Tourism
North Kazakhstan
Northern Kazakhstan consist of North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Akmola and Kostanai regions. The region is located in the extreme north of the country in the basin of the Yesil, Tobol and Obagan. From west to east the North Kazakhstan stretches over 1,300 km, and from north to south - about 900 km.
The main rivers - Irtysh and its two left tributary Esil and Tobol. The largest lakes - Kusmuryn and Sary Kopa in Kostanai region, Tengiz and Korgaldzhyn in Akmola, Shagala, Shortan and Burabai in the North-Kazakhstan region.
Borovoye
In the north of Kazakhstan, between the cities of Astana and Kokshetau is a wonderful district, a real oasis - Borovoye. Geographically this nook is called Kokshetau elevation, and local guidebooks call it "Switzerland of Kazakhstan". The highest point of land - Kokshetau Mountain (Blue Mountain). To the south is Mount Burabai (690m) - an excellent panoramic point. Burabai - a camel. Further on south it is located Schuchinsk hills, the largest of which is called Zheke Batyr - a lone warrior (826m).
The lakes of Borovoe shines on the green baize of the forest lakes Shchuchye, Borovoye, Big and Small Chebachye, Kotyrkol. From the crest of Kokshetau seen small lakes: Svetloe, Karas, Gornoe, Lebedinnoe. The visit card of Borovoy is the Blue Bay on the lake of the same name. Straight from the rising waters of the Gulf Zhumbaktas (Stone-Riddle), resembling a sphinx, it is interesting because if you look at it from different angles, you can see the face of the girl with hair, then the women and finally the old woman.
Borovoe beautiful than any fairy tale. The combination of mountains, pine forests and lakes creates not only unique beauty of the landscape, but also a special medical climate. Here you can find a variety of resorts, guest houses and tourist centers with all the attributes of the resort: restaurants, bars, shops and discos.
Bayanaul
Pavlodar region is famous for its wonderful Bayanaul National Natural Park, one of the most picturesque corners of the country. It is located a hundred kilometers from Ekibastuz, a city with a developed industry. This National Park represents four kinds of vegetation: forest, forest-steppe, steppe and meadow. In the northwestern outskirts of Pavlodar, on the right bank of Irtysh River, it is one of the most unique places in the world - a natural monument, called the Goose Migration. Paleontologists have found in this place the remains of bones of giraffes, rhinoceros, hyena like animals and hipparirion, who lived from 7 to 10 million years ago. The total number of resources is very significant. Apparently, they are thousands of species.
Naurzum Reserve
Naurzum Reserve is located on the territory of Naurzum and Semiozersk areas of Kostanai region, 190 km on south of Kostanay in Turgay, which includes tracts Tersek, Sypsyn and Naurzum. The main part of the last tract occupies a unique Naurzum boron.
Pine forests of the reserve can be considered a relic, as they have been preserved in the form witout changes with tertiary or early quaternary period. Even Naurzum birches less slender than in Russia, they are beautiful, even those that grow near salt lakes. This is a special kind - Kyrgyz birch. The most graceful animals of the reserve, decoration of Naurzum boron - deer.
South Kazakhstan
South Kazakhstan includes Almaty, Zhambyl, South Kazakhstan and Kyzylorda regions. The region covers a vast territory from Aral Sea in the west to Zhungar gate on the east and from Lake Balkhash and the desert Betpak-Dala in the north to the border of the republic in the south, including the northern part of the Kyzylkum desert, western and northern spurs of the Tian Shan and the ridges of the Zhungar Alatau . From west to east territory extends nearly 2,000 km, and from north to south about 700 km. The main rivers - Syr Darya, Chu, Ili, Karatal, Aksu, Lepsa. The largest lake - Aral Sea, Balkhash, Alakol, Sasykkol.
Almaty region area slightly smaller than United Kingdom in whole. Within one day tourists can visit all landscapes and climatic zones found on earth: from sandy deserts and steppes to eternal glaciers and highest peaks. In the deserts and semi-deserts of interest are the unique flora and fauna of this region. In terms of tourism Almaty region presents Charyn Canyon and relic Ash Grove, petroglyphs of Ili River and Tamgaly, Big Almaty and Kolsai lakes and mountains of Trans-Ili Alatau, Dzhungaria and Central Tien Shan. It is a land of ancient culture and history, famous for ancient mausoleums of Khozha Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan, Aisha Bibi, Karahan and Babadzhi Khatun in Taraz, unique Scythian tombs in the Seven Rivers. Southern region - the birthplace of the space center "Baikonur".
Baikonur Cosmodrome
The main attraction of Kyzylorda region, which attracts many tourists from around of the world, is the Baikonur space center. Its area is 6717 square km. Here you can watch the rocket launch and visit the Space Museum and the house where they lived, Yuri Gagarin and Sergei Korolyov.
