Kazakh Tourism has announced the winners of the national competition “Үздік туристік ауыл — 2025” (“Best Tourist Village”), as reported by the agency’s press service on January 31. The regional akimats nominated up to three villages from their areas for consideration. The selection process emphasized the preservation of cultural and natural resources, as well as the maintenance of traditional livelihoods in these communities. The goal was to identify villages that could become attractive destinations for travelers seeking new routes and authentic tourism experiences.
After careful evaluation, five of Kazakhstan’s most remarkable tourist villages have been recognized.
Lepsey (or Lepсi, located in the Jetysu region, Alakol district) is a former town known as Lepzinsk, steeped in a rich and fascinating history. This village is significant for being the site where the treaty for the incorporation of the Senior Zhuz into Russia was signed in June 1846. Before the revolution, Lepsey boasted around 40 mills, along with major brick, alcohol, and two breweries owned by the influential Nikita Pugassov. His legacy lives on in Almaty, where one intersection is still referred to as Pugassov Bridge. A merchant and industrialist, Pugassov was one of the wealthiest and most powerful figures in the Turkestan region.
Throughout its history, Lepsey has been renowned for its honey and breathtaking mountain landscapes—traveler Pyotr Semenov-Tyan-Shansky famously compared its vistas to those of the French Vosges. The village features a local history museum showcasing artifacts ranging from arrowheads to ancient pottery. Visitors can explore mountain trails, engage in rural and eco-tourism, and stay in guesthouses certified by the Kazakhstan Tourism Association, along with a newly established yurt camp.
Nagi Ilyasov Village (formerly known as the 50 Years of the Kazakh SSR, Kyzylorda region, Sarydarya district) is celebrated as the most picturesque village in the Kyzylorda region. The central estate is adorned with flowers, covering over two hectares, and features a stunning 380-meter-long flowerbed, the largest in Kazakhstan. Tourists can stroll along avenues lined with artistically trimmed trees, admire illuminated fountains, and visit the local landmark known as “Big Ben.”
Khan Ordasy (previously known as Urda, West Kazakhstan region, Bokeyordinsky district) is a village founded as the residence of the Khan of the Bukey Horde. Khan Zhangir established an armory here, which became the first museum in Kazakhstan’s history. Today, the village is home to a museum-reserve that houses 16 historical and architectural monuments, including three mausoleums: that of Khan Zhangir, the kuyshi Dauletkerey Shygaiuly, and the educator Mukhamet-Salyk Babazhanov, along with six museums containing over 20,000 exhibits.
Poperechnoye (East Kazakhstan region, part of the city of Ridder) is a village of Old Believers nestled at the edge of the forest. Visitors come to experience the untouched beauty of nature, learn about the lives of the Old Believer Kerzhaks, savor local cuisine made from natural ingredients, and breathe in the fresh air.
Shabambai Bi (formerly known as Shylym, Karaganda region, Aktogay district) is a small village located in the Kyzylaray oasis, where forests, steppes, and mountains converge. Nearby lies the archaeological site of the Bronze Age memorial Begazy, where visitors can see balbals and cliffs adorned with Stone Age petroglyphs. Tourists often hike to the summit of Mount Aksoran, descend into the Auliye cave, and upon returning to their guesthouse, indulge in traditional dishes like beshbarmak, plov, and baursaks.
As noted by the agency’s press service, the national winners will represent Kazakhstan at the prestigious international competition UN Tourism Best Tourism Village, organized annually by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This competition aims to promote sustainable tourism and highlight rural areas with unique natural landscapes, cultures, traditions, and crafts.
It’s worth mentioning that in 2023, the village of Saty in the Almaty region was recognized as the best tourist village, receiving the “Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO” award. Saty is situated within the Kolsai Lakes National Park, where the stunning Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kain.