Ust-Kamenogorsk is a city located in the eastern part of Kazakhstan, at the confluence of two rivers: Irtysh and Ulba. It was founded in 1720, and received city status only in 1939. Ust-Kamenogorsk covers an area of 54.4 thousand hectares. Which .
This city is the administrative and industrial center of the East Kazakhstan region, and currently houses a large number of educational, scientific, medical, sports and entertainment institutions. The main areas of economic life in Ust-Kamenogorsk are industrial enterprises processing ferrous and non-ferrous metals, the largest instrument and machine-building plants, as well as the only Lada car production plant in the republic. Visit.
How to get to Ust-Kamenogorsk
Operates in Ust-Kamenogorsk international Airport, which is located 11 km northwest of the city. The second class airport has two runways and serves domestic and international flights.
To organize railway communication in Ust-Kamenogorsk there is a station known as “Zashchita”. This is the first large station located on the route from Russia to Kazakhstan and further to the west.
Intercity travel is carried out using buses that run from two bus stations in the city. The oldest bus station is located on Avenue. Abaya is next to the Sports Palace and serves more than 35 destinations. From this bus station, buses depart not only throughout the republic and region, but also to some cities of Russia, for example to Krasnoyarsk. The second bus station, located on the street. Manors, serves only 17 directions and only in the region.
What interesting places to see in Ust-Kamenogorsk
Culturally, Ust-Kamenogorsk is attractive to tourists. There are a lot of monuments here, there are 3 museums, a drama theater named after Zhambyl, 3 cinemas, a Sports Palace, the Muhamadi Mosque, several cathedrals and temples.
— Regional Museum of History and Local Lore - oldest museum Kazakhstan, opened in 1915. Currently, this museum has become the largest repository of natural and natural history monuments, and is the largest center of scientific research in eastern Kazakhstan, ranging from ancient times to modern times.
— The East Kazakhstan Architectural and Ethnographic Museum includes several buildings located in different areas of the city, as well as 2 parks and a zoo. It contains unique collections representing the historical, cultural and ethnographic heritage of not only the Kazakh people, but also many other countries of the world.
— East Kazakhstan Museum of Art — its collection contains more than 4,000 pieces of painting and graphics, decorative and applied art, as well as sculptures by Kazakh and Russian masters.
Another interesting attraction is located at an altitude of more than 500 m; on Mount Ablaketka, in large letters (the height of each letter is 6 meters), the inscription “Kazakhstan” is laid out, just like in Hollywood. This inscription can be seen in almost any part of the city.
Prices in Ust-Kamenogorsk
The currency used in Ust-Kamenogorsk is the Kazakhstani tenge. At the current exchange rate, 1 US dollar is equal to approximately 185 tenge, and 1 ruble is 5.25 tenge. Prices for many goods in stores are approximately equal to average Russian prices.
There are several hotels in Ust-Kamenogorsk, and depending on the category, they offer their guests a large number of rooms at different prices and different options related services. In economy class hotels, daily accommodation will cost approximately 1000 tenge (about 5 dollars or 190 rubles). In more “star” hotels you will have to pay 3,000 tenge (about 15 dollars or 570 rubles) or more per day.
You can try dishes in cafes and restaurants local cuisine, there is also a large selection of dishes from European, Oriental, Russian and other cuisines. The average bill in a cafe is 1000-3000 tenge, in restaurants from 3000-5000 tenge.
A little history of the founding of the city
In 1720, by decree of Peter I, a detachment led by Major I.M. was sent on an expedition to Lake Zaisan. Likharev. At the confluence of the Irtysh and Ulba, this detachment began the construction of a military fortress, called Ust-Kamennaya or Ust-Kamenogorsk. The fortress got its name due to the fact that the Irtysh in this place seemed to be knocked out of the mouth stone mountains. The fortress housed barracks, apartments for military commanders, a military hospital, and sections of a convict prison, which still exist today. Gradually, houses began to be built next to the fortification outside the fortress. This was the beginning of the city.
“The mouth at the foot of the stone mountains” - this is the meaning of the name of Ust-Kamenogorsk; in Kazakh it sounds like “Oskemen”.
