Balkhash (Kazakh: Balqaş, بالقاش; Russian: Балхаш, romanized: Balkhash) is a city in Kazakhstan, located on the northern shore of the Lake Balkhash, on the Bay Bertys, and in south of Kazakh Uplands. Population of the city: 68,833 (2009 Census results); 65,431 (1999 Census results).Balkhash was founded in 1937 as an industrial city centred on the mining and smelting of copper, and presently copper is still exploited there. The city lies approximately 500 km west of the Chinese border on the north side of the lake at an altitude of 440 m.
The history of the city is closely connected with mining of deposits of copper and development of a smelting plant.
*Go to the beach : The beach isn't impeccably clean but is a pleasant enough place to sit and read a book, join the locals for a swim, or sit in a beachside cafe. The best beaches are found outside of town though.
*City Bus : The bus service in town costs 30 tenge per ride regardless of distance but only really takes you up and down Lenin St. When riding the bus you pay an attendant who will come around to collect your fare. *Taxi : Taxis in Balkhash are generally marked and charge a fare of 200 tenge if flagged on the road or 150 tenge if called. Drivers are unlikely to speak English so be prepared to practice your Russian.
The city of Balkash is small by most standards with a population of just under 70,000. The city principally exists to support the activity of local copper mines and a large copper smelting plant just outside of town. Other industries in the town include fishing and a modest tourism industry that is primarily focused on the lake. This makes Balkhash a pleasant enough city with many cafes and some minor attractions for both residents and travelers.
