The true nature of Kazakhstan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. A distinctive feature of Central Kazakhstan’s landscape is the local mountain ranges in the steppe and small-mound areas. Karkaraly National Park is the most famous, popular and accessible place for travelers. The relict pine forests are preserved here, and mountain lakes formed in the crater-like depressions of granite rocks are delighting the eye. Two lakes, Shaytankol and Basseyn, located close by Karkaraly have their own names and legends. More than a dozen other mountain lakes are located in the protected western part of the National Park and are as beautiful as the abovementioned lakes. The inaccessibility of the mountainous area is a good habitat for wild animals here, such as moose, roe deer, foxes, hares, etc. There are even Red Book argali!

 

Mangystau Province: “Gray-blue land” of Ustyurt and “Valley of the Balls”

17. When going to Ustyurt you should bear in mind that there are very long distances, unpredictable weather conditions and lack of accessibility of drinking water on the road. If you want to go there it should be when the weather is dry, because as soon as it starts to rain, it will be impossible to reach the destination. There are a lot of natural attractions in Mangystau, the two main ones are Bozjyra (also spelled as Boszhira, direct translation from the Kazakh language is “Gray-blue land”), a spectacular outlining mountain range, perfect for photo shoots is located on the outskirts of the Western chink of Ustyurt. “Valley of the Balls” is where you will find huge ball noodles formed millions of years ago at the bottom of the ancient ocean.

Pavlodar Province: Bayanaul Mountain

18. Bayanaul, a mountain forest oasis, hundred kilometers from Ekibastuz, is the main natural attraction of Pavlodar Province in the North East of Kazakhstan. Bizarre cliffs, picturesque freshwater lakes; the largest of which are Sabyndykol, Jasybai, Toraigyr and Byrjankol; mysterious caves and grottoes, and most importantly, the distance from big cities, make this region attractive for ecotourists. In 1985 the Bayanaul National Park was formed here. 50 of the 460 species of plants growing in the Park are relict: including Bayanaul pine and stone currant.

Oasis in the North of Kazakhstan

19. Imantau-Shalkar Resort Area of the North Kazakhstan Province. One of the most interesting and insufficiently known regions is certainly Imantau-Shalkar Resort Area of the North Kazakhstan Province, where you can find beautiful lakes and winter outdoor activities. The region holds the first place by the number of lakes in the country; and the second by the number of forests and the third by the length of roads. Picturesque nature, represented by steep hills with bizarre sculptures of mountains-outliers and hollows of lakes, a combination of forest-steppe vegetation and pine forests, makes the Northern region of Kazakhstan attractive for travelers.

Turkistan Province: Aksu-Jabagly, the oldest reserve of the country

20. Aksu-Jabagly Nature Reserveis one of the oldest in Central Asia. First ornithological tours and tours for botanists, interested in tulips, began to be organized in this reserve and near it. No wonder, Grieg's Tulip is an emblem of the reserve! As for the birds, there are 130 species of birds nesting here, 11 of which are listed in the Red Book. The reserve is located in the Talas Alatau Mountains in the Western Tien Shan. Aksu Canyon occupies the central part of the Reserve with a depth of about 1800 m. You can take a walk or ride a horse there.

10 must-see landscapes in Kazakhstan

Breathtaking places in Kazakhstan that everyone should visit at least once

We are more than sure that not every traveler, who have traveled around Kazakhstan many times or even those who live here since they were born, knows everything about beauty of the local nature and great variety of these parts. It is enough to say that many people couldn’t have named even a few attractions of this unbounded country without mentioning “steppe” or “mountain” used in a very broad sense. And there are lots of places! In order to thoroughly explore and enjoy each of them you will need many years and there is no need to even cross Kazakhstan’s border. Here you will find attractions from all six continents of the world: travelling to historical sites and ruins of ancient civilizations, resort vacation with so much fun, driving rally across the deserts and sand dunes, snow skiing and snowboarding at internationally recognized high-altitude resorts or mountain hiking in summer.