Natural reserves of Ust-Kamenogorsk
But the main attractions of Ust-Kamenogorsk are not museums or architectural monuments, and the nature around is of extraordinary beauty. Tourists are attracted here by green reserves, beautiful mountains, picturesque lakes. All protected parks are located outside the industrial city.
Katon-Karagaysky national park nature - the largest natural Park in Kazakhstan, its area is 643.5 thousand hectares. One third of the territory is covered with forest, mainly coniferous trees: fir, cedar, spruce, Siberian larch. The park is home to rare animals, such as the snow leopard, black stork, peregrine falcon and others.
Markakolsky nature reserve- was created to study and preserve a unique ecosystem mountain lake Markakol. This lake has an area of 455 sq.m. is one of the largest in Altai. More than 100 rivers and streams flow into Lake Markakol, and the only river flowing out of it is Kalzhyr.
Western Altai Nature Reserve - its area is 86 thousand hectares and is occupied by dense fir-spruce forests. This reserve contains an interesting natural monument"Stone City"
Kiin-Kerish or “City of Spirits” - mysterious place in the vicinity of Lake Zaisan. Red rocks and cliffs, their shapes reminiscent of towers and castles located in the middle of the desert. Many attribute the presence of strong energy to the extraterrestrial landscape of Kiin-Kerisha, which is why ritual sacrifices were carried out in this place in ancient times.
(Kazakh) (Russian) (English)
History of the city's creation
At first it was a fortress founded by Major Likharev in the city. Now one of the streets of the city bears the name of the major. In May, the expedition of Ivan Mikhailovich Likharev, equipped according to the personal decree of Peter I, headed to Lake Zaisan. They reached the lake safely, but the further path along the Black Irtysh was blocked by a large Dzungarian detachment. The attacks were easily repulsed, but the greatly shallowed Irtysh did not allow us to move further. The expedition turned back.
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Mount Belukha- highest point Gorny Altai, from which the Katunsky ridge begins. It is located at the source of the Katun River. This mountain has the appearance of two peaks, which in shape resemble irregular pyramids and in height, the Eastern one is 4509 meters and the Western one is 4435 meters. Belukha Mountain is an interesting natural monument, majestic and pristine.
The area of Mount Belukha is variable, which varies in height. The temperature also changes, from the foot to the top of Mount Belukha. In winter there is prolonged snowfall, and in summer there is heavy rain. Belukha glaciers are known, of which there are about 169. The most impressive is the Sapozhnikov Glacier. The rivers are fast-flowing, most of which flow into the Katun, and they are fed not by rain, but by glacial meltwater and snow.
The mysterious location of the mountain, at one distance from the three oceans of the world, impresses tourists. It heals those tired of the city rhythm, and proves to inveterate optimists that life is wonderful.
Coordinates: 50.29460300,85.59405300
Lake Zaysan
Lake Zaisan is one of the largest and most unusual freshwater lakes in Kazakhstan. It stretches between mountain ranges thirty kilometers from Kiin-Kerisha. Lake Zaysan is sometimes called the “Lake of Bells” due to the unusual sounds that can be heard on the shores of this amazing lake after dark.
Lake Zaisan boasts a large number of fish species living in its waters. Burbot, pike, perch, crucian carp are far from a rare catch for tourists who come to fish on Lake Zaisan. On its banks is Akshuat, the so-called fishermen’s village, whose hospitable residents will gladly welcome you in their area and, if you wish, organize a kind of excursion in order to introduce you to the original atmosphere of fishermen’s families.
Also, the shores of Lake Zaisan are densely populated with a variety of wild animals: gophers, foxes, steppe eagles. You don't have to be a keen bird watcher to notice and admire the different species of larks and the little shrike.
Coordinates: 47.99853700,83.90290400
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Bukhtarma Reservoir
The total area of the Bukhtarma reservoir is 5,500 square kilometers. The volume of water contained in the reservoir is 53 km³. The largest width is 35 kilometers, and the length is about 500 kilometers. The average depth point is almost 10 meters.
Due to the fact that the Bukhtarma Reservoir produces the deepest water path, this creates improved conditions for navigation by ships on the Irtysh River. In the river valleys of Narym and Bukhtaram and in the Monchekur depression, the width of the bays is 10 kilometers, the length is from 30 to 50 kilometers.
Since 1960, the reservoir began to be filled for the first time, and since 1966, long-term waste regulation has taken place.
