Things To Do
in Kegen

Small weekly market where locals sell fresh dairy, bread, meat, vegetables and preserves—good for sampling baursak, cheeses and fresh fruit in season.

Scattered tea houses and stalls along routes to Kolsai and Kaindy offering hot tea, simple soups, fried breads and snacks—perfect for a quick local meal.

Always greet elders first, offer a handshake (or a nod in conservative settings), and use polite phrases—showing respect to older people is important.

If invited into a home, accept tea or at least a small offering; removing shoes may be expected—compliment the food and thank your host.

Dress modestly in rural areas and villages—avoid revealing clothing, especially around older generations and in religious contexts.

Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly in traditional or private settings—many will appreciate being asked first.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants 5-10% is a nice gesture if service is good. For guides, drivers and guesthouse hosts a small cash tip (equivalent of a few dollars) is customary after a good service.

Cash (Kazakhstani tenge) is the primary means of payment in Kegen; small shops and markets usually don’t accept cards. ATMs are limited—carry enough cash when traveling to lakes and villages. Major cards work in Almaty and larger towns but expect no network in remote areas.

Warm and dry days with cool nights; best time for hiking, camping and lake visits—July and August bring wildflowers and easy access to high trails.

Crisp air and golden colors in late September and October; fewer tourists and excellent photography conditions, but some services start winding down.

Cold with frequent snow at higher elevations—road access to lakes may be limited; winter sports are possible in nearby mountain zones but expect basic winter infrastructure.

Variable weather with melting snow, muddy trails and abundant water flow; late spring sees blooming meadows but access to high-altitude trails may still be restricted.

Trails link a series of three alpine lakes with forested slopes; routes vary from short walks to full-day treks and offer established campsites and ranger points.

A relatively short but scenic trail leading to the famous submerged forest and the turquoise lake—ideal for photography and easy to moderate trekking.

A network of trails and pastoral routes through wildflower meadows and along streams; good for multi-day horse treks and connecting to other park trails.

Local valley and gorge walks that explore riverbanks, small waterfalls and village outskirts—suitable for half-day hikes and nature observation.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited: salads, potato dishes, dairy products, soups and bread are common. Communicate clearly and ask hosts to prepare vegetable-focused meals; bring snacks if you have strict requirements.

Vegan travelers may find it challenging due to heavy reliance on dairy and meat—plan ahead, bring staples, and look for simple vegetable soups or salads in larger towns.

Most meat in the region conforms to Muslim dietary habits and is effectively halal in practice; if strict certification is needed, ask explicitly at restaurants or buy from trusted vendors.

Food labeling is minimal; communicate allergies clearly in Russian or Kazakh and keep necessary medications and snacks on hand.