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Konayev
ℹ️Practical info — Konayev
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Bring your passport if you plan to visit the casinos, as it is strictly required for entry.
- Public beaches get extremely crowded on summer weekends; go on a weekday for a quieter spot.
- The sun reflecting off the reservoir water is intense, so pack strong sun protection.
- The city is easily reachable by train or shared taxi from Almaty.
🍽 Food
Meat skewers, extremely popular at open-air cafes near the reservoir beaches.
Carp or snakehead served fried or baked at lakeside restaurants.
Fermented mare's milk, available at traditional Kazakh eateries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Inflatables and swimwear available at numerous stalls lining the roads to the water.
Local catches, dried and salted, sold by vendors near the reservoir.
Head further away from the main resort zones for a less crowded shoreline.
Explore the rocky landscapes below the dam for a break from the casino and beach crowds.
Water temperature…
Konayev, known as Kapshagay until 2022, serves as the administrative center of the Almaty Region in southeastern Kazakhstan. The city was officially founded in 1970 in conjunction with the construction of the Kapshagay Dam on the Ili River, which resulted in the creation of the massive Kapshagay Reservoir. This reservoir is one of the largest artificial bodies of water in the country, stretching approximately 140 kilometers in length and providing a vital source of hydroelectric power. Geographically, the city is situated about 70 kilometers north of the former capital, Almaty, and has evolved into a major regional recreational hub due to its extensive lakefront and sandy beaches. Konayev holds a unique economic position as one of the few designated zones in Kazakhstan where legalized gambling is permitted, leading to a significant concentration of casinos and resorts. The city was renamed in June 2022 to honor Dinmukhamed Konayev, a prominent former leader of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. Currently, Konayev is undergoing rapid urban expansion and infrastructural development to accommodate its new status as a regional capital.
- Location: Kazakhstan
- Nearby: Almaty (29 km)
- Population: ~42.167 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -6 | -3 | 5 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 27 | 25 | 19 | 11 | 2 | -5 |
| Rain mm | 23 | 26 | 38 | 56 | 48 | 35 | 26 | 18 | 17 | 33 | 37 | 27 |
Geography
Facts
- The city was established on July 9, 1970, during the Soviet era.
- It was renamed Konayev by presidential decree in June 2022.
- The Kapshagay Reservoir is 140 kilometers long and up to 22 kilometers wide.
- Konayev is located at an elevation of about 480 meters above sea level.
- It is one of only two places in Kazakhstan where casinos are legally allowed.
- The city's population reached approximately 70,000 residents in 2023.
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Sights in the town Konayev (1)
Frequently asked questions
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