Coordinates: 49.19247400,49.19247400
The Markakol depression is bordered by mountain ranges Azutau and Kurchumsky. On the north-eastern side it is connected by the Bobrovskaya depression, and on the south-western side it exits through the Kaldzhir River into the Zaisan Valley. The lake is located at 1447 meters above sea level. It has the shape of an elongated oval and runs from northeast to southwest. Its length is 38 kilometers and its width is 19 kilometers.
The total area of the lake is 445 km². The average depth of the lake is 14.3 meters, and deep point The lake is 27 meters. The total length of the coast is 106 kilometers. The bowl of the lake contains 6.5 km³ of water. Only one river flows out of the lake - Kaldzhir, and about 100 different watercourses flow into it. The main ones are Karabulak, Tikhushka, Zhirenka, Topolevka, Elovka.
Coordinates: 48.76252600,85.76751700
Ski resort "Altai Alps"
The Altai Alps resort is one of the most popular ski resorts Kazakhstan. The resort is located twenty kilometers from Ust-Kamenogorsk, on a picturesque slope of the Altai Mountains.
"Altai Alps" - excellent and modern ski resort, equipped with everything necessary for quality active recreation. There are many trails of various difficulty categories, two cable cars, rental points sports equipment and much more. Some of the slopes are illuminated, so you can ski even at night. Beginners can use the services of professional instructors and coaches.
In addition, the resort has cozy cafe, a billiards room, massage rooms, a bathhouse, a swimming pool and other entertainment facilities where you can relax and unwind after a whole day of skiing.
Coordinates: 50.11479900,82.99836200
Markakolsky Reserve
Its foundation took place in August 1976. It occupies 71.3 thousand hectares of land. Later, the area of the reserve was expanded by decree of the Kazakh government. It began to occupy an area of 102,979 hectares of land.
The Markakolsky Reserve contains 55 species of mammals, such as ermine, golden eagle, brown bear, wolf, solongoi, sable, roe deer, polecat, snow leopard, deer, otter, elk, mink, wolverine, badger, weasel, weasel, wild boar and many others. Birds, about 250 varieties: wild pigeons, black storks, harriers, buzzards, gray partridges, grebes, hobbies, honey beetles, owls, ospreys, waders, chukars, black kites, white-tailed eagles, ducks, black grouse, etc.
Coordinates: 48.75618900,85.75103800
Irtysh River
The Irtysh River extends in the eastern territories of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This river, known for its extraordinary length, colossal resources and unique nature- a favorite vacation spot for tourists who prefer active recreation and fishing in Kazakhstan.
The Irtysh River in Kazakhstan has a length of about 1,700 kilometers. It originates in China, under the name "Black Irtysh" it crosses the territory of Kazakhstan, flowing into Lake Zaisan. And at the exit from the lake, the river receives its true name.
The Irtysh River is an ideal place for those who are partial to fishing and other things. active recreation. Ide, sturgeon, sterlet, burbot and stellate sturgeon are far from full list fauna living in the waters of the Irtysh. It is worth noting that the Irtysh River is also one of the cleanest rivers, and in the warm season the water warms up to +22C. The shores of this amazing river- an excellent place for walks along the sandy beach. The amazing local flora will not leave any tourist indifferent.
Coordinates: 49.96093900,82.56497600
Bukhtarminskoye Reservoir
The Bukhtarma Reservoir is located in the East Kazakhstan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The reservoir was formed in 1960 with the aim of creating a deep-water route for ships, which significantly improves navigation conditions along the Irtysh River. The reservoir itself consists of two sections: the river one, where there is a current in the river valley, and a lake called Zaisan, which has formed a wide reach. The area of the Bukhtarma reservoir exceeds 5.5 thousand square kilometers.
There are also places here for have a great holiday: tourist centers and camping areas, equipped beaches and convenient roads that can be driven by car. Very beautiful nature Bukhtarma Reservoir: picturesque landscapes, forests, pure water lakes. Sandy beaches with a gentle descent into the water, they are perfect for vacationers with children. You can stay right on the shore with tents or spend the night in boarding houses and camp sites on the reservoir. This place is very popular among fishermen: the Bukhtarma Reservoir is home to pike perch, pike, perch, carp, ide, trout and many other species of fish.
