East KZ road Almaty to Semey?

[Lovetheworld]

As title says, what would be the best road to take? Obvious is to take the shortest most Eastern road, but these are very bad.
Would it be wiser to drive over Balqash? Which means Karaganda?
Quite a huge detour (+500km?) but the roads seem to be much better?
We drive a diesel 4x4 van.

[steven]

It's 1140 km vs 1770 km on Gmaps if you take the detour via KAraganda and Pavlodar. That road is better but also has some bad parts/ bits under construction.

I guess mostly, it's more interesting. Eastern road you can stop over at Tekeli and Alakol (also with detours). Central Road can stop over at Bektau-Ata, Balkhash, Karaganda, Astana, PAvlodar, Ekibastuz. It's got more interest definitely. In terms of time spent if you would just drive it in one go, it's probably the same.

[wakeyjamie]

Hiya, we have the same question. Did your drive this route in the end. Can you tell us how it was and which route you took.
Thanks, Jamie