Qapschaghai on the Kapshagay Reservoir

Qapschaghai (Konayev) offers beach recreation and other waterfront activities on the Kapshagay Reservoir. Nomad City adds a stroll among architectural photo spots. When planning your visit, consider what matters more to you: swimming and sunbathing, activities by the water, or a walk among fortress walls and towers. The time of year is especially important if beach days are your main priority.

Beach Time at the Kapshagay Reservoir

The recreation area by the lake gives day visitors the opportunity to swim and sunbathe. The main beach season is in summer; July and August are usually the warmest months. Summer is the swimming season, while July and August are generally the warmest part of that season. A report dated July 11, 2025, described the waterfront area of the Kapshagay Reservoir in Konayev as one of the most visited domestic tourism destinations.

Promenade and Waterfront Recreation

The waterfront promenade is one kilometer long and offers space for walks, sports, and family recreation. Its short length makes it a clearly defined stretch along the water. Facilities include activities for children and sports, fountains, and benches; a convenient descent leads to the water. The mix combines activity, places to sit, and access to the waterfront. Individual facilities may change over time. If a particular amenity is important for your visit, check in advance.

The waterfront in Konayev also offers on-site water activities, casual sports games, and evening recreation by the water. The water activities available depend on the specific location. The distinction is clear for planning your day: the promenade is a defined one-kilometer stretch, while water activities vary by location and evening waterfront recreation is another option.

Finding Your Way Along the Waterfront

More than 60 signs, information boards, and tourist map totems have been installed for orientation in the waterfront area of Konayev and in the Arasan recreation zone. The figure covers both areas combined.

A Walk at Nomad City

Nomad City offers a walk among fortress walls, towers, arches, squares, and a market. These spots serve as photo opportunities and give the walk an architectural focus. Unlike a day at the lake, which may center on swimming, sunbathing, and waterfront activities, the focus here is on the route between the sights. The summer swimming season shapes a beach day by the lake; Nomad City, by contrast, offers photo opportunities among its structures. The options therefore differ not only in activity, but also in what guides your planning: beach recreation depends on the time of year, while Nomad City appeals to those interested in its photo spots.

Discover more destinations: Kyrgauldy, Shengeldy, Dzerzhinskoye, Talghar, Bakbakty, Qaskeleng, Besqaynar, Tautürgen

For the main travel overview: Almaty.