City on the Banks of the Great Ili River -
The Resort Heart of the Almaty Region, the History and Energy of the Kapchagay Sea -
The city of Konayev (formerly Kapchagay) is located just seventy kilometers from Almaty, on the shores of the enormous Kapchagay Reservoir, which has become a turning point for the entire region. Here, the air is filled with the dry warmth of the steppe, and the vast expanse of water collects the sun like a mirror. Konayev is a place where the steppe expanses meet resort life, and the history of the dam's construction, the Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Station, and the creation of the artificial sea are closely intertwined with the lives of the local residents.
Thanks to its proximity to the country's largest metropolis and convenient transportation accessibility—via rail, the Almaty-Taldykorgan highway, and regular bus routes—Konayev has become a popular destination for both day trips and full-fledged vacations. Easily accessible by taxi or organized tour, the city is particularly attractive to tourists.
Konayev's key feature is its location on the shores of the Kapchagay Reservoir, created by the construction of a dam and the Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Station on the Ili River. This artificial "sea," over 117 kilometers long, 25 to 30 kilometers wide, and up to 40 meters deep, has become a true tourist magnet.
There are more than 220 recreation centers here, ranging from luxury world-class resorts to cozy traditional-style guesthouses with sandy beaches renowned for their healing properties. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, rent a yacht or jet ski, go fishing, or simply enjoy the sunset over the smooth waters under a blue sky with white clouds.
History
The city emerged thanks to the Ili River itself and the massive construction project of the 20th century. Originally, this was the site of ancient Iliysk – a small settlement founded in the 19th century on the site of an old crossing, described by travelers such as the French monk Guillaume de Rubruck, Chokan Valikhanov, and the engineers Fischer and Kozello-Pokrovsky. Their records preserved the history of crossings, boats, Cossack outposts, and the first fortifications on the Ili River.
But the fate of this land was changed by the decision to build the Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Station. In the spring of 1963, the first construction workers set foot here, and life in the region began to change rapidly. By 1969, the Ili River had been dammed, the future reservoir began to fill, and the residents of Iliysk were relocated—emphasizing the dramatic moment when the old town sank beneath the waves.
The workers' settlement of Novoiliysk grew up in the new location, housing engineers, builders, and the management of the gigantic construction project. On July 3, 1970, it became a city under regional jurisdiction and received the name Kapchagay, from the ancient Turkic word for "gorge" or "stone passage."
The city developed rapidly: a porcelain factory, high-precision instrument factories, feed mills, a bakery, a creamery, and a fish processing plant opened. These factories shaped the image of the industrial city, but after the collapse of the USSR, many of them ceased operations, leaving behind ruins that are now used by young people for jumping, games, and strolls.
During the development of the reservoir, the city grew alongside beaches, recreation centers, and the growing interest of residents throughout the region in resorts. In 2006, the casino was relocated here, and the city became Kazakhstan's main gambling zone – a kind of "little Las Vegas" on the shores of the steppe sea. This role has largely shaped its modern appearance.
On May 3, 2022, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan named the city after Dinmukhamed Kunayev, a statesman whose era was one of the most important in Kazakhstan's history.
Atmosphere and Features
Konayev is a city where the past coexists with the present, and relaxation completely determines its rhythm. Hundreds of recreation centers, from simple cottages to luxury resorts in the style of world-famous beach resorts, are located along the shores of the reservoir. Sandy beaches, boats, yachts, jet skis, diving, fishing, and boat rides all make the place a magnet for tourists.
Along the Almaty-Konayev highway, a line of casinos stretches – bright, contrasting, and vibrant, their neon lights becoming a symbol of the city's nightlife. For those who love the excitement and energy of the outdoors, there's always a place here.
The town boasts its own water park, the Tulpar retro car museum, Central Park, Glory Park, and a monument to Dinmukhamed Kunayev.
Konayev's natural beauty is even more rich: nearby are the Tamgaly-Tas rock carvings, the City of Nomads (a film set), and the Altyn-Emel National Park. The Ili River itself offers rafting opportunities all the way to Lake Balkhash.
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How to get there and visit -
Konayev is located 70 kilometers from Almaty (1 hour by car) on the shores of the Kapchagay Reservoir, Almaty Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°51'51"N 77°03'48"E
The journey from the bustling metropolis of Almaty to the resort Konayev does not take much time. Just 75 km along the excellent A-3 road – and you are on the shore of the Kapchagai reservoir. If you travel without a car, regular buses from the Sayran bus station and a scenic train ride from Almaty-1 Station are at your service.
The city is convenient for weekend getaways, swimming, fishing, family trips, and vibrant summer adventures. The resort area, casinos, beaches, restaurants, sports activities, and proximity to natural parks make Konayev one of the most diverse cities in the Almaty Region.
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Mysticism and Legends of the Kapchagay Sea
The most famous legend is associated with the sunken city of Iliysk. Old-timers claim that in calm weather, you can hear bells ringing from the bottom of the reservoir, and on crystal-clear days, you can make out the outlines of houses and streets in the old town.
The reservoir is associated with many mystical stories about floating coffins, underwater sinkholes that suck people in, and ghosts that roam the shore on moonlit nights. This has given rise to a unique folklore among local fishermen and vacationers.
A popular legend among tourists is the Kapchagay man-eating catfish, a giant fish that supposedly lives in the depths of the reservoir and determines each fisherman's catch based on their spiritual qualities and intentions.
The city's new legend is linked to its renaming; many believe that the relocation of the administrative center and the name of the outstanding statesman will bring the city special good fortune and prosperity, making it a pearl not only of the region but of all of Kazakhstan.
But Konayev's main significance lies in its ability to become a place of power, where people can pause, catch their breath, and connect with nature. It is a city of transition: from the past to the future, from industry to harmony, from bustle to silence. For tourists, it offers not just services, but experiences—the experience of sunset over Kapchagay, the rustling of willows on the banks of the Ili River, the silence in the park early in the morning, when the sky is still a soft blue and the clouds float without touching the ground. This is precisely its true tourist value.
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