Aksu-Zhabagly
Aksu-Zhabagly - the oldest nature reserve in Kazakhstan and the first in Central Asia, received the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, located in the spurs of the Western Tien Shan mountains at an altitude of 1000 to 4280 meters above sea level. Here are the main high-altitude zones: semi-deserts give place to dry forb steppes, dry meadows, luxury plots give way to dense thickets of creeping juniper.
Altyn-Emel
On the western spurs of the Jungar Alatau national park Altyn-Emel, the largest nature reserve in Kazakhstan. The area of it 460 000 hectares is intended for preservation of rare species of animals and plants. Here you can enjoy a unique view of colorful mountains Aktau, sand mountains Katutau. The Park is located a few historical monuments - Scythian (Saka) burial mounds Bes-Shatyr dating from the 1st millennium BC and Tamgaly-Tas with ancient rock paintings, the earliest of which date to the 16-14 centuries BC. Here, on the right bank of Ili River is famous Singing Dune. Here you can find many animals: the Siberian mountain goats - teke, desert gazelles - gazelles, wild asses, mountain sheep - argali, wolves, foxes, birds such as the golden eagle and many others, most of which are listed in Kazakhstan and the World Red Book.
Petroglyphs Tamgaly-Tas
In 170 km from Almaty, in the tract Tamgaly Tas (Stones marked with generic sign) found a unique sanctuary with rock paintings, is a real old art gallery. It reflects several periods of history. It discovered more than 4,000 drawings belonging to the Bronze Age, early nomads, and Turkic period. Gallery of petroglyphs of Tamgaly is a treasure of global significance and is protected by UNESCO fund.
Singing Dune
Another natural wonder located on the right bank of Ili River. Singing Dune is famous for the fact that in dry weather sands emit a sound similar to the organ melody. The friction caused by the movement of air and dry grains, electrifies them, causing vibration. Favorable conditions resonance create sound of waves that are reflected from the dense soil, causing shaking sand dune. This sound can be heard several kilometers away.
Mountains Aktau
Aktau Mountains (White Mountains) is a museum of the past of the Earth. 15 million years ago there was a giant lake-sea, now - the layers of sedimentary rocks of bizarre shapes and colors: red, yellow, blue and white. Huge conical mountains resemble Egyptian pyramids.
Turgen Gorge
At 90 km from Almaty is a beautiful corner of nature - Turgen Gorge. Rich hot springs, waterfalls, coniferous and mixed forests, alpine and sub-alpine meadows, lakes and springs, medicinal herbs and berries, it goes back to the 44 km to the vast Assy plateau. Turgen Gorge is famous for its waterfalls - there are about seven. Bear Falls attracts with its 30-meter height of overhanging rocks and green firs.
Issyk mound
Issyk burial is considered one of the largest archaeological monuments of the Scythian-Sak period. The monument dates from the IV century BC. The young man buried there, belongs to the Sak-Tigrahauds rulers, perhaps - to the ruling dynasty of Great Kushans. "Golden Warrior" was dressed in armor, richly decorated with gold plaques, belt with a weapon made of pure gold.
Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon, which is compared with the beauty of the Grand Canyon in Colorado, located 200 km on the east of Almaty. Unique forms of erosion and weathering of the relief will take you to the fabulous, unreal world whimsical sculptures of sandstone: "Valley of Castles", "Witches Gorge" and others. The height of vertical slopes, columns and arches up to 150-300 meters. Canyon stretches for 154 km from north-east to south-west, along the Charyn River, which is ideal for rafting.
The Ili River
The largest river in the Seven Rivers. Its length - 1439 km. River takes its origin in China, on the territory of Almaty region, it forms the artificial reservoir Kapchagai, and empties into Lake Balkhash. Kapchagay is called the Sea: in warm weather, it is a favorite vacation spot of the townspeople. Its maximum width - 22 km, depth - 45 m. Water of Kapchagai rich for variety of fish.
Big Almaty Lake
This mountain lake located in the gorge of the river Big Almatinka, at an altitude of 2511 meters above sea level, 28.5 km on the south of Almaty. It is located in a depression like a sparkling mirror, surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks. Above the lake rise the three main peaks: the peak of Councils (4317 m), the peak of the Lake (4110 m) and Peak Tourist (3954 m) - they can be seen from the northern end of the dam.
Kolsai Lakes
The lakes are the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan. Three mountain lakes, steep, pine-covered slopes are located in the spur of the Kungei Alatau. Each lake has its charm. The crystal clear blue water usual royal fish - rainbow trout. This is a great place for hiking, traveling on horseback and mountain biking.
Lake Kaindy
Kaindy ("Birch" in Kazakh) - Lake, located in a magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The lake is about 400 m long reaches to a depth of almost 30 m. From the crest Skalník have stunning views of the gorge Kaindy, Sata, valley Chilik.
Khan-Tengri
The real climbing peak Khan Tengri (7010 m) and the peak of Victory (7439), belonging to neighboring Kyrgyzstan. Khan Tengri, the highest point in Kazakhstan is considered one of the most beautiful peaks of the Central Tien Shan. The marble top of a pointed pyramid is visible almost everywhere. Mountain shrouded in legend since ancient times. It is also called Tengritau (Mountain of God) or Kantau (Blood Mountain), with the red color, which becomes the top of the hours of sunset.
Turkestan
City of Turkestan is known as the spiritual and political center of the Turkic-speaking peoples of the vast region Dasht-i-Kipchak (Kipchak steppe), and was the ancient capital of the Kazakh khans. Today, Turkestan is 1500 years. Sheikh Khodzha Akhmed Yasawi - Sufi, poet, philosopher, spiritual guide of Turkic people lived in this city. Mausoleum of Khodzha Ahmed Yasawi, built in the XVI century. by order of Timur, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, an amazing complex of palaces and temples. Amaze imagination elegant decor, patterned ceiling vaults and colorful majolica tiling.
Arystan-Bab
According to popular belief the road to Turkestan must lie through the mausoleum Arystan-Bab, built over the tomb of Ahmed Yasawi, the teacher of Ahmed Yasawi, famous religious mystic who lived in the XII century. The earliest part of the mausoleum belongs to the Timurid era.
Otrar
The ancient town of Otrar (IV c. BC) was a major center of trade. Its famous library is not inferior to the richness of the most famous libraries of antiquity: Alexandria and Carthage. In this city was born, lived and created world-famous medieval thinker Al-Farabi. At the end of the XIII century Mongolian troops razed a wonderful city to the ground.
Sauran
The mighty fortress Sauran (X-XVIII centuries.), famous for its unique water supply. Due to the availability of water and food, the city could withstand a siege of several months.
Domalak Ana
In the high places in the wilderness, far from Turkestan, there is Mazar Domalak Ana, erected in honor of the "Great Mother Babishar, daughter of Aksultan”. According to legends, three Kazakh Zhuzes (clans) - the descendants of her three grandchildren. In 1998 on the site of the old tomb was built a magnificent memorial complex of white marble. Two stones, which formerly stood on the grave, are considered sacred. It is said that between the two can only walk a righteous man.
Taraz
Taraz (Talas) more than 2000 years. Since ancient times, this city was known as the "city of merchants". The peak of the city falls on the X-XII centuries, when it was the capital of Karakhanids. Mausoleums of Karahan and Davudbek, castles of rulers and many ancient burial allow the traveler mentally plunge into distant centuries. Not far from the modern Taraz preserved masterpieces of ancient architecture, included UNESCO World rarities architecture: mausoleums Babaji Khatun and Aisha-Bibi.
Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum
According to legend, the mausoleum was built by one of the rulers of the dynasty Karakhanids over the grave of his beautiful bride Aisha-Bibi, daughter of Sufi poet Hakim-Ata. According to folk legends, treacherous snake cut short the life of the young towards the creation of the beloved. The building is decorated with terracotta tiles with floral and geometric patterns. The mausoleum looks incredibly light and elegant. More than eight centuries, it is in spite of wind and weather as a witness outstanding skill of ancient architects.
Western Kazakhstan
Western Kazakhstan includes West Kazakhstan, Atyrau, Mangistau and Aktobe region. The region is located in the far west and south-west of the country. Its vast territory stretches for 1200 km from north to south and 1300 km from west to east.
The main rivers - Ural, Emba. The largest lakes - Inder, Aralsor, Kamis-Samara. The most important role in the region plays Caspian Sea. The region has over 100 years of producing oil, Atyrau is the center for the production and conservation of black caviar. Climate - sharply continental and dry.
Tamshaly
Not far from Aktau, 35 km from Fort-Shevchenko is a paradise called Tamshaly, which means "cheerful drops" in Kazakh. Green Valley, covered with old weeping willows, poplars, shrubs, surrounded by smoky-yellow cooler. There is a lake with thickets of mint, blackberry. Water acts from the wide stone platform, impending high cornice and drops drumming on the stone.
Ustyurt National Biosphere Reserve
Ustyurt Reserve has an area of 70`000 h., it is characterized by typical landscapes of deserts of Turan lowland and the Ustyurt plateau. The Reserve is a safe haven for many rare animals, such as: Ustyurt mouflon, the cheetah, saiga antelope, gazelle, jackal, fox, Brandt's hedgehog, ferret and other dressings.
