Kostanay

Introduction

Kostanay is a city in northern Kazakhstan, set on the Tobol River. It serves as the administrative center of the Kostanay Region, which makes it a natural base for exploring this part of the country.

Before you go

Kostanay sits in the steppe zone on the Tobol River, in the north of the Turgay plateau and the south-eastern part of the West Siberian Plain. Bear in mind how far it is from the country's main hubs: the capital lies well to the south-east, and the nearest million-plus city is Chelyabinsk in Russia, a shorter haul to the north-west. Plan your route with those distances in mind, since this is an out-of-the-way stop rather than a place you pass through en route to somewhere else.

Getting there

Getting around

Kostanay is a compact, low-rise city on the Tobol River, and you can get around it without a car. There is no subway or tram system, so you rely on a mix of buses, minibuses, taxis and your own two feet. The bus network, run by the Kostanay City Transport Department, is the backbone of public transport and covers most parts of town on regular schedules. Smaller minibuses, known locally as marshrutkas, fill in the gaps by serving narrower streets and areas the buses do not reach; they have no fixed schedule and generally run from early morning until late evening. You pay on board, in cash to the driver, so keep small notes and coins handy. Both buses and minibuses can get crowded at peak hours, so allow extra time if you are travelling at the start or end of the working day.

Taxis are readily available and an easy fallback when buses do not go where you need; you can hail one on the street or book through a taxi service, and it is wise to agree on the fare with the driver before you set off, particularly for street-hailed cabs. Walking is a realistic way to cover central areas and connect between bus stops, since the city is flat and steppe-side, and you can combine walking with the occasional bus or taxi ride. Bear the climate in mind: summers are warm and dry, while winters are frigid and snowy, with sharp day-to-day changes in temperature, icy pavements and constant wind, so dress accordingly and consider a taxi for longer walks in bad weather. If you arrive by air, Kostanay International Airport sits just south-west of the city, close enough that the transfer into town is short, and a taxi is the simplest and quickest way to reach your accommodation; ask locally about which bus or minibus routes currently serve the airport, as these can change. The railway station, one of the landmarks of the regional centre, is a practical arrival point from elsewhere in Kazakhstan, and from there you can continue by bus, minibus or taxi.

Where to stay

Kostanay's accommodation is limited, with the Celinnaya Hotel standing as the main option for visitors. Prices there start from 6000 tenge, making it a straightforward choice if you need a base in the city.

Food & drink

What to see and do

Kostanay's green spaces are the easiest way to get your bearings. Central Park and Pobedy Park both offer shaded paths for a stroll, while the Tobol Embankment follows the river and is well suited to a relaxed walk, particularly when the weather turns warm.

• Central Park – a central green space for walking and unwinding.
• Pobedy Park – another of the city's main parks, with the Central Stadium on its east side.
• Tobol Embankment – riverside walking along the Tobol.

If you're in town during the football season, catch a match: FC Tobol play in the Premier League, the top tier of Kazakhstani soccer, at Central Stadium on the east side of Victory Park. The season runs from March to November, so summer visits line up well with a game.

When to go

Kostanay has a warm-summer humid continental climate, with very warm, dry summers and frigid, snowy winters. Summer is the most comfortable time for outdoor sightseeing, though it is also when precipitation peaks and winds blow mainly from the north. Winter is bitterly cold and snowy, with January temperatures averaging well below freezing and winds mainly from the south, so pack accordingly.

Three days in Kostanay

Day one: Arrive at Kostanay Airport (KSN), where regular flights connect to Almaty, Nur-Sultan, Shymkent, Turkestan, Arkalyk, Atyrau and Karagandy. Kostanay City Transport Department runs buses, and smaller buses and taxis also serve the city; walking is a good way to get your bearings. Settle in near the centre, then take a stroll through Central Park. For dinner, choose between Vanil, Mangal, McDonald's or KFC.

Day two: Spend the morning along the Tobol River, which flows through Kostanay on the West Siberian Plain. Continue to It, and if time allows, head out into Kostanay Region toward Turgay. Bear in mind that the region stretches toward Chelyabinsk in Russia, so plan your travel times carefully.

Day three: Use the day to see more of Kostanay itself, with the Celinnaya Hotel as a handy central reference point. Check prices and timings with the Kostanay City Transport Department before travelling onward, and allow enough time to reach Kostanay International Airport for your departure.