Things To Do
in Soran
Soran is a small town in central Kazakhstan set on wide steppe plains under expansive skies. It serves as a quiet gateway to rural Kazakh life, with a friendly community and a relaxed pace for visitors. The town blends modest Soviet-era architecture with modern touches and easy access to nearby natural scenery.
Expect warm hospitality, affordable prices, and rewarding day trips into nature and culture nearby.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Astana Opera House, where you can admire the modern architecture. Afterward, stroll through the beautiful landscaped parks surrounding the building and enjoy the fresh morning air. Capture the serenity of the capital's quieter streets as you make your way to breakfast at a local café.
Spend your afternoon at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, exploring its fascinating exhibits on the convergence of cultures and faiths. Take a break for lunch at a nearby restaurant that serves authentic Kazakh cuisine, such as Beshbarmak. In the afternoon, consider visiting the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan to learn about the country’s rich history.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot along the Ishim River to enjoy dinner with a view. Sample traditional dishes while reflecting on the day's adventures and absorbing the beautiful vistas of the city. End your day with a leisurely walk to the Bayterek Tower, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the illuminated cityscape.
Begin your morning in Soran by visiting the local market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample fresh fruits and vegetables. Engage with local vendors and discover unique handicrafts indigenous to the region. After immersing yourself in the marketplace, stop by a traditional tea house for a hot cup of Kazakh tea.
In the afternoon, head to a nearby yurt camp to learn about the nomadic lifestyle and traditional Kazakh customs. Participate in a horseback riding session through the stunning landscapes, experiencing the freedom of the open plains. Enjoy a lunch of hearty food served in the yurt, surrounded by scenic views.
As evening approaches, gather around a campfire at the yurt camp to share stories and songs with fellow travelers and local hosts. Savor a traditional meal featuring 'Kazaksha Baursaki', deep-fried dough balls, while enjoying live music. End your night by stargazing under the vast Kazakh sky, a moment of tranquility and connection to nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🥗Local street food snack | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
| 🧺Groceries (weekly) | $25-60 |
| 🚗Short taxi ride | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming locals and affordable prices
- Access to scenic steppe landscapes and easy day trips
- Limited public transportation within town and to remote areas
- Language can be a barrier in more rural settings; English may be limited
- "Salemetsiz be?" - Hello / How are you? (Kazakh)
- "Rakhmet" - Thank you (Kazakh)
- "Zdravstvuyte" - Hello (Russian)
- "Spasibo" - Thank you (Russian)
- "Gde rodom market? / Gde rynok?" - Where is the market? (Russian)
Places to Visit in Soran
Visit one of these nice places.
Open space with early-morning light illuminating modest town architecture and markets; a good spot for candid street scenes and soft architectural tones.
A gentle vantage point overlooking the town and rolling steppe, ideal for wide-angle landscape shots at golden hour.
Shoreline paths with reflections and local life along the water; ideal for serene portraits and nature shots.
Food in Soran
Soran Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty noodle and meat dish served with a rich broth; often enjoyed as a family-style meal in homes and some local eateries.
Must-Try!
Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onion, commonly served with sour cream or broth.
A traditional horsemeat sausage, typically eaten in small portions as part of festive or regional plates.
A variation of beshbarmak featuring regional twists, often paired with onions and herbs.
Deep-fried dough bites that are popular for breakfast or tea-time snacking.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market where you can sample fresh fruit, dairy, bread, and ready-to-eat snacks from street vendors.
A cluster of stalls offering grilled meats, skewers, and flatbreads perfect for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common for men; women may prefer a nod or handshake depending on local custom. Use polite address with formal titles when possible.
Visiting homes may involve tea and snacks; accepting offers is polite. Remove shoes if offered when entering private houses.
Dress modestly in more rural areas and while visiting religious sites. Respect quiet hours in residential neighborhoods.
Safety
Tipping in Soran
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and cafes, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated but not always expected in smaller towns. In more formal establishments, a 10% tip is common.
Cash is widely accepted, and some larger venues may accept cards. Always have local currency (tenge) on hand for small vendors and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming steppe grasses; carry a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings; expect occasional showers.
Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; stay hydrated, seek shade, and wear sun protection; nights are pleasant for outdoor dining.
Cooling temperatures and colorful landscapes; good for hiking in the hills when trails are dry and clear.
Cold, with potential strong winds and occasional snow; pack warm layers, insulated footwear, and plan indoor breaks between outdoor activities.
Soran at Night
Hiking in Soran
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beginner-friendly loop offering panoramic steppe views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Moderate hike with viewpoints over the town and surrounding plains; best in spring or autumn when the weather is mild.
Airports
How to reach Soran by plane.
Primary regional gateway with domestic and limited international connections; about a 2-3 hour drive from Soran, depending on road conditions.
Major national hub with extensive international and domestic connections; longer drive but convenient for broad connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant group with strong pastoral and cultural traditions; majority of the town's cultural life reflects Kazakh customs.
Smaller communities coexisting with local Kazakh residents; cultures influence local cuisine and language usage.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Most popular team and community sport; local matches can be observed at town or regional fields.
Traditional and modern forms of wrestling are practiced; horseback riding is common in surrounding rural areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Soran.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can rely on dairy-based dishes, breads, soups, and vegetable stews. Request vegetable or mushroom-based manty or beshbarmak without meat broth, and ask for yogurt or sour cream as a accompaniment.