapered-leg mid-rise 7/8 length luxtreme, restfeel women's slide.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $38. 

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Cass Review: Gender report author cannot travel on public transport over safety fears

Dr Hilary Cass says she is more upset and frustrated about the falsehoods being peddled about her research than the abuse directed at her, because it is "putting children at risk".

Saturday 20 April 2024 13:38, UK

The paediatrician behind a landmark report into transgender treatment of children has criticised the "disinformation" about her findings as she revealed she avoids travelling on public transport over security fears.

Dr Hilary Cass has said the attacks on her study were "inaccurate" and "unforgivable" as it put young people "at risk".

The recently-published Cass Review found that there was "remarkably weak evidence" to support gender treatments for children.

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The "toxicity of the debate" was also not helping, with people afraid of discussing transgender issues openly, she said.

The research was commissioned by NHS England four years ago after a steep rise in the numbers seeking help for gender issues.

Dr Cass told The Times newspaper: "I have been really frustrated by the criticisms, because it is straight disinformation. It is completely inaccurate.

"It started the day before the report came out when an influencer posted a picture of a list of papers that were apparently rejected because they were not randomised control trials.

"That list has absolutely nothing to do with either our report or any of the papers."

She added: "If you deliberately try to undermine a report that has looked at the evidence of children's healthcare, then that's unforgivable. You are putting children at risk by doing that."

Read more: What gender treatments are currently available to children?

She also hit out at Labour MP Dawn Butler, who questioned Health Secretary Victoria Atkins during a House of Commons debate on Monday about why "over 100 studies have not been in this Cass report".

Dr Cass expressed dismay at the Brent Central MP making assertions that were "completely wrong".

She said researchers had examined every research paper, but not all met the threshold standard for inclusion.

The total number of datasets deemed to be of high or medium-quality was 60 out of 103.

The Cass report made more than 32 recommendations, including that gender care operates "to the same standards" as other children's health services.

The review found the entire field of medicine aimed at enabling children to change gender had been "built on shaky foundations", with not enough evidence to support prescribing hormones to under-18s to pause puberty or to transition to the opposite sex.

Last month, NHS England confirmed children would no longer be prescribed puberty blockers outside of research trials.

It also emerged adult gender clinics had refused to take part in the review, which was described as "hugely disappointing" by Dr Cass.

'Vile emails'

Regarding the online abuse she has received, the physician said: "There are some pretty vile emails coming in at the moment.

"Most of which my team is protecting me from, so I'm not getting to see them."

She added: "What dismays me is just how childish the debate can become.

"If I don't agree with somebody then I'm called transphobic or a TERF [trans-exclusionary radical feminist]."

'Misinformation makes me seethe'

But asked if the vitriol had affected her, Dr Cass, the former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: "No... it's personal, but these people don't know me.

"I'm much, much more upset and frustrated about all this disinformation than I am about the abuse.

"The thing that makes me seethe is the misinformation."

She added: "I'm not going on public transport at the moment, following security advice, which is inconvenient."

NHS England has since announced a second Cass Review-style appraisal of adult gender clinics.

But Dr Cass confirmed to The Times she will not take part in that report.

She said: "You heard it right here - I am not going to do the adult gender clinic review."

Related Topics

• Transgender

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