Overview
Kokshetau serves as a quiet provincial capital in northern Kazakhstan, offering a slower pace than major cities with Soviet-era architecture and access to attractive lakes. The city sits on the shore of Lake Kopa Kona though urban design does not fully embrace the waterfront.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Nature · Skiing
Before you go
Connectivity
4G available from Beeline and Kcell; 5G from Tele2 as of September 2024. Patchy signal on highways.
Money
Kazakh tenge (KZT) is the local currency. ATMs and cash exchange available. Credit cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
Transport
City is walkable around central area. Marshrutkas (shared taxis) and buses provide local transport.
Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water widely available including 5-liter containers.
Weather
Winters are extremely cold with heavy snowfall suitable for skiing at Elikti resort. Summers are mild.