Usharal, Kazakhstan
Practical guide to Usharal Airport (Zhanama) in Kazakhstan, serving the Almaty Region. Learn about location, transport, facilities, and the region's geography.
4 features verified at Usharal Airport
We arrived at the airport at 6am, it was closed, it was cold outside, the child was frozen outside, and the airport administration opened the door only at 6.55. The message came that check-in was supposed to start at 6.40. This is not a humane attitude towards tourists, how can we develop domestic tourism like this?!
Small new airport. But there is no terminal in the cafe and it is impossible to buy anything and there are no shops nearby. Only women's toilet and disabled toilet are open. You have to wait. There is no ATM so don't forget to withdraw some cash before arriving in Usharal.
The ticket is very cheap, you can fly to major cities, Almaty, Astana, very good service, beautiful airport
An airport in the Alakol district of the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, 5 km west of the city of Usharal. It was created in 1970 as a military airfield to support the garrison located at the Dzungarian Gate. Until the early 1990s, it was called "Uch-Aral". A class 1 airfield, it can accommodate Il-76, An-22, Tu-154 and lighter aircraft, as well as helicopters of all types. The 486th helicopter regiment of the SVO RK (Mi-24, Mi-8 helicopters) is based at the airfield. roadstravel dot ru
Usharal Airport, also known as Zhanama Airport, is a small regional airport in southeastern Kazakhstan. It primarily serves the town of Usharal and the surrounding rural districts in the Almaty Region. The airport handles domestic flights, connecting this remote area to major hubs like Almaty. Its passenger traffic consists largely of local residents, business travelers involved in mining and agriculture, and government officials. Due to its size, the airport operates on a limited schedule, with flights timed to meet demand rather than running throughout the day.
Usharal Airport is situated about 5 km west of the town of Usharal, near the border with China. The airport lies in a semiarid landscape, close to the northern shore of Lake Balkhash and the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau range. The nearest large city is Taldykorgan, approximately 180 km to the southwest, while Almaty is about 400 km southwest by road. Access to the airport is via a local road that connects to the A-3 highway, which runs along the lake. Private car or taxi is the most practical transport option; there is no public bus service directly to the terminal. Taxis from Usharal town cost a modest fee and can be arranged at the town's taxi stands or through local hotels. Travelers driving from Almaty should budget around four to five hours, depending on road conditions. The area is sparsely populated, so advance planning for transportation is recommended.
Usharal Airport offers basic but functional facilities. The terminal includes:
Given the airport's scale, there are no restaurants, shops, or lounges. Passengers should bring their own food and water. The check-in area is straightforward, with manual processes typical of a regional airport. Seating is minimal, so travelers may wish to arrive close to departure time.
The Almaty Region, where Usharal is situated, is a vast area known for its diverse geography. It encompasses the Dzungarian Gate, a historic mountain pass once part of the Silk Road. The nearby Lake Balkhash is one of the world's largest lakes, notable for its unique salinity gradient – the western part is fresh, the eastern part saline. The region's economy relies on mining (copper, gold, and other minerals), agriculture (grain, livestock), and energy production. Usharal town itself serves as a local administrative hub. Travelers come here for work in mining or agriculture, or to visit the natural attractions: the lake's beaches, birdwatching at the Balkhash-Alakol Biosphere Reserve, and hiking in the Dzungarian Alatau. The area also has a strong Kazakh cultural identity, with traditional yurt stays and horse riding available for adventurous visitors. The airport thus acts as a quiet gateway to this off-the-beaten-path part of Central Asia.
Travelers should confirm flight times shortly before departure, as schedules can change with little notice. Arriving at least 45 minutes before departure is sufficient due to the small size of the terminal.
Usharal Airport
Practical guide to Urzhar Airport in Kazakhstan: location, terminal facilities, transport options, and nearby attractions in the Urzhar region.
Practical guide to Tacheng Airport in Xinjiang, China: terminal facilities, security tips, getting there, and exploring Tacheng Prefecture.
Practical guide to Taldykorgan Airport (Kazakhstan): location, terminal facilities, transport options, and what makes Taldykorgan worth visiting. Includes wheelchair access, baggage storage, and busiest times.
Practical guide to Yining Airport (YIN) in Ili, Xinjiang: location, transport, terminal facilities, and why the Ili region is worth visiting.
Practical guide to Karamay Airport (KRY) in Xinjiang, China: clean, quick, small terminal with limited facilities. Tips on transport, mobile networks, and nearby attractions.
Wikipedia
More about Usharal Airport
Wikipedia
More about Usharal Airport
Practical guide to Urzhar Airport in Kazakhstan: location, terminal facilities, transport options, and nearby attractions in the Urzhar region.
Practical guide to Tacheng Airport in Xinjiang, China: terminal facilities, security tips, getting there, and exploring Tacheng Prefecture.
Practical guide to Taldykorgan Airport (Kazakhstan): location, terminal facilities, transport options, and what makes Taldykorgan worth visiting. Includes wheelchair access, baggage storage, and busiest times.
Practical guide to Yining Airport (YIN) in Ili, Xinjiang: location, transport, terminal facilities, and why the Ili region is worth visiting.
Practical guide to Karamay Airport (KRY) in Xinjiang, China: clean, quick, small terminal with limited facilities. Tips on transport, mobile networks, and nearby attractions.