All these are accompanied by incredibly picturesque landscapes that will make even the most pessimistic tourist sauvore their charm. So, in this article we have prepared ten unique sites in Kazakhstan that looks like they stepped out from the paintings of great artists. Here you can make beautiful photos; therefore, if you have any type of camera it will be working hard throughout your whole journey.

Kaindy Lake

Looking through your photos won’t give you even a one tenth of all impressions that you will receive while gazing the lake. It is a wonderful place, as much unique as its historical background. At first sight, it may seem that it is very ancient and appeared as a result of lithosphere plates’ movement. But that is not true! Kaindy Lake has proved to be one of the youngest lakes in Kazakhstan made not with human hands. It appeared only 100 years ago, when a huge landslide in 1910 had blocked a gorge. Gradually, a crystal-like pure water filled in a reservoir overflowing a coniferous forest that was growing there. It is surprisingly, but wooden branches are still there…under the water! As for the wooden trunks overtop, these all became bare and lonely stick out of the water like spares. These trunks are called Guardians. The water is of deep blue color and quite often changes its ton from emerald to azure-blue. However, if you come up closer you will be surprised by its crystal-like pureness, so you can watch the underwater world of the lake through it in its full splendor. In case you enjoy diving then you will definitely see its true value.

Need to know: the lake is located 288 km far from Almaty nearby Saty village. To be more precise, the last 12 km on your way from the village to the lake you will have to pass through difficult terrain, however, very picturesque! Be prepared to pay ecological fee because the Lake Kaindy and the birch trees surrounding the lake have become a part of the national park since 2007. It is very cold to swim as the temperature of the water is no more than + 6 °С. Instead, the temperature of the air is very favourable – stays at +23 °С level. In Saty village you may stay overnight provided with all facilities. Also the touristic infrastructure is quite developed here, if you wish you may travel to the lake without arranging accommodation and means of transport well in advance of the trip.

Burabay is a true paradise for travelers

Frequently, we don’t see all that beauty that could have been unveiled for us if we stayed a bit higher or had wings to fly. However, Burabay (also known as Borovoe) is still amazing because we can enjoy its beauty from a bird’s perspective without bird’s assistance or private helicopter. It is sufficient to climb the Bolektau Mountain and you will find yourself at the wonderful observation deck of 147 meters of height. The deck offers a spectacular view on all natural sites of the area: Burabay Lake and Big Chebachye Lake, Jumbaktas and Okjetpes Rocks and the Blue Bay. The view is so stunning that one may forget where he or she is at the moment – it is unbelievable that such beauty has always been nearby but we even didn’t guess about that.

Many travelers, who have never been to Burabay, are always surprised at first: how it happened that in the middle of the vast and unbounded steppe there is a miracle that people talk so much about? And then they stand still when discover huge mountains appearing out of nowhere covered with thick woods, lakes and a bunch of stones. It is all arranged in such a way so you could enjoy your vacations exactly in the manner you have imagined: there are lakes with pure cool water, resorts with spa and massage rooms – for those who enjoy laying on the beach; there are horseback riding, climbing famous mountains like Bolektau, Sinyukha, Okjetpes, walks into the forests to look for mushrooms and berries, and many more – for those who like active vacations.

And now it is time to tell you how to make best photos.

Need to know: if you decide to climb Bolektau alone without a tour group (this is quite good as on your way you will hear many interesting legends about original background of this area), by taking your own course, then you will need several things. Do not be afraid of driving a car to reach the mountain because at its foothill there are several parking places, both with and without any charge. You may ask directions from any local or check your map so, believe me, you won’t be wandering around. The uphill climbing is not so difficult but it is worth to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that would cover you properly. Be aware that it is dangerous to climb right after it has rained or in uncertain weather. 

