Kazakhstan: souvenirs
Kazakhstan's steppe heritage rides into its souvenirs - felt, silver horse gear, leather and the apple country's honey. Here is what travellers bring home from Kazakhstan, where the good versions live, and the export questions worth a look - alongside our 67 written places.
The classic buys
Felt crafts
Tekemet and syrmak felt rugs and the felt yurts in miniature - nomad craft from cooperatives and the green bazaar.
Kazakh silver jewellery
The bold tribal silver of earrings and bracelets - modern masters continue the zerger tradition.
Leather and horse gear
Kamcha whips, belts and the horse culture's leatherwork as display pieces.
Honey and apples' descendants
Altai and steppe honeys - and Almaty's apple heritage in dried form.
Chapan robes and skullcaps
The quilted robes and embroidered caps of Central Asian dress.
Dombra
The two-stringed lute of the steppe from instrument makers - light enough to fly.
Check before you buy
- Cultural items over set ages need export permits as across Central Asia - buy new craft.
- Honey jars are heavy glass - the plastic tubs travel better.
- Fur items (karakul, fox) face import rules in some home countries - check yours.
✗ Better left behind
- Old Soviet medals and militaria of unclear origin.
- 'Ancient' Scythian-style gold at market prices - replicas are sold honestly as replicas.
Markets shift, workshops close and open, and the best souvenir is still the one with a story you were there for. Buy from makers where you can, keep receipts for anything substantial, and when a deal feels too good, it usually is.