population: 0.11 million

extension: 200 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Shakhtinsk and interested in visiting museums, you may want to check out the Karaganda Regional Museum of History and Local Lore which is located about 60 km away from Shakhtinsk. The museum houses a large collection of artifacts related to the history and culture of Kazakhstan, including exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, and natural history.

If you're interested in similar types of museums, you might also want to consider visiting the Auezov House Museum in Almaty or the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Nur-Sultan.

Food

One of the most popular and typical dishes in Shakhtinsk and in Kazakhstan as a whole is Beshbarmak, which is a meat and noodle dish that literally translates to "five fingers" because it's traditionally eaten with one's hands. The meat used in beshbarmak can be lamb, beef, or horse meat, and it's typically served with boiled noodles and a broth made from onions, potatoes, and other vegetables.

Another popular dish in Shakhtinsk and across Kazakhstan is Plov, which is a rice pilaf dish that's often made with meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, onions, and other spices. It's usually served as a main course for lunch or dinner.

Other typical dishes in Shakhtinsk and Kazakhstan include Shashlik (grilled meat skewers), Lagman (noodle soup with vegetables and meat), and Manti (steamed dumplings filled with meat and onions).

Activities

Shakhtinsk is a small town in Kazakhstan, but there are still some fun activities that locals enjoy:

1. Winter sports: Shakhtinsk is located in a region with plenty of snow during winter months, so skiing and snowboarding are popular activities among locals. You can visit the nearby ski resort "Sary-Arka" for some winter fun.

2. Fishing: There are several lakes near Shakhtinsk where locals like to fish. Lake Balkhash is one of the largest and offers great opportunities for fishing and boating.

3. Hiking: The surrounding countryside of Shakhtinsk is ideal for hiking enthusiasts. You can take a trek to the nearby mountains and enjoy the beautiful views.

4. Visiting local markets: Shakhtinsk has several markets where you can find fresh produce, traditional Kazakh clothing, and handicrafts.

5. Visiting local cafes and restaurants: Locals enjoy going out to eat and drink with friends and family. You can try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak or plov at local cafes and restaurants.