National Parks of Kazakhstan

The most amazing and beautiful places in Kazakhstan are located on the territory of the state national natural parks. National parks are created to preserve the natural attractions of Kazakhstan. Unlike nature reserves, tourists are allowed there, but only within the framework of ecological tourism and ”green recreation”. These are protected and safe natural areas and patrolled by local authorities. An environmental fee is charged for entry into their territory.  

In total, there are 13 national nature parks in Kazakhstan (two more are planned to be established in the near future).

There are 5 national nature parks located on the territory of the Almaty region. 

Ile-Alatau national park 

Located: south of the city of Almaty on the northern slope of the Trans-Ili Alatau. 

Territory: 198,669 ha, length from the Chemolgan river in the west to the Turgen river in the east – 120 km, width – 30-35 km.

Ile-Alatau national park is the closest to the city of Almaty. These are the mountains of the Northern Tien Shan – Trans-Ili Alatau, framing the city.

Ile-Alatau national park consists of following natural objects such as: Turgen gorge, Turgen waterfalls (Kayrak waterfall, Bear waterfall), Assy high plateau, Assy-Turgen observatory, Assy river, Zhaman Uy tract, Sarytau mountain passes, Kyzylauyz, Bartogai reservoir, Ushkonyr high plateau, Butakovsky gorge (Butakovka), Alpine Lake Issyk, Big Almaty Lake (BAO). 

Altyn-Emel national park (UNESCO site)

Location: in the valley of the Ili river in Almaty region, between Ili river and the Kapshagai reservoir in the south, the western spurs of Dzungarian Alatau in the north, the chalk mountains of Aktau in the east.

Territory: 307,653 ha. Altyn-Emel is the most deserted national park of Almaty region, known for its expanses and exotic steppe.

National park ”Altyn-Emel” consists of such natural objects as: Singing dune Aigaykum, Stone steles of Oshaktas (a monument of the era of Genghis Khan), Chalk Mountains of Aktau, Volcanic mountains of Katutau, Royal mounds of Beshatyr (burial grounds of the Saka era).

Charyn national park (UNESCO site) 

Location: in Charyn river valley of Almaty region.  

Territory: 127,050 ha. 

Charyn is the most famous and most visited national park in Almaty region. Charyn national park consists of such natural objects as: Charyn Canyon (”Valley of castles”), Relict ash grove (”Charyn ash forest cottage”), Red Mountains Boguty (Bogety).  

Kolsai Lakes national park

Location: in Kolsai gorge in the northern Tien Shan, between Kungei Alatau and Zailiysky Alatau ridges, 330 km south-east of Almaty. 

Territory: The first lake (Lower Kolsai) is at an altitude of 1818 m, length 1 km, width 400 m, depth 80 m. The second lake (Middle Kolsai, Mynzhylgy) is at an altitude of 2252 m, the largest of the three lakes. Third Lake (Upper Kolsai) – at an altitude of 2850 m. Kaindy Lake is at an altitude of 1667 m, length – about 400 m.

Kolsai Lakes – the most picturesque national park of Almaty region. Kolsai Lakes national park consists of such natural objects as: Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake.

Zhongar-Alatau national park (UNESCO site) 

Location: on the northern slope of the Zhetysu (Semirechensk) Alatau ridge. 

Territory: 356,022 ha, length – about 300 km from west to east. 

Zhongar-Alatau national park is the largest and the most remote from the city of Almaty.

Zhongar-Alatau national park consists of such natural objects as: lakes Upper and Lower Zhasylkol, Wild orchards of the Sivers apple tree (the progenitor of all cultivated apple varieties in the world).