Oskemen showcases the unique history, culture and cuisine of Kazakhstan. Also known as Ust-Kamenogorsk, the city is set on the Irtysh River and features beautiful parks and fantastic local history museums. Learn about the city’s Soviet heritage and get adventurous with traditional Kazakhstani food.
Things to do in Ust-Kamenogorsk
The taxidermy animals are a highlight at the East Kazakhstan Regional Museum of Local History. See a majestic snow leopard and an enormous Caspian red deer. Ethnographic exhibits spotlight the centuries-old burial mounds discovered at nearby archaeological sites.
Pretty, tree-lined trails wind through Park Zhastar. Enjoy a picnic on the grass and admire a collection of beautifully restored traditional Kazakhstani buildings. The wooden facades are intricately painted and resemble storybook gingerbread houses.
Set on the banks of the Irtysh River, Levoberezhny Park combines beautiful botanical gardens with fascinating historical exhibits. Visit memorials dedicated to World War II heroes and walk along an avenue lined with Soviet-era weapons and statues. Look for famous figures like Lenin, Tolstoy and Mayakovsky. Don’t miss the open-air ethnographic exhibit dotted with traditional Kazakhstani houses.
Dine at local restaurants and try authentic Kazakhstani cuisine. Order local specialties like “lagman shurpa” stew topped with “kurt” fermented cheese balls and “kazy” horse meat sausages. Wash it all down with a glass of “shubat” fermented camel’s milk. You’ll also find excellent international restaurants in Oskemen if you’re craving Western cuisine.
Getting around Ust-Kamenogorsk
Parts of Oskemen are pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while trams and buses are a good way to cover longer distances. Taxis are also a fast and affordable way to get around. Oskemen Airport is a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Long-distance trains and buses run between Oskemen and major cities like Almaty and Astana.