Bozjyra: a piece of the Moon on Earth

On the Internet you will see lots of images of this place that attracts travelers from all over the world aspiring to touch the local wonder of severe nature. It feels like the nature, in an attempt to apologize for aridity and monotony of the steppe plains, has created this island of incredible beauty and painted it in gentle light-grey, white and beige colours.

Long time ago the Ustyurt Plateau was fully covered with water. The waters of Tethys – an ancient ocean that existed 10 million years ago – were raging there. This is the ocean that had become a progenitor of all seas and oceans of nowadays. In comparison with the Tethys, its depth, all of them would seem to us as little lakes only. But under the effect of climate and relief changes, the ocean started receding washing out soft limestone with its huge waves. The sun and the wind had accomplished that process by sealing off the yielding rock into fantastic shapes: you can recognize castles, towers, sharp spears, lengthy canyons, and even yurts. A special feature of the place is two strong peaks of limestone (more than 200 meters in height each) that in their shape remind of fangs of a predator. If you have sufficient time and your eyesight is good enough you may find petrified shells at the bottom of the canyon (of quite interesting shapes); and the luckiest ones will find fragments of prehistoric sharks’ bones or even teeth.

Need to know: the Bozjyra Tract is located 300 km away from the city of Aktau and you can reach it in two ways. The first way is driving mighty off-road vehicles because there is no road at the approaches to the valley. However, if one knows the area then it is possible to reach a natural observation site that offers a stunning view to cosmic landscape of Bozjyra. The second way is to ask a travel company to arrange a tour for you across Mangystau, and, while you are about it, you may visit underground mosques of Shopan Ata and Beket Ata as well as safari in Tuiyesu Sands. But be prepared that the tour may cost up to 100,000 tenge for 3-4 persons. However, all impressions are worth it!

Rakhmanovskiye Klyuchi Resort (Rakhman Springs Resort)

In the heart of the Altai Mountains, which is almost 200 meters above sea level, there is a stunning view on sacred Belukha Mountain (the highest peak of the Altai Mountains), Arasan Cascade Waterfall, and hot springs under the sky – this is a paradise on the earth, isn’t it? Such beauty is worth visiting. But Rakhman Springs Resort attracts all travelers with many more: it is an ideal place not only for observing the nature but also for emproving human’s health. There you may enjoy fantastic views of carefully protected pristine wilderness while, at the same time, improving your health and restoring your vitality resources.

This is a true balneotherapeutic health resort that has been attracting people from all over the world for centuries who aspire to cure their skin and heart diseases, to regulate blood pressure and central nervous system, to weaken impact of seasonal allergy. Moreover, local radon springs are of such a balanced composition that are suitable for almost every one; the variety of springs’ water temperature, from 24°С and higher, allows to use the most relevant spring for certain type of disease.

It is very unexpectedly, isn’t it? Pink flamingos (and even curly pelicans) in Kazakhstan… This is exotic! You can see it at its best and in natural habitat on the territory of Korgaljyn Nature Reserve. Apart from those wonderful birds, there are hundreds species of other feathered creatures, because this is a meeting point for two birds’ migration routes: Central Asian and Siberian-South European. During migration period the water area of two interconnected lakes (Korgaljyn and Teniz Lakes) is full of various and rare species of birds that you will never meet anywhere except vast steppes of our country. This place is may really be considered as the most beautiful and unique in the whole Eurasia. The area is especially beautiful when in April the water surface is covered with a flower carpet of Shrenk tulips marked in the Red Book. One of the surprising features of the region is salty composition of Teniz Lake water – you can easily lie on your back and read a book without fear of drowning. Korgaljyn Lake, on the contrary, has fresh water with amazing landscape: cane divided the whole lake into separate bay-lakes and each of them has got its own name. Photos of the region look like being captured in line with the National Geographic project: distinctive, colorfully rich and shining with beauty of undisturbed nature.

