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Kazakhstan is home to 14 officially designated national parks, offering an extraordinary range of ecosystems and landscapes that reflect the vastness and diversity of this Central Asian nation. From towering mountains and expansive steppes to pristine lakes and ancient forests, these parks provide a sanctuary for unique flora and fauna while preserving the cultural heritage of the region. The parks are not only significant for their ecological value but also for their role in showcasing Kazakhstan’s natural beauty to the world.
One of the most celebrated national parks is Altyn-Emel National Park, located in the southeastern part of the country. Known for its striking desert landscapes and the mysterious Singing Dunes, the park is a geological wonder. The dunes emit a resonant hum when the wind blows, creating a hauntingly beautiful natural phenomenon. The park is also home to rare wildlife such as the goitered gazelle and the Przewalski’s horse, as well as significant archaeological sites, including ancient petroglyphs.
Charyn National Park is another highlight, famous for the Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon for its dramatic sandstone formations. The park’s rugged terrain, carved by the Charyn River over millions of years, offers breathtaking views and thrilling adventures for hikers and photographers. The park also protects rare plant species, including the Sogdian ash tree, which forms a unique grove in the canyon’s Eco Park.
Kolsay Lakes National Park, often called the “Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan,” is renowned for its trio of emerald-green lakes nestled in the mountains. The serene beauty of these alpine lakes, surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped peaks, makes it a popular destination for trekking and horseback riding. The park is also a haven for wildlife, including lynxes and golden eagles, which thrive in its pristine environment.
Althoguh not a national park, Ustyurt Nature Reserve in the western region offers an entirely different landscape. This park’s vast plateaus, chalk cliffs, and salt marshes represent the unique desert ecosystems of Kazakhstan. The park is home to rare and endangered species, such as the saiga antelope and desert monitors, and its untouched terrain provides opportunities for scientific research and eco-tourism.
Burabay National Park, often referred to as the “Kazakh Switzerland,” is famous for its picturesque combination of lakes, pine forests, and rocky hills. Its tranquil beauty and recreational opportunities, including boating and hiking, attract visitors year-round. The park also holds cultural significance, with numerous legends tied to its unique rock formations.
Kazakhstan’s national parks face challenges such as climate change, illegal poaching, and the pressures of increasing tourism. However, significant conservation efforts, including reforestation projects, wildlife monitoring, and community-based eco-tourism, have shown promising results in preserving these natural treasures.
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:
