A Guide to Must-Visit Attractions near Semey
Surrounding Semey, the Abay Region of Kazakhstan reveals far more than many travelers expect. Here you can relax by the water, swim in therapeutic lakes, explore remnants of the nuclear era, and discover ancient mausoleums and mysterious caves. Whether you’re drawn to nature, history, or off-the-beaten-path experiences, the region offers something memorable for every kind of explorer.
If you’re planning a visit to the regional center, the city of Semey, we recommend reading A Guide to Must-Visit Attractions in Semey. In this article, we turn our focus beyond the city limits, highlighting the most fascinating destinations nearby.
Lake Alakol: The Healing Jewel of Eastern Kazakhstan
Lake Alakol is one of the most beloved vacation spots in Kazakhstan. Its northeastern shore lies within the Abay Region, while the opposite shore belongs to the Jetysu Region.
The lake’s shores differ noticeably. In the southwest, the water is fresh, with a gentle entry. In the northeast, the water is brackish and more mineralized; radon springs and therapeutic mud are found here, and the entry is deeper. This side is ideal for travelers who want to combine beach relaxation with wellness treatments.
Alakol’s beaches are formed of black volcanic pebbles – shungite. Locals believe resting on these stones helps relieve stress, relax the body, and provide gentle warmth. The lake’s hydrogen-sulfide mud is also said to support skin health and ease joint discomfort.
The northeastern coast has developed into a resort zone with recreation centers, guesthouses, and hotels. A standout is the Barlyk-Arasan Balneological Resort. Most resorts are located in the village of Kabanbay. You can arrive there by car, bus, or train (disembark at Jalanashkol Train Station and continue by taxi to Kabanbay). The fastest option is to fly to Urjar Airport and take a taxi to the lake. See the list of resorts on the northeastern shore in this article.
Echoes of the Nuclear Age
The Abay Region preserves one of the most iconic and tragic sites of the 20th century – the Semipalatinsk Test Site. The region became a unique destination for dark tourism, attracting visitors fascinated by sites shaped by dramatic and tragic events.
Between 1949 and 1991, 456 nuclear explosions were carried out at the test site. The first Soviet atomic bomb was detonated here, placing the region at the heart of the Cold War arms race. These events left a profound imprint not only on national history but also on the lives of thousands of people who lived nearby.
Today, visitors can still see concrete structures, tunnels, and former testing grounds. While some zones remain restricted, regulated tours with controlled access are available under strict safety requirements.
On the banks of the Irtysh River stands Kurchatov, a former closed classified city established to support the nuclear test site. The city was named after Igor Kurchatov, the scientist who led the development of the first Soviet atomic bomb. After the test site was closed, much of the population departed, yet the city endures and is now home to about 10,000 residents. Today, visitors can see the headquarters of the National Nuclear Center of Kazakhstan, explore the Semipalatinsk Test Site Museum, walk through abandoned residential districts, and view a monument dedicated to Igor Kurchatov.
Although nuclear testing has long ceased, access to Kurchatov remains permit-based. Entry is arranged through an authorized tour operator, which submits visitor details to the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan, the Institute of Radiation Safety and Ecology, and the Kurchatov city administration. Once approved, a permit is issued. The process typically takes about ten days, so plan your trip in advance.
Approximately 60 kilometers (37 mi) from Kurchatov lies the ghost town of Shagan (Chagan). It was once home to military personnel and staff of a strategic long-range aviation airfield. It was a secret, closed settlement that did not appear on maps during Soviet times. After the nuclear test site was shut down, pilots, scientists, and military families departed, and the town effectively ceased to exist. Residential and administrative buildings, bomb shelters, hangars, and a remarkably intact runway remain to this day. Today, Shagan is often compared to Pripyat, an abandoned town near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
One of the most striking attractions of the test site is Lake Chagan, often called the Atomic Lake. It was formed by an underground nuclear explosion in 1965 – the first so-called “peaceful” atomic explosion in the USSR, intended to create an artificial reservoir. The blast produced a vast crater more than 100 meters (328 ft) deep, which later filled with water. The soil along the lake’s shores still shows elevated radiation levels. Visits are permitted only under strict safety protocols, including protective clothing and a respirator.
Where Genius Took Root
The Abay Region is inseparably linked with the legacy of Abay Kunanbayev, the great poet and thinker of Kazakhstan. He was born in the Jidebai Tract, about 180 kilometers (112 mi) from Semey, at the family estate of his father, Kunanbay Oskembayev.
