Things To Do
in Balpyq Bī

Vivid market scenes with colourful produce, textiles and everyday life — great for candid street photography and portraits.

Wide-open landscapes offering dramatic skies, sunrise/sunset light and grazing livestock; ideal for panoramic shots.

Calm water reflections, small bridges and local fishing activity provide tranquil compositions.

When present, yurts and nomadic camps make powerful cultural photographs — ask permission before photographing people.

The national dish of Kazakhstan: boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served over wide flat noodles with onion broth. Found in local eateries and family homes.

Must-Try!

A one-pot rice dish with carrots, meat and spices — common at markets, celebrations and cafés.

Small pieces of fried dough served as a snack or dessert, widely available at markets and bakeries.

Fermented mare’s milk — a traditional drink in rural areas; try only if you’re comfortable with tangy fermented dairy.

A friendly handshake and eye contact are common for informal greetings; addressing elders respectfully is important. Use Russian or Kazakh phrases for basic politeness.

Remove shoes when entering someone’s home and accept offered tea or snacks; bring a small gift if invited.

Show deference to older people in conversation and when entering communal spaces.

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and avoid loud public displays; ask before photographing people, especially women.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up bills or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common in service-oriented places. Small tips for taxi drivers, guides and hotel staff are welcomed.

Cash (Kazakhstani tenge) is widely used, especially in small shops and markets. Cards are accepted at larger cafés and hotels, but ATMs and card terminals can be limited — carry cash for rural areas.

Cool to mild temperatures with melting snow early on, strong winds at times, and wildflowers appearing in late spring; spring festivals and lambing season add rural color.

Warm to hot days, dry weather and long daylight hours — excellent for hiking and outdoor activities, but bring sun protection and water.

Crisp, pleasant days and clear skies; late September–October brings colourful foliage in higher elevations and comfortable touring conditions.

Cold and snowy with sub-zero nights common; rural roads may be icy and some services limited — dress warmly and check transport availability.

Local routes into the nearby foothills offer gentle to moderate hikes with views over steppe and river valleys; suitable for half-day outings.

Iconic mountain lakes known for clear water and forested slopes — reachable as a day trip or overnight excursion from the region; excellent for photography and multi-hour hikes.

Dramatic canyon landscapes within the broader Almaty region; a popular day-trip destination for hiking and sightseeing if you have transport.

Protected area with diverse landscapes including sand dunes, rock formations and wildlife — offers guided hikes and exploration opportunities a few hours’ drive away.

The largest international airport serving southeastern Kazakhstan; best option for international connections and ground transport to regional towns. From Almaty you can arrange buses, shared taxis or private transfers to smaller towns.

A smaller regional airport with domestic flights; useful for reaching the general region if services operate seasonally or on limited schedules.