ManishaP

Hello,
My husband and I are planning to travel to Kazakhstan (Almaty & Astana) in August. We are from Mumbai, India. We are doing our own travel arrangements and are trying to arrange for a Letter of Invitation. We would appreciate if anyone could tell us which are the reliable travel agencies for procuring LOI. There are many travel agencies listed on the internet but they all require personal details to be sent beforehand. We are a little concerned about phishing, hence reluctant to share information unless sure about their reliability.
Thanks in advance,
Manisha

thursdaysd

Have you tried asking on Lonely Planet's thorntree?
I have not personally used a local agency, but Stantours has been around a long time, and would be one I would consider.

ManishaP

Hi, We have initiated communication with Stantours. Hoping it works out. Thank you so much for your help. Appreciate it!

thursdaysd

You're welcome. Please report back!

ManishaP

Unfortunately, its not working out as they require me to book hotel and a packaged tour with them for LOI. Apparently none of the travel agencies provide just a LOI for Indian nationals, as per their regulations. Even if I book with them, they will take around 2-3 weeks to send me the LOI. Thereafter my visa process in India will take a another couple of days. I doubt that I will receive my visa on time. Therefore, due to lack of time, I have postponed my Kazakhstan trip for later.
Nevertheless, thank you for your prompt response and help! Appreciate it!

thursdaysd

Good luck! Are you going to Uzbekistan?

ManishaP

Thank you! Not in my immediate plans, but will be going later...

2016adventurer

Manisha, I am originally from Kazakhstan, although now I live in the United States. I have contacts in Kazakhstan who can help going forward. Let me know if you need assistance.