National parks of Kazakhstan were created to preserve unique natural landscapes and natural habitats of rare animals and plants. Many wilderness areas of these parks are considered protected areas. The presence of tourists there is prohibited, so as not to disturb the natural ecosystem. Inside each park you can see a unique nature, because Kazakhstan is not only a steppe, but also mountains, lakes, forests.
Tourists who prefer active rest can choose which park is more interesting for them. In the national parks of Kazakhstan there are both natural monuments and archaeological sites, many of which are thousands of years old. The tourist infrastructure of the parks is developing. Many parks have trails. A variety of excursion routes have been developed - horseback riding, walking, in some parks there are bicycle excursions.
The best national parks of Kazakhstan
The most interesting and beautiful natural parks in the country. List, photo with titles and descriptions!
Bayanaulsky
Founded in 1985 to preserve the unique flora and fauna. The nature of the park is varied. There are lakes, forest, steppe, mountains, meadows. There are many relict plants growing in the park, such as the Bayanaul pine. And among the representatives of the fauna there is argali listed in the Red Book. The tourist infrastructure of the park is concentrated near Lake Zhasybai and is poorly developed. Excursions to the "Sacred Cave" or "Stone Head" are popular.
Burabay
This natural park has a strict regime that restricts economic activities. There are 14 lakes in the park. One of them, the most accessible, has a picturesque rock Zhumbaktas. You can get to it on boats or catamarans rented from rental points. And if you go up the mountains, then from the observation deck you can see the bay of Lake Borovoe. Mount Bolektau is considered easy to climb. The territory of the park is located in a large coniferous forest.
Katon-Karagaysky
The largest national park in Kazakhstan. Protected by UNESCO. The park can offer a large number of hiking and horse riding trails. The objects of visit are varied. Rakhmanov springs are popular for the treatment of skin diseases. Fishing lovers go to Lake Yazevoe. The most beautiful waterfall is Arasan. Tourists interested in history visit the Berel burial ground.
Charyn
Charyn canyon in this park attracts many tourists from all over the world. In their opinion, its beauty is not inferior to the Grand Canyon in the United States. Some rocks of the canyon are 12 million years old. The length of the entire canyon is about 200 km. Most often, tourists visit the site called "Valley of Castles" 2 km long. Walking along it will take about four hours. At the end of the route there is an Eco-park and the Charyn river flows.
Kolsai lakes
The park is located in the Tien Shan mountains, near the border with Kyrgyzstan. The water in the park's three lakes is clear and clean, and its color varies from deep blue to emerald. Natural pristine nature has been preserved around the lakes. Some species of animals living in the park are listed in the Red Book. For lovers of eco-tourism, horseback riding or hiking in the park, as well as boating on the lakes, are offered.
Ile-Alatau
The size of this park is impressive - 120 km long, 30 km wide. The creation of the park made it possible to preserve the unique landscape of this territory, as well as preserve the rich flora and fauna. Good conditions have been created for tourists - there are paths in the park, there is a cafe. The plans include the construction of a ski resort. You can climb to the snow-capped peaks by car. Also in the park there are ancient burial mounds near the Turgen gorge and on the Assy plateau.
Altyn-Emel
A visit to this park is a popular weekend itinerary. The main attraction is the "singing dunes". These are hundred-meter sand dunes, emitting a rumble audible for several kilometers. On an independent trip, you can meet the famous Przewalski's horse. An interesting archaeological site Besshatyr. These are the burials of kings, tombs of the 7th-3rd centuries BC, surrounded by menhirs.
Karkaralinsky
Located in the Karagada region. There are many archaeological sites in the park. These are burial grounds and settlements of different eras. The remains of a 17th century Buddhist monastery are the Kyzylkent palace. There are many lakes in the park, and picturesque views open from the mountains. You can appreciate the whole variety of the park's landscape. In addition to birds and mammals, various species of amphibians and reptiles live in the park.
Kokshetau
There are many objects of natural value in the park. Horse and hiking trails for tourists have been developed. There are also water routes. Experienced professional guides accompany tourists on the routes. The most interesting places to visit are Cape Verde, the Two Brothers hill, a waterfall with a cave. You can just admire the clean lakes in the pine forest. There are recreation centers for living in the park.
Sairam-Ugam
It is located in the mountains of the Western Tien Shan. There are 10 interesting tourist routes in the park. For example, to go to Lake Makpal, you need to overcome the Ugam gorge. This equestrian route is 45 km long. But you can walk to the petrographers on the Sazan-ata river. The route is 12 km and passes through the Silbili Lake. The park has a shawl town and a small hotel. Part of the park is a protected area, access to it is closed to tourists.