Eastern Kazakhstan
East Kazakhstan consists of East Kazakhstan region. This region is located at the junction of the borders of China, Mongolia and Russia. Most of the territory is occupied by mountain systems of Rudny and Southern Altai, Kalby, Saur-Tarbagatai. The height of the mountains - from 800 to 1500 m, in the extreme east of the Altai - up to 3000-4000 m (Belukha, 4506 m)
The main rivers - Irtysh and its major tributaries - rivers Uba, Ulba, Bukhtarma. The largest lakes – Markakol, Zaisan, Rakhmanovskoe, Sasykkol, Alakol. The climate is sharply continental, with large diurnal and annual amplitudes of air temperature.
Belukha
Belukha mountain in the Northeast, with snow-white peaks (4506 m) - the highest in Siberia and Altai Berkutaul - the second most popular peak of Southern Altai, after Belukha.
Rakhmanov
The underground rivers of these sites presumably contain curative radon - a product of the decay of radioactive elements contained in the rare minerals of granite. Thermal waters are used to treat diseases of the joints, spine, nervous system and skin.
Lake Alakol
Alakol - one of the most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan. In addition to the fertile water salt lake rich in therapeutic mud, mineral salts, It is located on the north-eastern edge of Jungar Alatau. On Bird Island majestic flocks of flamingos, is home to over 40 species of birds.
Bukhtarma Lake
The nature of this region is amazing and beautiful. Emerald Bukhtarma lake is known for its scenic views and an excellent cool. Many rivers and springs running down from the mountain ledges, empties into the lake, forming here and there beautiful waterfalls, follows the river from the lake only Shandage-Bulak.
Mausoleum of the Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan Sulu
One of the most interesting historical monuments situated on the banks of the River Ayaguz - Mazar-of Kozy Korpesh and Bayan Sulu (X - XI century.) The image of these heroes of the national epic - a symbol of eternal love between a boy and a girl, Kazakh Romeo and Juliet. Central Kazakhstan
Central Kazakhstan (Karaganda region) - Heart of Kazakhstan, its square is 398,8 thousand square kilometers. This region - a treasure trove of natural resources. In Central Kazakhstan (Karaganda region) is located one of the largest lakes in the world - Lake Balkhash, the unique mountainous and forest oasis. Lovers of mountain tourism types will satisfy kinds of picturesque mountains of Ulytau. At the edge of a lot of memorable places exhibiting various archaeological and ethnographic objects.
Karkaraly National park
Name of Karkaraly Mountains comes from the name of national headdress of Kazakh girls - Karkara, skillfully embroidered with beads, silk, decorated with velvet, brocade and crowned with owl feathers. All colors of the rainbow shine of Karkaraly Mountains. Their height is relatively small: the highest point-to-triceps Komsomolsk peak is 1403 meters above sea level, and over the surrounding hills it rises to 400-500 m. The mountains are covered with pine and birch forests, diverse herbaceous vegetation. About the unusual beauty of this area speak good name of the cliffs, mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers that gave them the people-skazitep. The top of the Falcon, Deer Mountain, Volcano Red beard, red rock cliff, Lake Mirror Pad, Tillage, Shaitan-glycol (Devil's Lake).
Lake Karasor
Lake Karasor (or Tuzdykul), has an area about 250 square kilometers. The lake is rich in fish. The salt content in the water exceeds Karasor salt content in seawater.
Lake Balkhash
Legend says that rich bai Balkhash had a beautiful daughter Ili. Bai announced toi (holiday) and to the winner promised to marry the daughter. Ili and poor shepherd Karatal loved each other. Ili helped Karatal to win the contest suitors. But Balkhash did not want to give his daughter to the poor. Then Karatau and Ili run. The angry father could not catch them. And then he turns them into the river, and he rushes to their front and turns into a lake, absorbing disobedient daughter. And the lake has a gray-blue color. Lake Balkhash - the largest undrained water body after the Caspian and Aral seas. The lake - 614 km, width - from 3.5 to 44 kilometers, the maximum depth is 26 m. The phenomenon of Balkhash is different mineralization of its western and eastern parts connected by a narrow strait. Western basin that receives water from the Ili River before - fresh, eastern - salty. The nature of Balkhash is amazing and full of contrasts. Reservoirs of Ili of Balkhash basin is one of the most important in terms of biodiversity and reproduction of valuable fish species, as well as opportunities to fish. The composition of fish fauna includes carp, grass carp, ship, barbel, trout, Marina, chub, bream, catfish and others. The lake annually produce 8-10 tons of fish. Balkhash Marinka and Balkhash perch are listed in the International Red Book. Only here preserved extinct in the Aral Sea and the Aral barbel spike.
Unofficial translation
