Explore Ust-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen), a little-known and fascinating city in Kazakhstan

A bit of history

The city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, also known as Oskemen, was founded in 1720 as a Russian fortress at the confluence of the Irtysh and Ulba rivers. Its initial role was to protect the region and enable exploration of the mineral deposits in the Altai Mountains, rich in precious metals and rare minerals. Over time, it developed into an important administrative, industrial, and cultural center in eastern Kazakhstan, deeply shaped by the Soviet era, and became the capital of the East Kazakhstan Oblast.

What to do in Ust-Kamenogorsk?

Walks along the Irtysh River

The Irtysh River flows through the city and offers beautiful walks along the waterfront, ideal for discovering local life and enjoying peaceful landscapes. In summer, river cruises allow you to admire the city from a different angle.

Zhambyl Regional Theater

The Oskemen Regional Music and Theater Theater, named after the poet Zhambyl Zhabayev, is one of the most important cultural centers in Eastern Kazakhstan. Its varied program ranges from classical ballets to contemporary plays, concerts, and musical performances, making it an essential place to discover the region's artistic wealth.

Beyond the performances, the building itself is worth a visit: its architecture reflects Soviet aesthetics while incorporating modern touches.

Museums

Ust-Kamenogorsk has several museums that provide insight into the culture and history of the region. The Museum of Fine Arts brings together Kazakh and Russian collections, combining classical painting and contemporary exhibitions to offer a varied overview of the art scene.

The Regional Museum of Local History highlights the archaeology, ethnography, and mineralogy of eastern Kazakhstan. Visitors can discover ancient artifacts and everyday objects that trace the evolution of lifestyles in this part of the country.

The Central Market

The Central Market is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city: here you will find dried fruits, spices, crafts, and Kazakh specialties. In the evening, the city comes alive in its cafes, restaurants, and bars, where you can enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Some other places in the region

Katon-Karaguay National Park

Located a few hours' drive from Oskemen, Katon-Karaguay National Park covers more than 600,000 hectares in the heart of the Altai Mountains. It is renowned for its unspoiled landscapes, combining coniferous forests, crystal-clear rivers, and vast flower-filled meadows. Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is home to a rich and varied fauna, from brown bears to elk, as well as the rare snow leopard.

Hikers will find spectacular trails, perfect for exploring this unspoiled natural environment. The park also offers visitors the chance to discover traditional pastoral life, including horse breeding and koumis production.

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The Altai Mountains

True natural gems, the Altai Mountains offer a spectacular setting with snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. It is a paradise for trekking, mountaineering, and photography enthusiasts.

Each season reveals a unique landscape: carpets of wildflowers in spring, golden forests in fall, and pristine panoramas in winter. Beyond their natural beauty, these mountains also have a cultural dimension, bearing witness to human presence for thousands of years.

The lakes

Considered one of the oldest lakes on the planet, Lake Zaysan stretches between the Altai and Tarbagatai mountain ranges. Its calm waters and wild shores make it an ideal place for fishing and relaxation, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. With the construction of the Bukhtarma Dam, the lake has expanded considerably, forming a vast reservoir with impressive landscapes that change with the seasons.

About 70 kilometers from Ust-Kamenogorsk are the Sibin Lakes, a picturesque group of five lakes nestled between rocky hills. Their clear blue waters contrast with the granite reliefs that surround them, creating an almost unreal setting. Easily accessible, these lakes are popular for swimming, camping, and hiking, and are a perfect day trip from the city.

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