East Kazakhstan
Explore Kazakhstan’s regions, routes, and standout sites—from endless steppe to soaring peaks.
Main cities
Almaty – cultural hub and gateway to canyons, alpine lakes, and ski terrain.
Taldykorgan (Jetisu) – base for Altyn-Emel, Alakol, and Dzungarian Alatau routes.
Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) – gateway to the Altai: Katon-Karagay, Markakol, and Bukhtarma.
Geography
The southeast rises from steppe basins to the Tien Shan (Almaty/Jetisu) and northeast to the Altai (Öskemen). Landscapes include Ili River gorges and canyons (Charyn), dune and chalk formations (Altyn-Emel), high meadows and spruce forests (Kolsay/Kaindy, Assy), saline and freshwater lakes (Alakol, Tuzkol), and taiga valleys and hot springs in the Altai. Elevation ranges roughly 400–4,000 m; climate is continental with sharp seasonal contrasts.
Visiting
Day trips cluster around Almaty (Charyn Canyon, Kolsay/Kaindy, Altyn-Emel, Big Almaty Lake, Issyk/Turgen, Assy). Multi-day loops link these with Jetisu’s Alakol shoreline and the Altai’s Katon-Karagay and Markakol. Travel by private SUV with short hikes to viewpoints; guesthouses and seasonal yurts keep you close to the landscapes. Summer suits hiking and high passes; spring/autumn give mild weather and clear views; winter brings quiet trails and skiing at Shymbulak.
Almaty – cultural hub and gateway to canyons, alpine lakes, and ski terrain.
Taldykorgan (Jetisu) – base for Altyn-Emel, Alakol, and Dzungarian Alatau routes.
Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) – gateway to the Altai: Katon-Karagay, Markakol, and Bukhtarma.
Geography
The southeast rises from steppe basins to the Tien Shan (Almaty/Jetisu) and northeast to the Altai (Öskemen). Landscapes include Ili River gorges and canyons (Charyn), dune and chalk formations (Altyn-Emel), high meadows and spruce forests (Kolsay/Kaindy, Assy), saline and freshwater lakes (Alakol, Tuzkol), and taiga valleys and hot springs in the Altai. Elevation ranges roughly 400–4,000 m; climate is continental with sharp seasonal contrasts.
Visiting
Day trips cluster around Almaty (Charyn Canyon, Kolsay/Kaindy, Altyn-Emel, Big Almaty Lake, Issyk/Turgen, Assy). Multi-day loops link these with Jetisu’s Alakol shoreline and the Altai’s Katon-Karagay and Markakol. Travel by private SUV with short hikes to viewpoints; guesthouses and seasonal yurts keep you close to the landscapes. Summer suits hiking and high passes; spring/autumn give mild weather and clear views; winter brings quiet trails and skiing at Shymbulak.
Must-visit locations
Almaty & Jetisu Region
Altai & Abai Region