Things To Do
in Qaskeleng
Qaskeleng is a small town located in southern Kazakhstan. It is known for its picturesque mountainous landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. The town has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional Kazakh architecture and crafts still prevalent.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching in the surrounding natural beauty of Qaskeleng.
- "Salemetsiz be?" - How are you?
- "Rakhmet" - Thank you
- "Keshiriniz" - Excuse me/Sorry
- "Iä" - Yes
- "Jok" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk around the local park. Enjoy the fresh air and picturesque scenery.
Visit the Qaskeleng Cultural Museum to learn about the region's rich history. Engage with local artisans and explore their crafts.
Dine at a traditional Kazakh restaurant to savor local flavors. Enjoy folk music performances for an authentic cultural experience.
Take a trip to the stunning nearby mountains for a morning hike. The breathtaking views will invigorate your spirit.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch amidst nature. Relax by a serene river as you take in the beauty surrounding you.
Return to Qaskeleng and stroll through the local market. Sample street food and purchase handmade souvenirs from local vendors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities
- Growing economy with opportunities in various sectors
- Friendly and welcoming local community
- Strategic location in Central Asia for trade and commerce
- Limited infrastructure and services in some areas
- Harsh weather conditions, particularly in winter
- Access to healthcare and education can be uneven
- Limited entertainment and leisure options compared to larger cities
- Potential language barrier for non-Kazakh speakers
Best Activities in Qaskeleng
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful mountains and enjoy the picturesque views while hiking in Qaskeleng.
Experience the vast and stunning Kazakh Steppe on horseback for a unique outdoor adventure.
Savor the tranquility of nature by camping near the picturesque Lake Qaskeleng in Kazakhstan.
Tours
Uncover the best of Qaskeleng with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Qaskeleng
Visit one of these nice places.
A breathtaking natural wonder with stunning rock formations and a river at the bottom, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
A unique submerged forest in a pristine turquoise lake, providing a surreal and picturesque backdrop for photography.
An expansive highland area offering magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, perfect for capturing the beauty of the plateau.
Food in Qaskeleng
Qaskeleng Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Kazakh dish featuring boiled meat, usually lamb or horsemeat, mixed with wide flat noodles and served with broth. It's a significant part of Kazakh culture and often enjoyed during holidays and gatherings. One can savor this dish at traditional Kazakh restaurants like Kishlak or Dastarkhan in Qaskeleng.
Must-Try!
Plov, also known as pilaf, is a popular rice dish cooked with meat, carrots, and spices. This aromatic dish is widely loved in Qaskeleng and can be found at local eateries and street food stalls. One of the best places to try plov is at the bustling Central Bazaar in the heart of the city.
This refreshing salad, named after a Kazakh hero, consists of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs, dressed with sunflower oil. It's commonly served as a side dish and can be sampled at various cafes and diners across Qaskeleng.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Qaskeleng better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The bustling Central Bazaar is a treasure trove of Kazakh culinary delights. Here, visitors can explore a wide array of fresh produce, dried fruits, spices, and indulge in street food such as samsa (savory pastries) and shashlik (grilled skewered meat). It’s a must-visit for those seeking an authentic food market experience.
A stroll along Abylaikhan Avenue offers an immersive street food experience in Qaskeleng. This vibrant thoroughfare is lined with food stalls offering a variety of local snacks and delicacies, including baursaks (fried dough balls), kazy (air-dried horsemeat sausage), and more.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Qaskeleng, it is customary to greet others with a handshake, especially when meeting someone for the first time. A warm and firm handshake is a sign of respect.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Qaskeleng culture. It is important to address older individuals with proper titles and show deference in speech and behavior.
When visiting someone's home or a mosque, it is important to remove your shoes before entering as a sign of respect for the space and its occupants.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Qaskeleng with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Qaskeleng
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Qaskelen, Kazakhstan is not a common practice. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or taxi services. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip may be appreciated, but it is not mandatory.
In Qaskelen, Kazakhstan, cash is the dominant form of payment. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments. It is advisable to carry cash for most transactions. Some larger businesses in urban areas may accept card payments, but it's always best to have cash on hand. Additionally, haggling is common in local markets, especially when making purchases from street vendors or small independent sellers.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Qaskeleng.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Qaskeleng is during spring when the temperature starts to warm up and the landscapes are covered in lush greenery. This is also the time when the Kazakh people celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, with traditional festivities and events.
Summer is another good time to visit Qaskeleng, especially for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the mountainous terrain. The weather is generally warm and sunny, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Autumn in Qaskeleng brings cooler temperatures and the stunning display of fall foliage. This season is perfect for photography enthusiasts who want to capture the rich colors of the changing leaves. It's also a great time to experience local cultural festivals and events.
Winter in Qaskeleng is cold and snowy, but it offers opportunities for activities like skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains. The traditional winter festivals and festivities also provide an insight into the local customs and traditions during this time of year.
Qaskeleng at Night
Hiking in Qaskeleng
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A picturesque natural park featuring stunning alpine lakes surrounded by mountains, ideal for hiking and camping.
Known for its dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations, Charyn Canyon offers several hiking trails with breathtaking views.
Located near Almaty, this park has numerous trails through beautiful forests and mountains, suitable for all hiking levels.
A mountain range offering a range of hiking opportunities, from easy walks to challenging treks, with stunning views of the surrounding nature.
A scenic spot accessible by a moderate trail that provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Qaskeleng through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Qaskeleng by plane.
The main international airport serving Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, located approximately 237 km from Qaskeleng.
Located in the capital city, Nur-Sultan, this airport is about 505 km from Qaskeleng and serves as a major hub for international flights.
An international airport in Aktobe, approximately 662 km from Qaskeleng, serving both domestic and international flights.
Located in Atyrau, about 644 km from Qaskeleng, this airport provides international connectivity primarily to Europe and Asia.
An airport in Shymkent, located approximately 900 km from Qaskeleng, serving as an important regional hub with international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The ethnic majority in Kazakhstan, comprising about 63% of the population.
The second largest ethnic group in Kazakhstan, making up approximately 20% of the population.
A significant minority group primarily residing in southern regions and making up about 3% of the population.
A smaller ethnic group primarily in the eastern regions with cultural ties to China.
Includes Ukrainians, Belarusians, and other minorities, collectively comprising the remaining percentage of the population.
The Soul of Qaskeleng
Discover the essence of Qaskeleng through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Qaskeleng, with many local teams and a strong community following.
Ice hockey has gained significant popularity, with various youth and adult leagues that engage many players.
Basketball is widely played in schools and community centers, attracting young athletes.
Traditional wrestling is an important sport in Kazakh culture, and Qaskeleng has a rich history of wrestling events.
Athletics, particularly running events, are popular among the local population, often featured in school competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Qaskeleng.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Kazakh cuisine is meat-centric, many restaurants in Qaskeleng offer vegetarian options such as vegetable pilaf, salads, and dairy-based dishes. Cafes like Altyn Kafe and GreenBox offer diverse vegetarian and vegan choices to cater to different dietary preferences.
For those with gluten restrictions, several restaurants and cafes in Qaskeleng provide gluten-free alternatives, including rice-based dishes, grilled meats, and fresh salads. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs to the staff for a tailored dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Qaskeleng with these cultural adventures.