I have just travelled Atyrau up to Aktobe down past Aral sea onto Kyzlorda Almaty and out via Druzhaba crossing in to china...
it seems to me that for the Kasak people they will do anything to get a Foregon guest in there house and show them some good food drink, and great hospatality..only advice make sure your bike is in secure parking..or behind gates..but i have to say so far it has been the biggest suprise ..
And the track riding next to there so called roads was awesome..china is coming a close second but comunication is far harder..

I´ve just done the same trip. I am in Almaty right now and I agree. Kaz people are very friendly, but not their west roads. They are funny to ride but terrible for machines and shocks. And about keeping the bike safe, it is true here, but it is true everywhere. Two kids picked few things from my tank bag, but it was my fault because I should not have given them the chance. Worst is when you are stolen by police. A Russian policeman stole my Ipod from my bag while his boss was trying to bribe me.

Hi All,
I work and live most of the time in Atyrau and thought I would let everyone know that I have an appartment in Atyrau that is free most of the time. If anyone is travelling through you are more than welcome to use it. Also if anyone is struggling for parts there are people flying in and out on a regualr basis who can bring items in. So if you need any assistance get in touch.
Mike

Why you think "china is coming a close second but comunication is far harder", I visited China before ,the people is very friendly and many young people can speak english!

Solea that original post is 3 years old so I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for a reply from Jakey.

In any case I expect his comments were based on his experiences in far Western China - quite different from Han China.

As to Kazakhstan, unfortunately my experiences last year did not mirror Jakey - I even had someone try to steal my bike in Pavlodar.

I did find tremendous hospitality in both Russia and China though - I still can't believe the generosity of the people I met.

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Garry from Oz