Coordinates: 49.16666600,84.25000000
Fountain "Zodiac"
The Zodiac Fountain is a huge beautiful fountain in the center of Ust-Kamenogorsk, which is known throughout Kazakhstan thanks to the amazing zodiac figures on it.
The Zodiac fountain is located near the central mosque of Ust-Kamenogorsk, on Republic Square, in north-east Kazakhstan. It is a large modern fountain, which is decorated with tiles and unusual sculptures of animals - zodiac symbols. Original figures attract the attention of children and adults.
Next to the fountain there is a cozy square with many benches where you can relax and breathe fresh air. Locals they often like to walk near the Zodiac fountain and sit near it on warm summer evenings.
Coordinates: 49.94760400,82.63002200
Bukhtarma Lake
Bukhtarma Lake is an original natural monument located on the southern slope of the Argut ridge, separating the river areas of Argut and Bukhtarma.
The lake is located at an altitude of 2064 meters above sea level. Many rivers and springs flow into the lake, which descend from mountain ledges and form beautiful waterfalls. At the bottom, the Bukhtarma River unites with the Chindagatuy River. And a little higher, the Shandege-Bulak River, flowing from the lake, flows into the Chindagatuy River.
Tourists will be interested in fishing, since the lake contains a large number of grayling, which is successfully caught both in summer and winter. You can also ride sailing boats, and find rare mushrooms and berries in the forest. In the vicinity of the lake there are sables, otters and squirrels.
Coordinates: 49.28500000,86.94500000
Kiin-Kerish
Kiin-Kerish is a clay canyon, which is located 120 kilometers from the city of Kurchum and covers an area of 300 hectares. Kiin-Kerish consists of a variety of red clays, the origin of which was influenced by the hot tropical climate. But it is very difficult to see the “City of Spirits,” as Kiin-Kerish is commonly called, since it is located in a lowland.
The flora and fauna of this valley attracts attention. Vegetable world represented by two rare species plants protected at the regional level: gray atrafaxis and Ferula Krylova. Also in the valley you can find iris, variegated poplar, salt marsh, Zaisan Echinops, tulip, and elm.
Kiin-Kerish is home to the rarest representatives of the animal world, which are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan: bustard, yellow lemming, black-bellied sandgrouse, eagle owl, balaban falcon, golden eagle, steppe eagle, jack, desert shrike, lapwing. The Central Asian buzzard and the steppe kestrel build their nests in the Kiin-Kerish mountains.
Coordinates: 48.13361100,84.49361100
Rakhmanov keys
The Rakhmanovskie Klyuchi sanatorium began its work in 1964. The health resort is located 500 kilometers from the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, on the territory of the Katon-Karagai Park. Vacationers are healed with the help of underground thermal radon waters.
In addition, medical, ski and beach tourism is actively developing here. Manipulations carried out on modern German equipment help everyone. who strives for a healthy lifestyle. The pleasant staff of the complex offers vacationers massage, herbal bar, herbal steam sauna, stone therapy, irrigation, underwater spinal treatment and much more. Childless couples come for infertility treatment.
The picturesque beauty of the Alps, the fragrant aroma of meadows, the healing and intoxicating air of the taiga, tall cedars, the mighty Belukha Mountain and mirror lakes help vacationers to recover.
Coordinates: 49.95402800,86.61288300
The most popular attractions in Ust-Kamenogorsk with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Ust-Kamenogorsk on our website.
Hotel Shiny River**** is conveniently located on the embankment of the Ulba River. The rooms available range from Economy to Luxury classes. Each room has air conditioning, refrigerator, wireless Internet, satellite TV. The hotel has 2 restaurants, 2 bars, banqueting hall, business center, conference room.
Room rate per night: from KZT 11,000 ($60) to KZT 40,000 ($218)
Address: st. Solnechnaya, 8/1.
Hotel De Luxe, located in the city center, offers its clients rooms from standard to luxury, equipped with a minibar, cable TV, Wi Fi, safe, and air conditioning. The hotel has a restaurant, karaoke bar, swimming pool, sauna, gym.
Room rate per night: from KZT 18,500 ($100) to KZT 30,000 ($163)
Address: st. Kaysenova, 28 a.
Hotel City Hotel*** Rooms: Standard, Junior Suite, Suite, VIP.
