Medieval city in the heart of the steppe -
Place where cinema comes to life and travelers are transported to another era -
Nomad City, or Nomad Fortress, located on the banks of the Ili River near the Kapchagay Reservoir, is one of the most unusual places in Kazakhstan. Built in 2004 as a large-scale set for the film "Nomad," it quickly grew beyond its role as a film set and became a distinct historical and cultural complex.
Amid the endless steppes and hills of Semirechye, the recreated capital of the Turkic Khaganate on the banks of the mighty river offers an immersion into the culture, everyday life, and spirit of nomadic empires.
This place attracts travelers with its cinematic quality. Every street, every tower, and every wall seem to have been ripped from an epic poem about heroes, clans, precious steppes, and the great journey of the people. Against the backdrop of the Ili River and the vast steppe, the city looks like a veritable portal to another time. Directly across the river from the city stands the famous Tamgaly-Tas rock art complex.
History
The idea for a film city emerged when the film crew for "Nomad" decided to build not computer models, but a real city, complete with streets, a mosque, the khan's headquarters, craft workshops, a market, a dungeon, and gates several meters high. The sets were constructed from lightweight materials, covered in clay, and decorated with thatched roofs, creating the complete illusion of an authentic oriental settlement.
The filming proved to be a turning point for the location: after the release of the film, and then episodes of "Day Watch" and the music video for "Medina" by Jah Khalib, the fortress became famous throughout the country. Tourists began to come here specifically to stroll between the walls, explore the interiors, and take photos in the narrow streets and among the wooden towers.
Over time, Nomad Town has grown into a full-fledged tourist destination. It hosts historical reenactment festivals, archery and saber master classes, ethnic shows, themed events, and photo shoots.
In 2025, construction of a 300-meter pedestrian bridge across the Ili River was announced. It will connect Nomad Town with the legendary Tamgaly-Tas petroglyphs located directly across the river; opening is scheduled for 2027.
Atmosphere and Features
Nomad Fortress is a vibrant space where the Middle Ages breathe in every stone. Here, one can sense the silence of the steppe, the wind carrying the scent of wormwood, and the soft crunch of sand underfoot. Large wooden gates greet travelers, narrow streets lead to the central square, and the walls seem to preserve the traces of ancient battles and the sounds of film sets.
Despite the fact that the town is a set, it creates a surprisingly realistic impression. This place is made for creativity, almost everyone who comes here begins filming, taking photos, or simply dreaming. Stairs lead you up to the rooftops of the buildings and overlook the surrounding panorama of the steppe, low mountains, and the Ili River.
In the summer, the City of Nomads is especially vibrant: warm and sunny, with festivals, ethnic performances, and workshops. In the evenings, the fortress takes on golden hues, and the streets evoke the times of nomadic tribes, their crafts, and traditions.
Winter is a magical time in its own right. The buildings are covered in snow, the fortress walls become more rugged, and the frosty air imbues the place with a sense of peace and grandeur. A winter nomad is like a scene from an ancient epic, calm and introspective.
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How to get there and visit -
Nomad City (Nomad Fortress) is located 110 kilometers from Almaty on the right bank of the Ili River, Almaty Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 44°02'12"N 76°59'42"E
The journey from Almaty to Nomad City takes approximately 2-2.5 hours and is approximately 110 km along the Almaty-Ust-Kamenogorsk highway. Important: the final part of the journey is a dirt road, so we strongly recommend renting an SUV.
If you're traveling without your own transport, the best route is to take a bus or train to Konayev, and from there take a taxi to the complex. The most comfortable option is to purchase an organized tour, which usually includes not only a visit to Nomad City but also excursions to other picturesque sights of Semirechye.
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Legend and Tradition
According to one steppe legend, these places once housed the White Aul, a mythical settlement that appeared only to those who sought the truth. Its yurts were said to be woven from clouds, and the fires in its hearths never went out. A traveler who found the White Aul gained wisdom, but if they returned for fame or fortune, the aul disappeared, leaving only wind and grass. Scholars believe that the "City of Nomads" is a modern incarnation of this legend: it is visible only to those who walk with respect for history.
Guides also say that in the first month after the fortress's construction, a strange wind blew over it for several nights in a row, strong and dry, but it died down each time, barely reaching the walls. People decided that the steppe had recognized the new settlement and was protecting it.
Since then, it has been said that if you come here at dawn and walk alone along the narrow street to the main gate, you can hear the echo of hooves in the wind, as if ancient warriors were still circling the city walls.
"City of Nomads" is much more than just an open-air museum. It is a large-scale project that revives pride in the great nomadic past and clearly demonstrates that steppe civilizations had their own high culture, architecture, and statehood. This is a place where history comes alive, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the origins of the Turkic world.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Almaty State Nature Reserve;
• Altyn-Emel National Park;
• Lake Balkhash;
• The Dzungarian Alatau Mountains.
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