Cities in Kazakhstan
The most important cities in Kazakhstan at a glance – from the bustling metropolis to the charming small town. Each city links to a detailed page with map, attractions and travel tips.
Atyrau
Two thousand kilometers from the capital, the Ural River officially divides this rich oil city into a European and an Asian part.
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Konayev
As a glittering metropolis for gamblers and vacationers, the city is growing on the sandy beaches of the artificial Kapchagay reservoir.
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Balkhash
Squeezed between a barren desert and one of the largest lakes in Asia, the city thrives on fishing and its massive copper smelters.
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Ridder
Hidden in the dense forests of the Altai Mountains, this place was once one of the most remote mining camps of the Russian Empire.
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Kostanay
Surrounded by endless wheat fields, the city is the agricultural granary of the north and preserves much of its old architecture.
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Petropavl
With harsh winters and strong historical ties to the Trans-Siberian Railway, this northern fortress city secures the region.
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Semey
Despite its tragic history due to Soviet nuclear tests, the city is an important cultural center on the banks of the Irtysh.
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Ekibastuz
Known for its gigantic open-pit mine, this city's monstrous coal power plants supply much of the country with electricity.
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Kaskelen
As a rapidly growing satellite city of Almaty, this suburb benefits from the mild climate and nearby apple orchards.
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Kokshetau
Surrounded by picturesque lakes and wooded hills, this quiet place is often considered the green lung of Northern Kazakhstan.
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Stepnogorsk
Once a secret, closed city of the Soviet Union, the town is now trying to reinvent itself in an open market economy.
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Astana
The windy capital impresses with bold, futuristic architecture rising straight out of the vast Asian steppe.
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Temirtau
Huge steelworks dominate the skyline of this city, where the echo of Soviet industrialization reverberates in every building.
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Kyzylorda
Located on the banks of the Syr Darya River, it is a center of rice cultivation and a major gateway to the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
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Rudny
Built as a classic monotown around gigantic iron ore mines, this place steadily attracts miners to the vast plains.
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Karaganda
Born from industrial coal mining, monumental Soviet architecture and wide avenues still characterize the cityscape.
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Turkistan
As a spiritual center with magnificent mausoleums, this holy city breathes the Islamic mysticism of the ancient Sufi masters.
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Aksu
With huge smoking chimneys, the city prides itself on having one of the world's largest ferroalloy plants.
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Shymkent
As a vibrant commercial hub in the sunny south, the city blends ancient Silk Road history with modern growth.
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Zhanaozen
In the middle of the harsh Mangyshlak Peninsula, gas and oil extraction pulses here, economically driving the region.
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Almaty
Nestled at the foothills of the snow-capped Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, this green metropolis is the cultural heart of Kazakhstan.
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Oral
As a historic stronghold of the Cossacks, the city's architecture reflects a strong 18th-century Russian influence.
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Aktau
Built in the middle of an inhospitable desert, this young city looks directly onto the endless waters of the Caspian Sea.
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Pavlodar
Situated on the banks of the mighty Irtysh River, the city is an industrial heavyweight with a bustling waterfront promenade.
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Rakhmanovskie Springs
A high-altitude resort in the Altai Mountains, famous for its healing radon springs and proximity to Mount Belukha.
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Satpayev
Named after a famous geologist, the extraction of rare metals here drives the relentless expansion of the mines.
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Jezkazgan
Deep in the heart of the Kazakh steppe, this mining town manages rich copper deposits under the endless sun.
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Turgen Gorge
A spectacular gorge in the Trans-Ili Alatau, known for its seven waterfalls and lush alpine vegetation.
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Taldykorgan
In the fertile valley of the Karatal River, this city grows at the intersection of mountains and endless steppe.
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Lake Alakol
A healing saline lake with black pebble beaches, known for its crystal-clear water and rare birdlife.
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Saryagash
A renowned spa resort in southern Kazakhstan, famous for its healing mineral springs and golf courses.
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Taraz
With over 2,000 years of history, this ancient oasis still breathes the spirit of wandering caravans.
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Sayram-Ugam National Park
A diverse nature reserve in the Western Tien Shan mountains, featuring snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.
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Katon-Karagay
A picturesque village in the Kazakh Altai, serving as the gateway to pristine forests and Mount Belukha.
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Oskemen
Enclosed in the wild Altai Mountains, the city thrives on metallurgy and the wild nature of the east.
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Aktobe
As the gateway to western Kazakhstan, this industrial city is growing rapidly on the banks of the Ilek River.
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Kolsai Lakes
Three cascading alpine lakes in the Tian Shan mountains, known as the 'Pearls of the Northern Tian Shan'.
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Lake Issyk
A picturesque alpine lake known for its turquoise waters and dramatic geological history.
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
What are the largest cities in Kazakhstan?
This page lists the most important cities by population – each with its own detail page, map and attractions.
How do I find attractions per city?
Click a city – the detail page lists the top attractions, a map and travel tips.