Room rate per night: from KZT 8500 ($46) to KZT 20000 ($109)
Address: st. Voroshilova, 158.
Hotel complex Beybarys*** Rooms: Suite, Premier Suite, Presidential Suite.
Room rate per night: from KZT 11,000 ($60) to KZT 21,000 ($115)
Address: st. Basic, 8.
Hotel Irtysh*** Rooms: Standard, Suite I, II and III categories.
Room rate per night: from KZT 7500 ($40) to KZT 27000 ($147)
Address: st. Auezova, 22.
Hotel Ust-Kamenogorsk. Rooms: non-standard, standard and superior category.
Room rate per night: from KZT 2500 ($14) to KZT 21000 ($115)
Address: st. Kabanbay Batyr, 158.
Sights of Ust-Kamenogorsk
The house of merchant Stepanov, built in 1827, is a monument of architecture and urban planning. IN different years During the Soviet period, it housed the regional committee, passport office and other official and party organizations. Today, this ancient building houses the Museum of Fine Arts named after the Nevzorov family, whose holdings include more than 4,000 works of painting, graphics, sculpture and decorative art by artists and craftsmen of Kazakhstan. The museum premises host an art song club, the Roerich Society, the Literature association, and the Association for Friendship with India.
Address: st. Tokhtarova. 56.
The East Kazakhstan Regional Museum of History and Local Lore is one of the oldest in Kazakhstan. It was founded before the revolution - back in 1915. Almost a hundred years of work of the museum have brought invaluable fruits: the richest collections of exhibits are collected under its arches. Of particular interest are the archaeological finds collected from all excavations of ancient mounds since 1947. IN former USSR The East Kazakhstan Museum of History and Local Lore was twice recognized as the best in the country.
Address: st. Uritsky, 40.
East Kazakhstan Drama Theater named after. Zhambyl, whose original name was “People's House,” is a theater with more than a hundred years of history and deep-rooted traditions. Even during the harsh war years, performances were held in the unheated rooms of the theater. Today, two theater troupes perform works of Russian, Kazakh and foreign classics, as well as modern drama.
Address: st. Tokhtarova. 47.
On Mount Ablaketka there is an inscription “Kazakhstan” in six-meter letters. A flag of Kazakhstan measuring 6 by 12 meters is installed nearby. The inscription, of course, is smaller than the famous Hollywood one, but it is visible in almost any area of the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, and in holidays glows at night.
The East Kazakhstan Pantotherapy Center, located 16 km from the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, offers not only relaxation surrounded by picturesque Altai nature, but also a course of medical procedures based on antler products. Pantotherapy is indispensable for any city dweller whose life is spent in poor environmental conditions. In this sanatorium you will noticeably strengthen your body within 10 - 12 days.
Room rate per night: from KZT 12,000 ($65) to KZT 45,000 ($244)
Address: st. Kabanbay Batyr, 91.
Nature of Southern Altai
City of Spirits, Flaming Cliffs - many poetic epithets have been chosen to describe this unique creation of nature. Proud Beauty - this is how Kiin-Kerish sounds in literal translation. As a result of prolonged erosion, exposed deposits of multi-colored clays with predominant red shades acquired unimaginable shapes. The bizarre landscape of this strange place, which is not easy to find without a guide, is often called "Martian". Tourists come here to admire the amazing city created by nature itself. Scientists are also frequent guests of Kiin-Kerish. The paleontological finds discovered here are of high value.
Location: in the vicinity of Lake Zaisan.
The nearest railway station is Serebryansk.
A climber's dream! highest peak Altai has a number of properties that make it possible to make ascents of various categories of difficulty. In addition, Belukha is shrouded in myths and legends of a religious and mystical nature, as a result of which not only climbers show great interest in it.
The nearest railway station is Zyryanovsk.
Has healing properties. During the Great Silk Road, travelers passing by it stopped to swim and take a break from their long journey. It was they who, already in those distant times, noticed that the magical waters of Lake Alakol helped to quickly restore strength. In the vicinity of the lake there are sanatoriums and recreation centers: Alakol, Aigerim, Dorozhnik, Asem, Barlyk Arasan and many others.
Location: Urjar district.
