our story
“ We are a couple who share the love for traveling, especially through Central Asia, Caucasus and Mongolia”
The idea for INDY GUIDE was created during our travels in this region and out of passion. We fell instantly in love with the countries and the people. The nature is breathtaking, the wildlife is fascinating and the people are caring. Our goal is to show the beauty of this often forgotten part of the world and help travelers experience the heartwarming hospitality of the people here read the full story in Forbes.com.
The Founders of INDY GUIDE
Meet Ati: The Heart and Soul Behind INDY GUIDE
A Kazakh born in Turkey and raised in Switzerland, Ati’s story is a tapestry woven from two worlds. A spirited dreamer with a knack for strategy, he traded the predictability of spreadsheets for the thrill of adventure—and never looked back.
Armed with a master’s degree in Finance and Business Administration from the University of Zurich and the University of Tulsa, Ati spent over a decade climbing the ranks at Switzerland’s top banks. But behind the crisp suits and boardroom meetings, his imagination buzzed with bigger ideas.
Then, in 2015, life handed him a revelation: a journey to Kazakhstan, the homeland he’d never seen. Stepping onto its sunlit steppes and breathing in its untamed beauty, Ati felt an electric connection. “It was like meeting a part of myself I never knew existed,” he shares. That trip became the spark for INDY GUIDE—a platform born from his desire to share Kazakhstan’s magic with the world.
Today, Ati pours his relentless energy into crafting travel experiences that blend Swiss precision with Kazakh warmth. Featured on Forbes.com, INDY GUIDE isn’t just a business; it’s a love letter to discovery. For Ati, every itinerary is a chance to ignite curiosity, bridge cultures, and remind travelers that the best adventures begin where the map ends.
When he’s not brainstorming (which is almost never), you’ll find him swapping stories with locals or chasing horizons—proof that the most unforgettable journeys start with a single, passionate step.
Meet Alexandra: Bridging Worlds, One Journey at a Time
Swiss-born with Austrian roots, Alexandra is the vibrant heartbeat of INDY GUIDE—a blend of sharp business acumen and heartfelt purpose. While her title might say “Marketing and Communications Lead,” her true role? Storyteller, bridge-builder, and the quiet architect of unforgettable journeys.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communication, and Business Administration from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Alexandra dove into the fast-paced worlds of PR and advertising. She even flexed her creative muscles as Deputy Art Director for one of Switzerland’s largest banks. But it was her stints in tourism—from the snowy slopes of Laax to the electric energy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa—that sparked her love for connecting people to places.
Then came a life-changing twist: a honeymoon adventure through Central Asia and Mongolia. What began as a journey of love with Ati soon blossomed into a deeper passion for his Kazakh heritage. “Falling for Ati wasn’t just about the man,” she reflects with a smile. “It was about embracing the soul of Kazakhstan—its golden steppes, nomadic traditions, and the warmth of its people. I found myself captivated by both.”
That trip didn’t just fill her photo album—it rewrote her story. The couple’s shared vision to honor Ati’s roots became the beating heart of INDY GUIDE. Today, Alexandra channels this dual love into the company’s long-term vision. Whether forging partnerships with tourism leaders, advocating for charity projects that uplift local communities, or crafting campaigns that spotlight hidden cultural gems, she ensures every initiative echoes their respect for Kazakhstan’s legacy.
When she’s not strategizing (or daydreaming about her next horse trek through the Tian Shan mountains), you’ll find her sipping Chai with locals, learning age-old crafts from artisans, or scribbling ideas in her travel journal—proof that love, in all its forms, can transform a journey into a lifelong mission.
behind the name INDY GUIDE
The name INDY GUIDE is a combination of the words 'Independent' and 'Guide'. Our camel icon is called "Nomad". He represents the trustworthy and loyal guide who always find its way no matter what harsh conditions he has to deal with. INDY GUIDE is a fantasy name. Although it is a combination of words, we were also inspired by the famous movies of Indiana Jones. Indy has always been a great explorer and big adventurer. The character of Indiana Jones is allegedly based on Roy Chapman Andrews. He was an American explorer and adventurer. He is known for leading expeditions through the Gobi Desert and Mongolia in the early 20th century and finding the first fossil dinosaur egg.
We want our customers to get inspired by these adventures and to be as curious as Indy and Roy were. Feel the sense of adventure and go out there to explore new territories!
