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Kazakhstan, the largest landlocked country in the world, is home to 14 national parks, which are essential for preserving its vast and diverse landscapes. Kazakhstan National Parks protect a range of ecosystems, from high-altitude mountains and steppes to forests, lakes, and deserts. These national parks in Kazakhstan are crucial for safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity, including several rare and endangered species, while also promoting eco-tourism and environmental conservation.
Altyn-Emel National Park, one of the most famous national parks in Kazakhstan, is known for its dramatic landscapes, including the Singing Dunes and unique rock formations. The park is home to species such as the Przewalski’s horse, goitered gazelle, and argali, as well as several bird species. Its desert and mountain ecosystems make it a significant area for wildlife protection and scientific research.
Burabay National Park, located in northern Kazakhstan, is a popular destination for its scenic beauty, including lakes, pine forests, and rock formations. The park provides a habitat for species like elk, roe deer, and lynxes. Its natural beauty makes it a key area for tourism and recreation.
Kolsai Lakes National Park, situated in the Tien Shan Mountains, is known for its stunning alpine lakes and forests. The park is home to species such as the snow leopard, ibex, and golden eagle, making it a vital area for high-altitude wildlife conservation.
Despite their ecological importance, Kazakhstan National Parks face several challenges. Poaching, particularly of species like argali and ibex, remains a threat. Deforestation, illegal logging, and overgrazing also degrade the parks’ ecosystems. Climate change further impacts the fragile environments, affecting water sources and biodiversity.
Below is an Alphabetical List of the National Parks in Kazakhstan
The first national park in Kazakhstan is Bayanaul National Park, established in 1985. Located in the northeastern part of the country, near the city of Pavlodar, this park was created to protect the unique rock formations, lakes, and steppe landscapes.
Bayanaul is known for its picturesque scenery and serves as a popular retreat for both nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Altyn-Emel National Park is the largest national park in Kazakhstan, covering about 1,540 square miles (4,000 square kilometers).
Situated in the Almaty region, the park is famous for its diverse landscapes, including the Singing Dunes, Aktau Mountains, and unique desert ecosystems. Altyn-Emel is home to a variety of wildlife, such as the endangered goitered gazelle and Przewalski’s horse, making it a vital area for conservation.
The smallest national park in Kazakhstan is Kokshetau National Park, covering about 460 square miles (1,190 square kilometers).
Located in the Akmola region, the park is known for its scenic beauty, featuring rolling hills, forests, and lakes, such as Lake Shalkar.
Despite its relatively smaller size, Kokshetau offers rich biodiversity and picturesque views that attract visitors throughout the year.
Charyn National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Kazakhstan, renowned for its Charyn Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.”
The park covers an area of 193 square miles (500 square kilometers) and offers breathtaking views of the deep canyon, colorful rock formations, and the Charyn River.
Visitors are drawn to the park for hiking, camping, and photography, making it a prime destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. The park’s dramatic landscapes and proximity to Almaty make it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.
Approximately 3.5% of Kazakhstan’s land area is protected through national parks, which amounts to around 103,000 square miles (267,000 square kilometers). These parks and reserves aim to conserve the country’s unique ecosystems, including its steppes, mountains, and desert regions, as well as its biodiversity.
In addition to national parks, Kazakhstan has several important nature reserves and protected areas. The Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, located in the western Tian Shan mountains, is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is home to the snow leopard and various endemic plants. Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve, a wetland reserve, is part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Program and is known for its large populations of flamingos and other migratory birds.
The Markakol Nature Reserve, situated near the Siberian border, protects high-altitude lakes and forests. These reserves focus on preserving Kazakhstan’s diverse ecosystems, including its wetlands, forests, and mountain ranges.
Kazakhstan offers a range of natural attractions beyond its national parks. The Charyn Canyon, often referred to as Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon, is a spectacular formation of colorful rock layers that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion.
Lake Kaindy, a surreal lake with submerged spruce trees, is another popular attraction, especially among hikers and photographers. The Kolsai Lakes, a series of three alpine lakes in the northern Tian Shan mountains, are known for their crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
Big Almaty Lake, located near the city of Almaty, is a scenic reservoir set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s vast steppe regions offer opportunities for exploring wide open spaces, home to nomadic culture and traditional Kazakh yurts.
Kazakhstan is home to several species that are either unique to the country or rare in the region. The Saiga antelope, with its distinctive humped nose, is a critically endangered species that migrates across the Kazakh steppes.
The Ili pika, a small, rabbit-like mammal, is found only in remote areas of the Tian Shan mountains. The Altai argali, a wild sheep species with massive curled horns, is native to the Altai Mountains in Kazakhstan.
In terms of flora, Kazakhstan is home to several species of wild tulips, including the Greigii tulip, which are ancestors to many of the cultivated varieties found in gardens around the world.
Kazakhstan’s main international airport is Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (IATA code: NQZ), located in the capital city, Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana). It is the busiest airport in the country, handling most international flights.
The following international airline companies fly into Kazakhstan:
