The Altai Mountains in East Kazakhstan offer a distinct change of scenery from the southern steppes. This region is greener, cooler, and densely forested, resembling the Alps or the Taiga. For families, the primary draw is the Bukhtarma Reservoir, a massive man-made lake that functions as an inland sea. during the summer months, the shores are dotted with holiday cabins and campsites where families swim, fish, and enjoy barbecues in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
The gateway to the region is Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), but the real adventure lies in the countryside. The region is famous for its antler therapy (pantotherapy) centers, though for most children, the highlight is the nature and wildlife. The lush valleys are home to diverse flora, and the area produces some of the best honey in Central Asia; visiting a local apiary to see how honey is made and tasting the fresh product is a sweet educational experience.
Traveling here requires more planning than in Almaty. The distances are long, and roads can be rougher as you get closer to the Russian and Chinese borders. However, for families seeking a true wilderness escape, locations like Lake Markakol offer unmatched tranquility. The water is incredibly clear, and the surrounding villages feature traditional wooden architecture. This is a destination for families who enjoy road trips, self-catering in log cabins, and immersing themselves in deep nature away from the crowds.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Zero attraction evidence. Mount Belukha's summit is in Russia; the Kazakh Altai side has minimal infrastructure and very short accessibility windows. Comparing to Swiss Alps is overclaiming. Very_good reflects genuine wilderness quality without world-class access or facilities.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Zero attraction evidence. 'Living nomadic traditions' and eagle hunting are fascinating cultural encounters but lack the structured interpretive programs, museums, or UNESCO sites that define very_good educational destinations. Good reflects genuine interest without overpromising.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Home to unique 'maralotherapy' (antler baths) and remote cedar-log retreats that offer a distinctive, rustic luxury for discerning travelers. These wellness experiences are best enjoyed during the warm summer window when outdoor meditation and natural immersion are most comfortable.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Features spectacular, rugged landscapes that offer an adventurous alternative to standard scenic drives, though road quality requires experienced handling. Peak months provide the best visibility and safe passage through mountain passes, while the long winter season renders roads dangerous or impassable.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Zero attraction evidence. Horse trekking and kayaking claims are plausible but unsubstantiated by any listed attractions. Infrastructure for organized sporting activities is minimal compared to regions rated very_good globally. Good reflects available activities without overstating the offering.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
While snow coverage is exceptional, the region lacks the world-class lift infrastructure and luxury hospitality typical of European resorts. It remains a marginal choice for families, suited only for those seeking authentic, rugged backcountry skiing rather than a conventional resort experience.
Attractions (52 total)
Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Altai Alps Ski Resort
Oskemen
660-1,050m elevation range, 10 groomed runs, 12km total pistes, Nov-Apr season, features 2 chairlifts and 3 drag lifts with night skiing capabilities.
Visit website →Edelweiss Ski Resort
Ridder
800-1,300m elevation range, 5 runs, 7km total pistes, Nov-Apr season, known for its steep professional-grade slopes used for regional alpine competitions.
Sinya Gora Ski Resort
Ridder
800-1,200m elevation range, 4 runs, 6km total pistes, Dec-Mar season, located on the slopes of the Ivanovsky Ridge offering backcountry access and groomed trails.
Stardust Camp (Zvezdny)
Ridder
850-1,150m elevation range, 3 runs, 5km total pistes, Nov-Apr season, popular for its terrain park features and reliable natural snowpack in the Ridder basin.
Nurtau Ski Resort
Bobrovka
550-800m elevation range, 2 main runs, 4km total skiable terrain, Dec-Mar season, equipped with a high-speed chairlift and comprehensive snow-making facilities.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Altai Botanical Garden
Ridder
One of Kazakhstan's oldest botanical gardens, showcasing over 2,000 species of Altai flora and rare medicinal plants in a scenic mountain valley.
Visit website →Left-Bank Museum-Reserve (Ecological Park)
Oskemen
A sprawling park featuring formal thematic gardens, including a Japanese garden and an extensive arboretum with flora from across the Altai region.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Belukha Mountain
Katon-Karagay
The highest, snow-capped peak in the Altai range, offering breathtaking views and spiritual significance for families and hikers.
Lake Markakol
Urunkhayka
A serene, high-altitude alpine lake known for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding dense forests within a nature reserve.
Great Mosque of Oskemen
Oskemen
A striking modern landmark with brilliant blue domes and four white minarets, representing the city's architectural pride.
Victory Memorial (Strelka)
Oskemen
A prominent urban landmark at the meeting point of the Irtysh and Ulba rivers, featuring a park and a memorial complex.
Berel Burial Mounds
Berel
An ancient archaeological site known as the 'Valley of the Kings,' featuring well-preserved burial mounds of Scythian-era nomads.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Berel Mounds State Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum
Berel
An archaeological site known as the Valley of the Kings, featuring ancient Scythian burial mounds and a museum displaying reconstructed artifacts.
Visit website →East Kazakhstan Architecture and Ethnographic Museum-Reserve
Oskemen
An extensive open-air museum featuring a variety of historic wooden buildings, traditional yurts, and diverse cultural displays representing the region's history.
Visit website →Ak-Bauyr Archaeological Site
Oskemen
A Neolithic astronomical complex often called the 'Kazakh Stonehenge,' featuring rock paintings and a natural amphitheater used for ancient rituals.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Blue Bay (Goluboy Zaliv)
Novaya Bukhtarma
The most popular beach destination on the Bukhtarma Reservoir, offering sandy shores, clear water, and scenic pine forest backdrops.
Sibiny Lakes (Sybinskye Lakes)
Oskemen
A cluster of five pristine alpine lakes set within unique granite mountain formations, featuring clear waters and developed swimming areas.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
East Kazakhstan Museum of Regional Studies
Oskemen
This central museum offers families an engaging look at the region's archaeology and diverse wildlife through detailed dioramas of the Altai landscape.
Visit website →West-Altai State Nature Reserve Museum
Ridder
A specialized museum highlighting the unique 'Stone Fairy Tale' geological formations and the diverse taiga ecology of the western Altai range.
Visit website →Katon-Karagay National Park Visitor Center
Katon-Karagay
This educational hub features interactive exhibits on the unique ecosystems, snow leopards, and alpine flora of the Belukha mountain area.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
East Kazakhstan Regional Architectural-Ethnographic and Natural-Landscape Museum-Reserve
Oskemen
A vast open-air museum featuring an ethno-village with authentic traditional houses representing the diverse cultures of the Altai region.
Visit website →Berel State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve
Katon-Karagay
An important archaeological site known as the Valley of the Kings, featuring ancient Scythian burial mounds and a modern museum pavilion.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
East Kazakhstan Regional Museum-Reserve
Oskemen
A major cultural complex featuring dedicated pavilions for fine arts, decorative folk crafts, and an outdoor ethnographic village showcasing the diverse heritage of the Altai region.
Visit website →East Kazakhstan Regional Museum of Fine Arts
Oskemen
Located in a historic 19th-century mansion, this museum features an impressive collection of Kazakh paintings, Soviet-era graphics, and contemporary works by Altai regional artists.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Katon-Karagay Maral Farms
Katon-Karagay
A world-renowned rural experience where visitors can observe herds of Siberian stags (marals) in high-altitude mountain pastures within a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Visit website →Poperechnoye Village Rural Experience
Ridder
A historic mountain settlement offering authentic interactions with traditional 'Old Believer' farming techniques, livestock encounters, and artisanal dairy production.
Left Bank Museum-Reserve Complex
Oskemen
This expansive park features a meticulously recreated ethno-village of traditional rural houses and a zoo with animals native to the Altai region.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Katon-Karagay National Park
Katon-Karagay
Kazakhstan's largest national park offers families stunning views of the Altai Mountains, the sacred Mount Belukha, and ancient archaeological sites.
Visit website →West Altai State Nature Reserve
Ridder
Known for its unique 'Stone Fairy Tale' rock formations and dense taiga forests, this reserve offers fascinating geological exploration for nature lovers.
Visit website →Markakol State Nature Reserve
Urunkhayka
A remote and pristine sanctuary featuring the high-altitude Lake Markakol, perfect for families seeking untouched wilderness and unique biodiversity.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Left Bank Cultural and Ethnographic Complex
Oskemen
A sprawling cultural theme park featuring diverse ethnic villages, botanical gardens, and military history exhibits representing the region's heritage.
Visit website →Samal Amusement Park
Oskemen
A classic riverside amusement park offering family-friendly mechanical rides and a large Ferris wheel with views of the Irtysh River.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Mount Belukha Base Camp Trek via Yazevoye Lake
Katon-Karagay
54km challenging 5-day trek from Yazevoye Lake to the foot of Mount Belukha with 1,800m elevation gain. This iconic route offers views of the highest peak in Siberia. Equipment rental available through Altai Expedition (altai-expedition.kz) or Katon-Karagay National Park visitor center.
Visit website →The Old Austrian Road Cycling Route
Terekti
140km expert-level 4-day mountain bike or gravel route through the heart of the Altai Mountains with 2,500m elevation gain. This historic road crosses the Alatayskiy Pass and the Kara-Kaba River. Specialized mountain bikes recommended; bring own gear or arrange transport from Oskemen via Altai Expedition (altai-expedition.kz).
Visit website →Lake Markakol Perimeter Trail
Urunkhayka
35km moderate 2-day hike or bike route along the northern shore of Lake Markakol with 450m elevation gain. Features pristine alpine scenery and the unique Urunkhayka village culture. Basic guest houses available in Urunkhayka; mountain bike rental is rare locally, so bringing your own is advised.
Visit website →Lineyskiy Stolby (Stone Fairy Tale) Trail
Ridder
16km moderate day hike with 600m elevation gain, located in the West Altai State Nature Reserve. The trail leads to massive weathered granite pillars rising from the taiga forest. Guided access is usually required by the reserve. Equipment can be rented in Ridder.
Visit website →Rakhmanov Springs to Berel Glacier Hike
Rakhmanovskie Klyuchi
22km challenging 1-day or overnight hike with 900m elevation gain. Starts from the Rakhmanov Springs resort and leads toward the spectacular Berel Glacier. Requires border zone permits. High-altitude gear is essential.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Oskemen to Katon-Karagay Scenic Drive
Oskemen
330km paved highway (6-8 hours) following the R-163 and R-165. This is the primary gateway to the Altai Mountains, featuring the dramatic Osipovskiy Pass serpentines, panoramic views of the Bukhtarma Reservoir, and entering the UNESCO-protected Katon-Karagay National Park.
Visit website →The Old Austrian Road (Staro-Avstriyskaya Doroga)
Urunkhayka (Lake Markakol)
150km rugged dirt and gravel track (4WD mandatory, 1-2 days). Built by WWI Austrian prisoners of war, this historic route crosses the Alataisky and Burkhat passes. It is world-renowned for its challenging terrain and breathtaking views of the Katun Ridge and Mt. Belukha.
Visit website →The Road to Rakhmanov Springs
Katon-Karagay
85km gravel/dirt road (high-clearance 4WD recommended, 4 hours). An iconic mountain journey leading deep into the Altai heartland. The route passes through alpine meadows and ends at a high-altitude lake and thermal springs with views of the double-peaked Mt. Belukha.
Visit website →Bukhtarma Reservoir Coastal Road
Oskemen
100km paved route along the northern shore of the 'Kazakh Sea'. The drive offers numerous viewpoints of the massive turquoise reservoir, red rock formations, and dense evergreen forests, connecting Oskemen to the resort town of Novaya Bukhtarma.
Visit website →Marble Pass Drive (Route to Lake Markakol)
Terekty
120km mixed paved and gravel route from the valley floor up to Lake Markakol. The highlight is the Marble Pass (Mramorniy Pereval), offering a dramatic 1,500m ascent with views of the Chinese border and the shifting colors of the marble-flecked mountain slopes.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Aqua-Center Aina
Oskemen
A popular seasonal outdoor aquatic complex featuring a large swimming pool and water slides, perfect for cooling off during the summer months.
Water Sports Palace
Oskemen
A state-of-the-art Olympic-standard aquatic facility featuring multiple swimming pools, diving boards, and modern amenities for both professional training and public recreation.
Aquapark Nurai
Oskemen
A premier indoor leisure destination featuring a variety of high-speed water slides, wave pools, and dedicated children's areas designed for year-round family fun.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Rakhmanov Springs and Lake
Katon-Karagay
A serene high-mountain valley featuring thermal springs and a crystal-clear lake with iconic views of the majestic Mount Belukha.
Sibinsky Lakes
Oskemen
A series of five clear lakes nestled within unique granite rock basins, offering scenic hiking trails and clear waters perfect for a family day trip.
Bukhtarma Reservoir
Nova Bukhtarma
Often called the 'Kazakh Sea,' this massive and scenic reservoir is a popular family destination for its sandy beaches and backdrop of rugged granite mountains.
Kiin-Kerish Canyon
Kurshim
Known as the 'City of Spirits,' this surreal landscape features eroded clay formations in vivid shades of red, orange, and white that resemble a Martian terrain.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Altay Alps Activity Center
Oskemen
An expansive outdoor center in the Ulba mountains featuring scenic chairlift excursions, mountain hiking, and varied summer recreational activities.
Visit website →Nurtau Mountain Resort
Oskemen
A year-round mountain activity hub offering a professional rope adventure park, chairlift rides for scenic views, and mountain biking trails.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Left Bank Park Zoo
Oskemen
Located within a massive 100-hectare museum-reserve, this zoo features over 50 species including Siberian bears, wolves, and deer in spacious naturalistic enclosures.
Visit website →