Need to know: you need to obtain a special permission to get on the territory of the national park and you will be accompanied by the staff. It is very convenient to let special ecological tour agents to arrange a trip for you (between May and October) and travel across the national park either on your off-road vehicle or on a bus provided by the administration. If you firmly intend to travel on your own then please do it on an off-road vehicle – the steppe roads are highly dusty, rocky in some parts, and washed-away in other parts. Ecological fee is equal to 300 tenge, guide service costs around 15,000 tenge. There are also various complex tours which include visiting several touristic places in one go, walking and so on.

Aktau colourful mountains and the Singing Dune

A pearl of Altyn-Emel National Park is proved to be amazing Aktau Mountains. Yes, in Kazakh that means “white mountain”, but such mixed landscape seems to be of white color only at the distant look. The nearer you approach the brighter their colours are supplemented by sparkling crystals of calcite in various fantastic forms – all these create an incredible image. When the mountains are lightened up with mild orange-red sunset rays, the photos are especially magical, so all travelers make photos at that time.

But that’s not all! If Aktau is a pearl, then Akkum-Kalkan (the Singing Dune) is a diamond. It is on the list of top 7 new wonders of the nature because it … sings! Yes, even a light gust of the wind blowing sand particles off the top makes the Dune to sound like a melody played by organ. And photos at the sunset background are stunning here!

Need to know: it is possible to reach this destination only on an off-road vehicle because adequate road leads only to Nurum and Aktobe villages, after that only dusty steppe road is available. Be prepared that the dust and the sand will follow you everywhere. After a long journey you may wash up in a healing radon spring in Kosbastau natural boundary and then to continue your journey into the depth of mountain ranges further ahead for several kilometers. It is better to visit the Singing Dune within a tour group as the tour cost covers all expenses like fee, guide service, meals and so on.

Sacred three-headed Altai mountain Belukha

Belukha… It is a residence of Umay Goddess, a place of cosmic energy, snow-white witness of the past and a warranter of the future – all these epithets were assigned to the highest Altay mountain for a reason. Over many centuries various peoples of Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia, and China connected many legends, religious stories, mystery with the Mountain Belukha. Even now, when you look at the snow-white tops, this view makes you shiver and then, all of a sudden, you start seeing images of the past. One of the best views of the mountain is from Yazevoe Lake. You can also reach Kokkol Waterfall to enjoy its raging flows of water falling down from the top and make a photo of distantly sparkling sugar tops of Belukha.

Need to know: If you are not a professional mountaineer and do not know local places, then do not climb the mountains on your own. Firstly, you will face such difficulties as absence of the road, absence of network connection, absence of any road markers (except Belukha peaks) and people dwellings. Secondly, there is no point in facing those difficulties when there are perfectly organized routes specially designed in a comfortable for travelers way with picturesque places and an opportunity to take wonderful photos.

Charyn Canyon

In the spurs of Tien Shan Mountains there is one of the most amazing creations of the nature – Charyn Canyon formed out of sedimentary rocks aged up to 12 million years! It is considered to be the second lengthy and biggest canyon in the world! It is second only to the Grand Canyon but is capable to compete with it in its beauty. For over thousands of years the wind, the water, and the soil had been forming fantastic stone sculptures, had been carving gorges and caves and had finally created such design that we can enjoy nowadays. Photos are fantastic from any location of the canyon. However, if one goes down to the bottom of the canyon, he or she will get the most impressive photos. Especially, if one manages to catch sunset rays that paint stone sides of Charyn Canyon into scarlet color.

Need to know: it is desirable to have this trip either in spring or in autumn, before summer heat (the rocks are heated and the air turns into thick so it becomes hard to breathe) spoils the trip. You can reach the destination by using your car, taking a bus from Almaty or using tour transport. If you want to reach canyon’s bottom, then make sure you drive an off-road vehicle because while going down many vehicles “catch” diagonal hanging and one of its wheels hangs in the air. The city break destinations are the most popular: organizers will take you there, show you best observation decks, a legendary relic ashwood forest. There are only two ashwood forests in the whole world! The ashwood forest has been existing there before the Ice Age and had managed to survive in the epoch of the great cold. There are local restaurants to have a lunch. However, we would recommend taking food with you as it might be expensive to eat in the restaurants.

Kolsay Lakes

Kolsay Lakes, like a necklace made out of azure stone, decorate already beautiful northern slopes of majestic Tien Shan Mountains. All in all there are three lakes: Lower, Middle, and Upper Kolsay Lakes. The first lake has the coldest water and it is located in the depth of the gorge that’s why it is rather lengthy. The middle one is the most beautiful and big with its incredibly picturesque banks full of flowers; it is surrounded by the peaks forested with coniferous woods. The third lake is the smallest one but it is very cosy – it looks like the lake has hidden from the outer world under the rocks protection taking care of its crystal-like pure water with reflection of a quaint bushy juniper forest on the water surface. All photos taken next to any of these lakes are perfect and every time different: the water is frequently changing its color from azure to malachite, and then enriching itself with turquoise or even dense blue color.

Need to know: you can drive a car to get to the fist lake; it is important to pay an entrance fee to enter the territory and ecological fee (200 tenge per car and 650 tenge per person). Further ahead you will need to walk uphill – there is a thin rocky path leading to the second lake – the view will make you forget about all difficulties. There is a hotel in the area on the river bank where you can comfortably live in. Otherwise, there is a cheaper option in the cosy houses in Saty village. It is even possible to pitch a tent not far from the second and the third lakes and it will cost only 500 tenge.

Inder Lake

There is one more lake, where it is impossible to drown, which is located 180 kilometers away from Atyrau and is called Inder (local name is Tuzdykol – salty lake). It is fed with mighty underground springs carrying salts of high quality out of the earth depths: potassium, boron, bromine as well as sodium chloride, iodine, magnesium. It is needless to say how it is useful to have a mud bath and wash up in such water. All local habitants have been feeling positive effect of salty water for skin and body in general – such water pulls out toxins, disinfects even the slightest wounds, and heals skin diseases. Inder is famous not only for its healing capacities: show-white sparkling surface and shimmering salt crystals on its bank make the lake the Mecca for photographers.

Need to know: you can make your own way (180 km of walking on the pavement and around 20 km of walking along the country road) or within a health improving tour that are offered by local businessmen. There are tents pitched on the bank so you will have all facilities to relax after mud baths and bathing. You should bear in mind that it is not safe to stay in the mud bath for more than 20 minutes otherwise you will be hyper salinated and your skin will be dried out.

So that is a top 10 wonderful landscapes in Kazakhstan came out. Initially, we would like to simply show you places where you could capture the best view but then we still couldn’t have missed the history and touristic features of those incredible destinations. We have also collected useful tips to remind about things that are often overlooked by travelers. You should visit all destinations on our list in order to understand our admiration – each of the places will charm you in its own way, will play on a contrast in comparison to previous location, and will make you passionate about further travelling!

Kazakhstan: Landscapes from a different Planet

These lunar-like lands will inspire wanderlust in every traveler. The expeditions and short trips to this lovely locations are also referred to as “the other planets.” These trips should be thoroughly planned so that you can have the most memorable time in Kazakhstan. Here you will not find too many road signs, and the roads themselves are far from perfect; also one very important aspect is that there is no drinking water for tens, or possibly even hundreds of kilometers around! With such great difficulties like trying to find these stunning sites off the beaten path and the lack of water has not deterred people (especially foreigners) from these adventures. For some strange reason every year more and more people are visiting these beautiful attractions. Difficulties do not stop searchers of unexplored paths and new adventures! Let’s talk about the best “alien” landscapes in more details.

Martian Landscapes

Kiinkerish Tract, a natural landmark in Eastern Kazakhstan, the Akjar Mountains near Karaganda, and the Aktau Mountains in Altyn-Emel National Park, which is located in the Almaty Province, can easily be categorized as Martian land. If you are looking at Mars (also known as the Red Planet) when it is at its closest to the Earth it will look like a big red star. Red, almost rubiginous, colour of Mars, becomes quite obvious on the photos made by space modules. But in fact the planet’s surface is covered in rust, as it contains a lot of ferrous oxide – scientists say. Our planet’s red landscapes are of various shades, dark yellow to bright red, sometimes purple from the soil composition. For example, the Akjar Mountains are located on the border of Karaganda and Kostanay Provinces. Here in this region there are colors of purple that appear to be a mixture of gypsum and clay with amethyst dust. It is such a spectacular view! And the photos are perfect! You will definitely get a lot of likes on any webpage that you post these pictures on!

If you want to go there you must get a local guide who knows all the possible routes because only special transport will get you to your destination. Travelers won’t see or find any signs to guide you!

 

Kiinkerish Tract in Eastern Kazakhstan is situated pretty far from civilization, roughly 120 kilometers from Kurchum and 300 kilometers from the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk. Mineralized fills of mottled (mainly red) clay are washed out by the water and blown by the wind to make a bright and fantastic landscape. Scientists say that this area was formed by the tropical conditions of heat and humidity of the Mezozoic Era, this is when the dinosaurs roamed the planet.

It is recommended that you travel with a local guide and that the best time to visit is during the dry season in the summer. It is also not recommended to stay overnight at Kiinkerish. Two hours of walking should be enough to have a tour around Kiinkerish and have a few fantastic selfies while on your adventure. After your journey through Kiin-Kerish, you can see Zaisan Lake, which lies like an oasis in the East of Kazakhstan. Then there is the natural monument Shekelmes which is a mini version of Kiinkerish. Here you will find many caves and clay labyrinths that you can explore. This is the perfect place to set up a campsite on the sandy shores of Zaisan Lake.

 

Altyn-Emel National Park in the Almaty Province has its own piece of “Mars” – this is the Aktau Mountains. “The Aktau Mountains are very unique with their stratigraphic sequences (i.e. sequence of layers of the subsurface rock), which can be seen from space. These layers allow us to study the evolution of the whole Earth on its basis. In addition to this, there is another natural treasure that is hidden deep in the Aktau Mountains. This buried gem is invisible to travelers and visitors, but not to the guides that know the terrain. Here you can find the ancient fossils of animals that had lived in the region more than 50 million years ago. The remains of these animals’ bones are now on display in the visitors center of the National Park; and travelers and guests can also see these bones while on the tour through the Aktau Mountains,” – Rustam Khabibrakhmanov, the head of Altyn-Emel National Park’s Department of Science, Information and Monitoring, has written this in one of his works. On your journey through the park you will be accompanied by an experienced guide that can inform you about all of the many interesting things about the picturesque relief of the Aktau Mountains and the other wonders that reside in Altyn-Emel National Park. And since you are already in the area you should take a short ride to the Katutau Mountains. These mountains may lack the strange Mars like color like that of the Aktau Mountains, but their beauty and attraction lies in their strange shape, and this will definitely blow your mind.

Blue Uranium Landscapes

When comparing colors of the planets in our solar system, it is without a doubt that Bozjyra (also spelled as Boszhira) and its surrounding landscape on the Ustyurt Plateau has a very similar terrain like that of the planet Uranus. Through a telescope Uranus is seen as a sky-blue planet, the blue color is a result of red beam absorption by atmospheric methane. With its distant location from the sun, the planet receives 140 times less of the sun’s energy and 400 times less of the sunlight than what our earth receives. That is why the temperature on Uranus’ surface is unbelievably low, dipping down to minus 208 to 212 degrees Celsius. This is why this great blue planet is known as the Icy Giant.

On Ustyurt Plateau in the Mangystau Province you won’t feel any of this minus 208 degrees of icy cold except crosswinds that blow from every angle; but visually you will definitely notice the similarities between these two. Actually, Bozjyra in Kazakh means Grey Blue Earth (lacuna), and in the daytime it looks like it is in a grey blue haze.

