Ust'-Kamenogorsk

Overview

Ust-Kamenogorsk has two main variations of its name. In Russian transcription (its official name) it is Ust-Kamenogorsk (pronounced oost-kah-mee-nah-GORSK), in Kazakh transcription it is Oskemen (pronounced os-keh-MEN). If you are ever in Kazakhstan, please use the Russian name since it is more common and people might not understand you if you use the Kazakh equivalent.

Ust-Kamenogorsk is the capital city of Eastern Kazakhstan Region. It is located exactly on the 50th parallel. If you don�t see it on your map, look for the Irtysh (a river in the east) and find where it crosses the 50th parallel, this is the exact location of the city.

The city itself is not a big tourist attraction. However, the region is one of the most beautiful in the country. The greatest attractions are the coniferous forests and mountains.

To the south from Ust'-Kamenogorsk is Lake Zaisan. To the southeast you will find the beautiful Lake Markakol. Northwest is covered with coniferous forests. To the east next to the Russian border is the sacred Mount of Belukha, the highest point in Eastern Kazakhstan (4,506 meters, which is 14,725 ft).

History