The population of the city in 2018 was 329,090 people. IN percentage the city is home to 68.1% Russians, 26.5% Kazakhs, 1.3% Germans, 1.2% Ukrainians, 1.1% Tatars, 0.2% Koreans, 0.2% Azerbaijanis, 0.3% Belarusians , 0.1% Uzbeks, 1.0% other nationalities.
Currently, administrative, scientific, educational, medical, entertainment, sports, and entertainment institutions are located in the regional center. The main directions of the city's economy are non-ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering and metalworking, energy, light industry, forestry, and food industry. The city is home to enterprises for processing ferrous and non-ferrous metals, the largest machine and instrument manufacturing plants in the republic, as well as the only Lada car production plant in Kazakhstan. Non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises smelt lead, zinc, gold, silver, cadmium, thallium and tellurium.
Ust-Kamenogorsk received great development for last years in the scientific, technical and cultural spheres. Since 2005, the city has 58 secondary schools, 5 colleges, 3 polytechnic schools and 8 higher educational institutions with a total number of students of 71,758 people. The most popular higher educational institutions include: East Kazakhstan State University (EKSU), East Kazakhstan State Technical University (EKSTU), Kazakh-American Free University, Eastern Humanitarian Institute, Higher School of Law "Adilet", medical, polytechnic colleges, college Arts, College of Economics and Finance and, as well as branches of various international and domestic scientific communities and academies. The city has many historical, historical and local history museums, medical and preventive institutions, and there is a Sports Palace.
City `s history
In 1714, Russian Tsar Peter I became aware that there were deposits of “sand gold” in the area of the Irket River. So, on his order, in 1715, a detachment under the command of I. Buchholz was sent from Tobolsk up the Irtysh. Soon the Yamyshevskaya fortress was founded, where the city of Semipalatinsk was later formed. In 1719, Peter I sent a new detachment to find the location of the Yarkand gold deposits. In May 1720, he headed up the Irtysh to Lake Zaisan. new expedition, headed by Major I.M. Likharev. Soon, at the place where the Ulba flows into the Irtysh, a new Russian military fortress, Ust-Kamenogorsk or Ust-Kamennaya, was founded, so named because it was in this place that the Irtysh seemed to break free from the mouth of the stone mountains and then rolled its waters across the plain. The fortress became the extreme southern end of the Irtysh line. It was surrounded by high ramparts. Here there were barracks for soldiers, a military hospital, apartments for military commanders, various storerooms and departments of a convict prison (which, by the way, have survived to this day). The first houses outside the fortress were built not far from the fortification. Thus the foundation of the city was laid.
“The mouth at the foot of the stone mountains” - this is how you can understand the meaning of the word “Ust-Kamenogorsk”; in Kazakh the name of the city sounds like “Oskemen”. The city became the gateway to the foothills of Altai and the Altai Mountains.
The second reason for establishing a military fortress on this territory was to protect Russian possessions in Siberia from the destructive attacks of the Dzungars. However, after the defeat of the Dzungar Khanate in 1757, the role of the fortress lost its significance, and by the beginning of the 19th century, the Ust-Kamenogorsk village became the center of lively trade with Mongolia and China. Cargoes passed through Ust-Kamenogorsk, mainly ore concentrate, sent by tug or steamship along the Irtysh to the metallurgical plants of Barnaul and to Central Russia. A market square with shopping arcades appears on the territory of the city, and agricultural products are traded daily. Every year a fair was held in Ust-Kamenogorsk, where bread, furs, oil, leather, wax, honey and other goods were sold. There were also stone shops of rich merchants here. Some of these buildings have survived to this day along the street. Kirov and M. Gorky. In 1868, the village, whose population consisted of Siberian Cossacks who moved here in the second half of the 18th century, acquired the status of a city.
The pages of the city's history say that many unpleasant and sad events happened here. For example, Ust-Kamenogorsk had to endure both a fire, the flames of which once completely consumed the city, and floods, which brought nothing but enormous damage to the city.
By the beginning of the 20th century, trade continued to develop in the city, a pier was built and Railway(station Protection); Ust-Kamenogorsk becomes the center of the gold mining industry in the Kazakh part of Altai. Placer and primary deposits are being intensively developed. Throughout history, according to official reports, about 700 tons of gold were extracted. A gold nugget weighing 27.57 kilograms found in these places deserves special attention.