What really catches your eye in the photos of Bozjyra, are the two limestone peaks called Fangs, because of their shape. They stand over 200 meters in height, and from a narrow “observing deck” (that only the local guides know about) you can see a gorgeous view of the castles in Bozzhyra as the valley opens up to you. You can also use drones to capture all of these wonderful images and videos.

In order to get to Bozjyra, you must travel several hundred kilometers along *takyr – this is a special kind of soil that is formed of salty soils in the desert and semi-deserts. When this “takyr” is dry it then forms a very solid and even surface on the ground. This is why in the dry season in the desert the ground will allow race cars to speed on its surface like asphalt. But once this surface sees any rain you may find yourself in very different circumstances.

On your way from Aktau to Bozjyra you will encounter another strange and interesting “alien-like object.” This is the lost mountain of Bokty, standing at a 160 meters high, this symmetrical mountain from various angles some say looks like a trapeze while other may say a triangle. There are 37 kilometers between Bokty and Bozjyra (and 298 kilometers between Aktau and Bozjyra).

 

Another great traveling site that we highly recommend, also located on the Ustyurt Plateau, is the Valley of Balls in Torysh.

Despite its distance from civilization, the Valley of Balls somehow manages to attract travelers from all over with its mystery. People with their own eyes want to see the huge round stones strewn throughout this steppe region. The scientific term for the formation of these balls is called “concretion.”

Scientist are to this day still puzzled about the derivation of the Balls; perhaps, this is somehow in connection with the deep-water currents of the ancient ocean? Or maybe it is just a trick from an alien species from outer space, who knows? Anyway there is something really mystical about these places that we would like you to experience!

Snow-White Mountains of Aktolagay

The Aktobe Province also has its own outer planet landscapes – this is a chalky plateau by the name of Aktolagay. This is a must-visit location, here you can find real ancient sharks' teeth! Aktolagay Plateau is spread out through the south to the north in the Aktobe Province. A part of the mountain ridges are located in the Atyrau Province. Also at this site you find the Emba River flowing from the west running parallel to Aktolagay. On the one side of Aktolagay is the edge of the Alshynsay sands and on the other side is the Togalay sands.

Scientists and travelers from all over the world come to the southern slopes of Aktolagay, to see and observe the chalky walls rise from the bottom to the top, many meters in rising and changing over to snow-white sloping hills. This hills display colorful layers of Palaegogonic rocks which are dark in these layers; beige, green, grey, and brown with a shelly limestone to top off this rock layer. Today, the Southern Aktolagay Plateau is a geological and geomorphological (i.e. related forms of relief) site of the State Wildlife Sanctuary of Republican and International Importance.

Bektau Ata Pink Granite Mountain

Another set of colors coming from an unusual natural formation, which is located, roughly 70 kilometers from the town of Balkhash. This place is called Bektau Ata, and is a one-of-a-kind natural site in the opinions of many astronomers. Imagine a granite mountain, standing in the middle of Balkhash Lake’s steppe area, now add pleasant pink to this mountain. Even the drivers passing by on the Almaty-Karaganda highway, do not know about the beauty that is hidden among the visible mountain peaks. Here you can see that there are woods growing among the granite rocks, lakes and mystical caves, too. This place is more like a get-away or hiding spot than a far off galactic location.

This mountain is called by the locals, “the Mountain of the Holy Elder Bek,” who lived in a cave on the top of the Bektau Ata Mountain.

Red, white, pink, and blue landscapes of Kazakhstan will not allow you to stay indifferent! Before you make a journey be sure that you stock up on drinking water, and charge your digital devices to the fullest. May the sun be on your face and the winds on your back, and live the adventures that you want to have!

The Land of Waterfalls: Katon-Karagay National Park

This area is famous for its valleys, mountains, rivers, lakes, and of course, for its picturesque waterfalls.

