East Kazakhstan Region is the eastern part of Kazakhstan, where the country meets both Russia and China. Its landscape is mountainous, and much of its economy has long been built on mining. Öskemen serves as the region's administrative centre, so it is the natural base for anyone planning a visit.
What a visit offers
- Mountain scenery. The terrain here is hilly and mountainous, a clear change from the flat steppe that covers much of the rest of the country.
- A mining heartland. Mining shapes the region's economy and its towns, so travellers interested in industrial landscapes will find the area distinctive.
- A border region. Sharing frontiers with Russia and China gives the region a crossroads character that few other parts of Kazakhstan share.
Getting oriented
Öskemen is the logical starting point for a trip. From there, the surrounding countryside and mountains can be explored as a base for day outings. The region suits travellers who enjoy open landscapes, slower journeys and a sense of being away from the main tourist routes. Because the facts available here are limited, it is worth checking current details on transport, accommodation and seasonal access before setting out.