The city, among other things, is famous for the fact that the famous Russian writer Bazhov visited here. The amazing colorful places of this region seem to be created for its “mistress of the copper mountain”, which you just want to see in the gorges of multi-colored rocks. Here you literally cannot take a step without stumbling upon one of the precious crystals scattered by the generous hand of a fairy-tale character.
Not far from Ust-Kamenogorsk, on the shore of one of the picturesque lakes, at the end of the 17th - beginning of the 18th century there stood a Lamaist temple with a large library of Tibetan scrolls, which was destroyed. The barely visible ruins, miraculously preserved, remind us of it.
Attractions
The main attraction of Ust-Kamenogorsk is not the architectural monuments, museums or ancient settlements (although this is also important), but the extraordinary surrounding nature, which it is impossible not to admire. Colorful mountains, picturesque lakes, green reserves - everything here can delight a tourist. And not only tourists, even townspeople never tire of enjoying the beauty of their region. Is it possible to get used to this, and how can you ever get tired of this?
Natural reserves, however, are located outside the industrial city: Katon-Karagai State National Natural Park. The environmental protection zone is located on the border with Russia. The area of the park is 643.5 thousand hectares. This is the largest national park in Kazakhstan. About 34% of the park's territory is covered with forest, where mainly coniferous species are represented: spruce, Siberian cedar, larch and fir. The park is home to such rare animals and birds as the Altai snowcock, black stork, gray and demoiselle cranes, imperial eagle, osprey, saker falcon, peregrine falcon, hump-nosed scoter, snow leopard and stone marten. Katon-Karagai National Park is crossed by the Austrian road, 50 km long. The road bears the unofficial name “Austrian”, as it was built between 1914 and 1916 by Austrian prisoners of war of the First World War. The Austrian road is the most popular route park, it passes through its main attractions: the Marble Pass, the Altai and Burkhat passes and the northern branch of the Great Silk Road.
Western Altai State Nature Reserve
The area of the reserve is 86 thousand hectares. The “black taiga” stretches here, consisting of dense fir-spruce forests, and there are about 50 species of mammals and 200 species of birds. There is a natural monument in the reserve " Stone City"consisting of granite remains.
Markakol State Nature Reserve
The park was created to preserve and study the unique ecosystem of mountain lake Markakol, located at an altitude of 1447 m. Lake Markakol is one of the largest lakes in Altai, its area is 455 sq. km. More than 100 rivers and streams flow into it, and only one river flows out of the lake - Kalzhyr. About 700 plant species are found in the reserve. Mammals are represented by 55 species, including elk, roe deer, deer, wild boar, brown bear, wolf, wolverine, ermine, polecat, weasel, badger, weasel, solongoi, otter, sable, American mink, and occasionally you can see a snow leopard. There are also about 250 bird species here. The waters of Lake Markakol are home to fish such as grayling, char, gudgeon and lake lizard. Ozerny Uskuk is a variety of Siberian lenok, it is found only in Markakol. Study fishing The best time to visit the reserve is in late winter and autumn.
“City of Spirits” - Kiin-Kerish
This is one of the most mysterious attractions of Kazakhstan, located in the vicinity of Lake Zaisan. Here, in the middle of the desert, there are rocks and cliffs of red color, reminiscent of castles, towers and yurts. Red rocks are nothing more than deposits of Tertiary clay exposed as a result of weathering. The landscape of Kiin-Kerish can truly be called extraterrestrial, similar to Martian. They say that this place has strong energy: even in ancient times it was used for ritual sacrifices. But most interesting fact It was that in the red clays of Kiin-Kerisha, imprints of tropical vegetation and the remains of fossil vertebrates from the Mesozoic era were found.
“Kazakhstan” - like in Hollywood
On Mount Ablaketka, at an altitude of 522 meters above sea level, the word “Kazakhstan” is written in giant letters. The inscription can be seen in almost every corner of the city; it resembles the famous “Hollywood” letters on the Californian hills. True, the height of those is 10 meters, while the Ust-Kamenogorsk ones are a little more “modest” - only six! Next to the inscription, a Kazakh flag of the same impressive size was installed - 6 by 12 meters. The city akimat explained that this gift was made to Ust-Kamenogorsk by two large companies that wished to remain anonymous. At night, the metal letters will glow. True, only on holidays.
