Ile-Alatau National Park

Ile-Alatau National Park stretches south of Almaty, forming the spectacular backdrop to the former Kazakh capital. As part of the northern Tien Shan mountain range, the park covers an area of nearly 200,000 hectares and protects a remarkable diversity of landscapes. These range from foothill plains and deciduous forests to alpine meadows, glaciers, and rugged peaks exceeding 4,500 meters. The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to hundreds of plant and animal species. Among its most famous inhabitants are the elusive snow leopard, the ibex, and the bearded vulture. A popular destination within the park is the Big Almaty Lake, a dramatic turquoise mountain lake surrounded by majestic peaks. Numerous hiking trails lead through the photogenic valleys and gorges, such as the Turgen Gorge, known for its seven waterfalls. The park is not only an important conservation area but also an indispensable recreational space for the residents of Almaty.

Nature

Kolsai Lakes

A system of three deep blue mountain lakes strung like pearls in a forested gorge.

Lake Kaindy

A surreal natural wonder created by an earthquake in 1911.

Ili River

This mighty river originates in the mountains of Xinjiang and flows through southeastern Kazakhstan before emptying into Lake Balkhash.

More places

Ile-Alatau National Park

Bordering Almaty, this alpine park provides habitat for snow leopards and wild apple trees.

Trans-Ili Alatau

The Trans-Ili Alatau is a mountain range in the northern Tian Shan, rising south of the city of Almaty.

Issyk Kurgan

One of the most important archaeological treasures in Central Asia was unearthed in this ancient burial mound.

Ili Valley

The Ili Valley is a fertile region along the Ili River that played an historically important role on the Silk Road.

Altyn-Emel National Park

Famous for the Singing Dunes, this park preserves rare ungulates like the onager and goitered gazelle.

Tamgaly Petroglyphs

A significant archaeological site featuring thousands of ancient rock carvings depicting pagan rituals, hunting scenes, and sun deities.

🗺️

Anyrakay Battlefield

On this vast plain, the united Kazakh tribes fought for their survival and freedom.

Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon is a deep gorge on the Charyn River, often referred to as the little brother of the Grand Canyon.