Walking the Yesil: Central Park and Atyrau Bridge

A riverside walk combining park paths, water views and a pedestrian bridge. Begin at the Kazakhstan Sun clock monument in Central Park, then walk to the park fountain. Continue to the summer amphitheatre beside the river; even without an event, it is a place to pause for the view. Next comes Atyrau Bridge with its distinctive open lattice shell. Follow the pedestrian connection to the right bank and finish at the equestrian monument to Kenesary Khan. Allow 1.5–2 hours for rest and photographs. Fountains and events are seasonal. In cold weather, consider the wind beside the river and the condition of the paths; bridge access depends on current conditions.

Route map

Stops are numbered in walking order. Tap a stop to read about it.

Along the way

1Monument “Kazakhstan Sun” (clock)

A white stele with a clock stands in Central Park, also known as “The Clock.” The clock on the monument was installed in 2014.

2Fountain in Astana

A city fountain located in Astana.

3Summer Amphitheatre in Astana Park

The Summer Amphitheater is an open-air concert venue on the banks of the Yesil, next to Astana Park. The stage is located on the water, and the venue hosts concerts and other events.

4Atyrau Bridge

The Atyrau pedestrian bridge in Astana is a beautiful pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Ishim (Esil) River. It opened in 2018 and was gifted to the capital by the Atyrau Region for the city’s 20th anniversary. Key facts Year built: 2018 (constructed in six months by BI Group). Location: Connects the right-bank embankment (the area around Makzhan Zhumabayev Street) with Central Park on the left bank. Architectural feature: The design is inspired by the scales of the sturgeon, which symbolizes the Atyrau region, and the total length is about 313 meters. Purpose: Intended only for pedestrians and cyclists.

5Kenesary Khan

The monument was erected in 2001 in the capital of Kazakhstan, the city of Astana, on the bank of the Ishim River. Sculptor Nurlan Dalbay, architect Shot-Aman Valikhanov. The project was approved by Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev. The monument is 11 meters high (the figure is 6 meters, the pedestal 5 meters). The monument weighs more than 10 tons in total; the bronze weighs 8 tons, and it has a steel frame. The monument stands on a high bank, from which Kenesary Kasymov seems to gaze out over the city.

Route photos