Abay spent his childhood and youth in this house and lived here again during the final eleven years of his life. Today, the residence has been transformed into a museum that preserves exhibits illuminating the poet and philosopher’s life and work. His library is especially remarkable. Books in Russian, Arabic, Persian, and Turkish reflect the breadth of his intellectual world and the depth of his education.
The exhibition includes Abay’s personal belongings: an inkstand, a three-stringed dombra, an ivory-inlaid cupboard, a sideboard, a bed, and a carriage. Together, these objects recreate the atmosphere of his daily life and era.
Abay’s final resting place lies about one and a half kilometers northeast of the estate. Also buried here are members of his family, including his nephew Shakarim Kudaiberdiev – a poet, writer, translator, composer, historian, and philosopher. The Abay and Shakarim Mausoleum Complex features two white towers visible from afar. Abay passed away in 1904 and a modest mausoleum originally marked his burial site. The modern bigger mausoleums were erected in 1996 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of his birth.
From Caves to Meteorites: Natural Wonders of the Region
Beyond its historical landmarks, the Abay Region also reveals remarkable natural treasures. Just 40 kilometers (25 mi) west of the Abay and Shakarim Mausoleum Complex lies the Konyr-Auliye Cave (not to be confused with the cave of the same name in Bayanaul). Beneath its shadowy vaults rests an underground lake long believed by locals to possess healing properties. The water is icy cold so the first contact can cause an intense chill. But people still swim in it. The cave is equipped with stairs, railings, and lighting for visitors. Two small hotels nearby make overnight stays possible.
North of Semey, near the Russian border, stretches the Semey Ormany Forest Reserve. It’s known for its coniferous woodlands planted in long strips across sandy terrain. Alongside pine trees grow birch, aspen, and larch. The reserve safeguards rare plant and animal species, although illegal logging and forest fires remain ongoing threats. Visitors must obtain a permit from the reserve administration in Semey before entering (19 Tuktabayev St.).
Within the reserve lies Lake Shoshkaly, often called the “Dead Sea of Eastern Kazakhstan.” It consists of several closely situated saline lakes with varying levels of mineralization. Rich in therapeutic mud, the area attracts many visitors each summer. The site boasts a sandy beach and is equipped with changing cabins, barbecue areas, gazebos, and restrooms.
North of the village of Urjar lies Tarbagatai National Park. Its rugged mountains and valleys are home to rare plant and animal species, including argali sheep, snow leopards, and golden eagles. In spring, the slopes bloom with a vibrant carpet of wild tulips, while in summer, saiga antelopes roam the steppes.
For those seeking the unusual, a visit to the village of Bigash in the Kokpekty District is a must. Nearby lies the Bigach Meteorite Crater. About five million years ago, a meteorite struck this site, forming a massive depression. It has nearly merged with the surrounding plain but remains clearly visible from satellite images.
Legends Carved in Stone
The Abay Region preserves the memory of great people, heroes, and legends through its many mausoleums. Rooted in the nomadic tradition of honoring ancestors and celebrated figures, these monuments tell stories of love, tragedy, and cultural heritage. The region has hundreds of mausoleums, but we’ll tell you about the two that stand out for their historical and literary significance.
Seven kilometers (4 mi) southwest of the village of Tarlauly lies the mausoleum of Kozy Korpesh and Bayan Sulu. These tragic lovers, celebrated in a classic Kazakh poem, are often called the Kazakh Romeo and Juliet. Their mausoleum, dating from the 10th-11th centuries, is one of the oldest surviving monuments in the country.
Another famous love story is commemorated at the Yenlik-Kebek Mausoleum. The tale recounts the doomed romance of the horseman Kebek and the beautiful Yenlik, victims of cruel customs. In 1917, Mukhtar Auezov adapted the story into the play Enlik-Kebek, which is still performed today. The mausoleum, erected in 1960, is located 128 kilometers (80 mi) south of Semey, near the Semey-Karauyl highway. Travelers can conveniently visit it en route to the Abay Museum and Mausoleum in the Jidebai tract.
Recommended tours:
All offers
On request
Embark on an exploration of the Soviet legacy on Kazakh soil! This tour takes you to the infamous labor camps of the Stalin era, Karlag and Alzhir, the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, and various other landmarks from the Soviet era.