Kalmykia, Volgograd, and Northern Kazakhstan Report
 

Report from my 2010 journey from the North Caucasus to Siberia.

Stage 21 – Russia & Kazakhstan: The Eurasian Steppe | EurasiaOverland

Leaving Dagestan, I reached the Republic of Kalmykia. This is a Buddhist, ethnically Mongolian republic in Europe...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T...kiy-Temple.jpg

After visiting Astrakhan, to Mamayev Kurgan, the most spectacular war memorial in Russia, and the largest statue in Europe:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P...yev-Kurgan.jpg

Then up to Saratov, and into Kazakhstan. Now northern Kazakhstan really isn't very interesting, but driving for hours and hours (and hours) across the endless steppe has a soporific, soothing effect:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2...akh-Steppe.jpg

Dropping by Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan, then down to Karaganda and on to the steppe 'island' of Bayanaul, some forrested hills and a nice lake:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w...naul-Rocks.jpg

Finally to Pavlodar, and into Russia at Sharbakty. 5000 km of flatness :D

Always like your photographs. This year was my first across the Kazakh steppes and I loved the emptiness and the feeling of wilderness, especially when you live in western Europe.


Boycie.

Hi Boycie

Thanks for the kind words. I especially like giving Kazakhstan a bit of positive PR as so many people call it boring. Indeed there is a feeling of openness and freedom which I don;t think one can feel in western Europe.

If you enjoy the posts then hit 'follow' on the webpage; I am continuously updating the website with new articles. Next one will be on Mongolia.

Take care

Daniel