Kazakhstan Expedition: Through Our Own Eyes

Over 7,500 km. More than 50 cities and villages of Kazakhstan.

An expedition through our own eyes.

As part of preparatory work for future projects, in May we completed our first full-scale expedition across Kazakhstan — more precisely, through the eastern, central, northern, and southern regions (last year we explored the western part). Behind the wheel, with a notebook and phone in hand, we traveled through the east, south, center, and north of the country. From Astana to the southern border, then to Zaisan and the eastern border at Maikapshagai — passing through Shymkent, Taraz, Almaty, Konaev, and Taldykorgan. Then onward to Oskemen, Semey, Petropavl, and the northern border. On the return journey — through Kokshetau, Borovoe, and back to Astana. In total, we drove around 7,500 kilometers and visited more than 50 settlements, including 10 regions, 3 metropolises, and 3 single-industry towns.

Expedition participants:

Nurbek Achilov — researcher, economist, and practitioner in regional development, who sought the meaning and causes of the still “sleeping” economy of the future — in people’s words, in cities and villages, in nature, in roadside houses, and in the silence of the steppe.

Atabek Ibragimov — transport and logistics expert, who counted kilometers, cracks in the asphalt, transport corridors, and logistical dead ends.

Nodir Kurbanov — international economist-financier and peacebuilder, who studied the towns and villages where industry remains and where it exists only as a dream.

Travel Route

The expedition began in Astana and moved toward Kazakhstan’s southern border, through Taraz, Shymkent, and Almaty. The experts moved smoothly from one city to another, gathering impressions and taking notes about each new place. The route then took them to Zaisan and the eastern border at Maikapshagai, from where they traveled north through Oskemen, Semey, and Petropavl. The return path lay through Kokshetau and Borovoe, and by the end of the expedition they were back in Astana.

Impressions from the expedition

Each city and village had something special to offer — from traditional Kazakh hospitality to breathtaking landscapes and diverse cuisine, the team managed to see many of Kazakhstan’s beautiful sides. In each new location, they talked with locals and explored not only the economy, infrastructure, and industry but also the traditions, customs, and mindset — which became an important part of the journey.

By the end of the expedition, the experts were overflowing with emotions and insights. They understood just how diverse and multifaceted Kazakhstan’s economy is, and how fascinating this journey could be for anyone willing to repeat it. They created memories that will stay with them forever, and hope that their expedition will inspire others to embark on their own adventures.

Contribution

This was a trip not to destinations, but to the states of people and regions.

The experts set out in search of numbers. Instead, they found deeper meaning and solutions.

If you would like to contribute to our research, please email us at innoker@gmail.com and answer a short survey (link below):

https://forms.gle/GxwgrB6upMcrncEa8

It’s important to hear your opinion too.

And most importantly — if you believe our team of experts should visit your region, city, or village to help develop its economy, infrastructure, or the region as a whole, please write to us at innoker@gmail.com.