Yazev Waterfall

You can see beautiful Belukha Mountain from the coasts of Karakol Lake, also known as Yazevoe, which got a name from ide fish found in its water. This lake is in a valley that sits at a height of 1656 m above sea level, where according to scientists, Katun glaciers left moraines, which later were washed out by the river. In these 5 kilometers to the lake you can take the picturesque route among 20-25 m high and 100 year old trees. Here you will reach the Yazev waterfall, this waterfall actually has almost a countless number of drains. In total there are about 10 cascades, that drop from a height of up to 10-12 m. Fishermen have a chance to get an elegant grayling in the rushing flood water, just a little down the waterfall.

Arasan Waterfall

Belukha Mountain, ‘the double-headed beauty’, can also be seen from the hiking route from Rakhman Springs Resort (Rakhmanovskiye Klyuchi Resort), in the Valley of Arasan River. You won’t get lost, because there is the only road that heads to the south west of Arasan Lake and then towards the Berel village. Considering there is good weather, Belukha Mountain is seen from at least three kilometers from the viewing platform that is equipped with a gazebo and information stand. If you head just one more kilometer you will find the Arasan Waterfall. Near the road there is a steep path equipped with wooden ramps that leads to the waterfall. 5-6 meter waterfalls are divided in its center by a small rock, which makes it look like a mustache. That’s why tourists gave it second name “Batyr’s mustache”, i.e. a mustache of a hero. Unfortunately, there was a fire in 2007 that damaged this beautiful place, but it is being gradually restored.

Rakhmanov’s Waterfall or “Hairs of Veronika”.

Not far from Rakhman Springs Resort, in the Arasan Valley there is Rakhmanov’s waterfall, which is also poetically called the “Hairs of Veronika”. It is formed from a stream, that starts in a small high mountain morainic lake (2265 m above sea level) and joins to form the Rakhamov Lake. To get there, travelers can take the following route: to take a boat to reach the opposite side of Rakhmanov’s lake and to hike to the waterfall along the wooden ramps that make the path. The path is 4 kilometers in length and it goes through the forest to a viewing platform, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the “Hairs of Veronika”. The water falls from a height of about 30 meters: narrow streams flow between sheer and shaly cliffs in this three-stepped cascade.

Piala Waterfall

This waterfall stands at a height of 2370 meters above sea level, and in order to get here you should register with a tour group, which goes by “Sarymsakty” route (about 22 km one-way in distance) in the Katon-Karagay Park. The path goes along the Sarymsak River through a beautiful cedar forest until you reach the Kyzylkum passage on the rocky horse road. In the cedar forests, you can see chipmunks, squirrels, Altai pikas and birds like nutcrackers, jays and owls. Frequent visitors of the cedar forests are wild boars and bears – the lovers of a pine nut.

At about the midpoint of the main route, there is a start for three radial trekking routes. The first goes to Toktagul mountain area and the cascades of the following lakes: Verkhneye - Maralenok – Karlygash. The second is to Turpan Lake. And the third goes to Piala Waterfall. This waterfall is not very big, it is only about 5-6 meters high, but it makes up for its size in beauty with its very picturesque backdrop. Mountain river cascades down to a small round shaped lake (similar to the shape of Piala, i.e. a tea bowl), then flows out about one kilometer to only fall into the Sarymsak river. The rumbling water can be heard long before you approach the waterfall.

The main string of the route then stretches along the Valley of Sarymsak River.

As stated above, there are many picturesque, but nameless waterfalls in this area, like the waterfall close to the Belkaragai village, and then there is a beautiful cascading waterfall close to “Yasnaya Polyana” – both are worth mentioning. Anywhere you go in Katon-Karagay national park the local people can organize an excursion for you to go and see the many waterfalls there. We can assure you they will be wherever you are, so make sure you ask them. But if you plan your tour through a huge territory of this park properly, you should definitely do it with the tour operators of Kazakhstan. They can give you the best deal with the beautiful hidden sites that only Kazakhs know about!