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Kazakhstan Kazakhstan

Karaganda

The capital of Kazakhstan's Karaganda Region, this city grew alongside its coal industry. Its distinct industrial atmosphere reveals a different side of Kazakhstan.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Karaganda
Gateway airport
Sary-Arka Airport (KGF)
Best season
May–Sep
Time zone
Asia/Almaty
Sights covered
9 places

Sights worth seeing

See all 9 →
Karagandy Zoo

Zoos & aquariums

Karagandy Zoo

Located in Karagandy, Kazakhstan, this zoo spans more than 430,000 square meters. It's considered one of the country's largest and oldest zoos, making it a relaxing place to see the animals.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima, Karaganda

Temples & religious sites

Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima, Karaganda

A neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. It serves as the seat of the Diocese of Karaganda and was consecrated in 2012, making it a relatively recent building to explore.

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Karaganda

Temples & religious sites

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Karaganda

This Roman Catholic cathedral on the outskirts of Karaganda was the first church in Central Asia to be granted the title of 'minor basilica.' Its modest exterior, built during the Soviet era in the 1970s, is also worth seeing.

Miners' Palace of Culture

Castles & palaces

Miners' Palace of Culture

This Soviet-era palace of culture in Karagandy, Kazakhstan, hosts performances and events as a hub of local culture. It's a good spot to admire the city's distinctive Soviet-style architecture.

Orthodox cathedral in Karaganda

Temples & religious sites

Orthodox cathedral in Karaganda

A Russian Orthodox cathedral in Karaganda, built between 1991 and 1998. It offers a close look at distinctive Orthodox church architecture.

Church of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God

Temples & religious sites

Church of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God

This Greek Catholic church in central Karaganda honors a priest who died in a nearby former labor camp. Its calm exterior and quiet interior make it a pleasant stop while exploring the city.

Monument Miner's Glory

Heritage & monuments

Monument Miner's Glory

A bronze monument commemorating 2 million tons of coal produced from the Karaganda coalfield, and a landmark symbol of the city. It stands opposite the Miners' Palace of Culture, making both easy to visit together.

Regional Kazakh Drama Theatre Saken Seyfullin

Culture & venues

Regional Kazakh Drama Theatre Saken Seyfullin

A Kazakh drama theatre in Karaganda, regarded as one of the oldest theatres in Kazakhstan. It's a great place to experience local culture up close through traditional theatrical performances.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

-13° Jan
-11° Feb
-5° Mar
Apr
15° May
20° Jun
22° Jul
19° Aug
12° Sep
Oct
-4° Nov
-12° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Karaganda Tours & Experiences Booking

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Local data

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Where to stay

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