Planning a trip to see the natural sights of Kazakhstan

I just watched this mind-blowing National Geographic documentary about Kazakhstan and the landscapes there are absolutely insane. I pretty much decided right then and there that I have to spend my next vacation exploring the mountains and canyons myself. It is a bummer the film did not mention anything about how to actually get around though. I definitely need a set of wheels to reach those remote spots. Does anyone know what kind of vehicle is best for the local roads and where I can find one?

Central Asian landscapes look like something from another planet once you get away from the big cities. You can spend days driving through the steppe or climbing toward the high-altitude lakes without seeing a single soul. Since the terrain changes from smooth highways to rough gravel paths pretty quickly, you really should look for something with four-wheel drive. A Toyota Land Cruiser or a sturdy Mitsubishi Pajero would be perfect for handling the deep ruts and dusty trails in the national parks. Make sure to check if the rental company includes a spare tire and a jack because help can be a long way off in the desert.

The sheer size of that country is hard to wrap your head around until you actually start planning the route. You definitely want to hit the Charyn Canyon because those red rock formations are even more impressive in person than on a TV screen. It is also worth checking out the local markets for some legit nomadic food while you are passing through the smaller towns. You can see what is available and rent a car in Kazakhstan here: https://getrentacar.com/en-US/kazakhstan . These listings come from local people who often have better rates than the big corporate agencies. You can message the person directly to ask about the ground clearance or extra gear for the mountains. The system keeps the whole transaction clear and easy to follow.