Danel Kurmankulova: Opening the Beauty of Kazakhstan to American Travelers

Although the pandemic disrupted international tourism flow for nearly two years, things are finally returning to normal. People are starving for traveling, looking for new exciting destinations and fresh impressions. And that’s exactly what Danel Kurmankulova, a successful American-based entrepreneur from Kazakhstan, is determined to offer. Danel has launched Nomad Treasures – a travel agency that focuses on uniquely planned trips to Kazakhstan and neighboring countries. This destination has been off the grid for the majority of American travelers, and Danel is changing the situation with her business.

Landing in the Travel Industry

Danel’s idea for a boutique travel agency didn’t simply appear out of nowhere. In fact, the businesswoman’s life is a tale of exciting experiences as a traveler and immigrant.

Born and raised in Kazakhstan, Danel first left her home country for a long period of time when she went to study in China at just 16 years old. She majored in international economics and trade – an increasingly important sphere for quickly growing Eastern economies. Danel gained a profound understanding of international business operations and decided to apply this expertise in the travel industry as this market seemed the most appealing to the young graduate.

Danel made a bold decision to move to the United States to launch her career in international tourism. At 21, Danel landed in New York and quickly found an opportunity to dive into the industry as a young professional. She spent three years working as a travel advisor in a boutique luxury travel agency – an experience Danel describes as invaluable for her future success.

“I learned everything there is to know about crafting a tour even for the most demanding clients. I took care of everything from arranging plane tickets and airport transfers to choosing accommodation and making sure special needs are met.

The most exciting part of my job was to work with numerous DMCs to score the best services at the destinations of the client’s choice. Soon enough, however, I discovered that there was no DMC representing Kazakhstan I could contact. And that’s how my business idea first came to life,” says Danel.

Why Travel to Kazakhstan?

Danel is convinced that Kazakhstan, as well as Central Asia in general, is an alluring destination that will give American tourists a different, more profound perspective on the region and its rich culture and history. In fact, Kazakhstan is the 9th biggest country in the world and the biggest landlocked state in the world. It’s no wonder that Kazakhstan is home to more than 130 ethnicities with multifaceted customs, religious beliefs, and lifestyles. It’s a true melting pot of Central Asia.

“Kazakhstan is such an undiscovered country, which I find quite bizarre if you ask me. After all, it’s a huge territory that has anything a traveler might be looking for. You’ll find anything from big cities with futuristic architecture and buzzing nightlife, undisturbed natural gems such as lakes, mountains and steppes, to small local communities with peculiar traditions,” explains Danel.

Indeed, Kazakhstan is a country worth visiting both for people who crave a wild backpacking adventure and for those seeking exclusive service and luxury. The land of contrasts, Kazakhstan can surprise even the most experienced travelers. And Danel is developing conceptual tours with a focus on the most outstanding aspects of Kazakh nature and culture for her clients.

Nomad Treasures: Exclusive Tours on a Plate

Nomad Treasures specializes in crafting unique tours around Kazakhstan and neighboring countries based on clients’ specific requests. Every tour is essentially a work of art tailored to the client’s individual needs, possibilities, and traveling goals.

“I believe our target audience is not simply one specific buying persona. It can be middle-class Americans as well as more affluent customers who look for different things in their tourist experiences. We work with all demographics: large families and solo travelers, young people, and seniors. And we know how to satisfy any taste and preference. Whether you’re longing for a wild adventure or want to go on an elite private tour, Nomad Treasures will make your dream trip to Kazakhstan a reality,” comments Danel.

The agency preaches ultimate comfort for travelers. Danel’s team takes care of everything from A to Z. All the logistics are covered and require virtually no effort on the part of the traveler. Clients don’t need to worry about travel insurance, flight booking, airport transfers, etc. “We want our customers to focus solely on the exciting destinations in the new country. All the behind-the-scenes work is on us.”

Danel emphasizes that even a one-day trip to Kazakhstan can become a magical immersive experience for a traveler. “We offer fantastic short tours to our clients to help them make the most of their stay. For example, you can spend a day in Almaty – the only megalopolis in the world with a world-class ski resort you can reach in just 30 minutes from the city center. Or visit the capital city of Astana – an authentic blend of modernity and antiquity that will take your breath away.”

For longer tours, Nomad Treasures offers immersion into the cultures of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, gives travelers an opportunity to visit Baikonur – the largest cosmodrome in the world, and takes tourists to the most beautiful canyons and lakes of the region. It’s a truly unforgettable experience for anyone who thinks they’ve seen it all. The highest level of service and the thought-out details will provide an unparalleled degree of comfort even to the pickiest clients.

The Future of the Company

Presently, Danel is focused on refining the internal business processes and attracting investors to Nomad Treasures. The company wants to expand the range of destinations and services it offers to customers to develop even more exclusive tours. Danel and her team are convinced that Kazakhstan and Central Asia will find a solid traveling target audience in the United States.

“In the post-pandemic world where people are yearning for new travel experiences more than ever before, Central Asia is definitely the place to be. This mysterious region will satisfy the most exquisite tastes and reveal the most beautiful natural and cultural treasures to visitors. Our goal is to facilitate these magical experiences by providing top-quality service to our clients.”