The West Kazakhstan Region is located in the northwest of Kazakhstan and borders Russia. The Ural River, which is considered the border between Europe and Asia, crosses the region from north to south. West Kazakhstan is home to representatives of more than 83 nationalities. As of 2022, the region's population is 685,673 people, of which 230 thousand live in the regional center – the city of Uralsk.
A bit of history
Since ancient times, the Huns, Kipchaks, Oghuz, and other peoples roamed the land that we now call West Kazakhstan. Later, it was part of the Golden Horde, the Nogai Horde, and the Kazakh Khanate. Starting from the 18th century, the region's history is closely connected with the Russian Empire. In 1773, Emelyan Pugachev started his anti-government rebellion not far from Uralsk, which was then called the Yaitsky town. After Pugachev was executed, Empress Catherine the Great ordered to rename the Yaik River to Ural River, and the Yaitsky town to Uralsk. By the way, Yaitsky town was first mentioned in 1584, but the official foundation date is 1613.
Uralsk was visited by various prominent historical figures such as poet Alexander Pushkin, writer Leo Tolstoy, lexicographer Vladimir Dal, opera singer Feodor Chaliapin, writer Aleksey Tolstoy, general Alexander Suvorov, Russian Emperors Alexander II and Nicholas II.
Why is the West Kazakhstan Region worth visiting?
Uralsk boasts many buildings built in the 18th-19th centuries, which give the city a certain charm. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the first stone of which was laid by Emperor Nicholas II. The Cathedral of the Archangel Michael was built in the 1740s and is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
As a city with such a rich history, Uralsk is bound to have many museums. The most interesting of them is the Museum of Emelyan Pugachev, where you can see the national hero's belongings. There is also the Museum of Alexander Pushkin, an outstanding Russian poet and writer. Some may be interested in the Memorial Museum of Mikhail Sholokhov, who was the winner of the 1965 Nobel Prize in Literature. The writer's family was evacuated to Uralsk during WWII. Also, be sure to visit the Memorial Museum of Manshuk Mametova, a WWII machine gunner and hero of the Soviet Union.
Local offers:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Charyn Canyon One-Day Group Tour")
If you need a refreshing day away from the city, join us on this tour of Charyn Canyon. Marvel at its stunning beauty and immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the nearby rural area and market.
![Групповая экскурсия "Знакомство с Нур-Султаном. Маршрут I" (2,5-3 часа) [ожидает перевода]](/assets/cache_image/products/0_gallery/tours/astana-excursions/astana1_420x650_c98.jpeg "Групповая экскурсия \"Знакомство с Нур-Султаном. Маршрут I\" (2,5-3 часа) [ожидает перевода]")
Идеальный вариант для первого знакомства со столицей Казахстана! Город во всех проявлениях менее чем за 3 часа: от административного сердца страны до экономического, молодежного и событийного хаба
On request
Don't miss the chance to ski at Shymbulak Ski Resort, renowned for its mild climate, abundant sunshine, reliable snow, and breathtaking mountain views!
On request
Spend a day skiing at Kazakhstan’s premier ski resort, Shymbulak! This tour is perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers, including freeriders. Enjoy skiing on groomed slopes and arranging a backcountry adventure near the resort.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Butakov Waterfalls Trekking Tour")
On request
Butakov Waterfalls can be found in the Ile Alatau Mountains near Almaty. The breathtaking scenery, pristine air, and refreshing coolness have been drawing tourists to this location for quite some time.
On request
Trekking to the Gorelnik Gorge is a highly favored adventure for tourists and trekking enthusiasts alike. The gorge boasts stunning scenery with abundant trees, mushrooms, and berries. If lucky, one might even encounter the wild inhabitants of the area, including mountain deer.
On request
Kim-Asar Gorge is very popular among Almaty townspeople. The main reason is that it can be easily reached by bus or by car, and a slight steep ascent allows even unprepared tourists to pass it. In addition, the route is available for walking almost any time of year.
On request
Standing at 3680 meters, the Big Almaty Peak might give the false impression of being a formidable and challenging climb. However, ascending to the summit doesn't necessitate specialized mountaineering skills.
On request
Situated at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, this frigid and desolate lake boasts a depth of 30 meters. The lake is encompassed by stunning mountain peaks, creating an exceptionally beautiful panorama from all directions.