Hostels in KARAGANDA, KAZAKHSTAN

City Karaganda –The Energy Hub of Kazakhstan

The city takes its name from the "Caragana" bushes, which are seen abundantly in this region. This large city is the industrial hub of Kazakhstan and is famous for its coal mines. It is a modern and city with an upbeat milieu where you can relax and make merry. An exciting night life, impressive menu and loads of entertainment options like billiards and bowling would keep you engaged all day.

History
The city traces its origin to 1856 when the first time settlements started living here in connection with small scale coal mining. With the advent of a railway link, the mining expanded dramatically. Soon karaganda basin became a major coal mining spot that supplied coal to the industries in the Urals of Russia. It was made a city in 1934, which enhanced its growth prospects and development.

The first settlement appeared in 1856, and small-scale coal mining began in 1857 to supply a nearby copper smelter. Mining ceased in Karaganda in the 1920s but expanded quickly after 1931 following completion of a railway link and a decree that the Karaganda basin was to be developed as a major coal-mining area to supply industry in the Urals of Russia. Karaganda was made a city in 1934 and Karaganda oblast center in 1936. By 1939 Karaganda population had swollen to 166,000. Forced labor

Popular places:
Touted as the billiard center of the Middle East and Asia, it has many bowling alleys including the famous Armani bowling alley. There is an Aquapark with many water rides, pool and billiard rooms. It shoes off some of the most scenic plcases in the whole of Kazakhstan. Lake Balkhash situated among the steppes, in the Alakol Depression is another attraction of this city. The interesting feature of this lake is that its water on the western side of the lake is fresh while the rest is salty.

Places of entertainment
The beach and the enchanting marina is a great bet for all water based leisure activities. A visit to the city of Karkaralinsk, more famous as the pearl of Saryarka is another must do in this city. Explore the wilderness of the Karkaralinsk Mountains and the verdant forest around, which is ideal for an array of adventure sporting activities including hiking, and mountain biking among others.

Getting around:
Apart from public transport bus services, taxis are also popular means of transport to go around the city, a good guide to smooth travel is to keep some small notes or coins handy to pay for your journey.

Accommodation   Options:
Some of the accommodation options in this city include budget hotels, youth hostels, inns, motels, Bed & Breakfast, guesthouse and inns among

Currency:
Tenge is the currency of Karaganda, which is easily available with Banks and with any authorized travel agencies, check the news and internet for the latest exchange rate.

Karaganda group accommodation | Cheap hostels & budget hotels