North Kazakhstan
Northern Kazakhstan includes the North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Akmola and Kostanai districts. The region is situated in the far north in the basin of rivers Esil, Tobyl and Obagan. From west to east, the North Kazakhstan stretches over 1300 km and from north to south - about 900 km.
The main rivers - Irtysh and its two left tributary Esil and Tobol. The largest lake - Kusmuryn and Sary Kopa in Kostanay region, Tengiz and Korgaldzhyn in Akmola region, Shagala, Shortan and Burabai in North-Kazakhstan region.
Some lakes are famous for therapeutic mineral salts and muds (lake Moiyldy in Pavlodar region, Maybalyk in North-Kazakhstanregion). Climate - is sharply continental, but differs from other areas by more moderate summer and lower winter temperatures.
Unique landscape of Kokshetau mountains, forests and lakes, exotic rocks of Bayanaul in the south of the Pavlodar region, the wealth of Kurgaldzhin reserve’s flora and fauna - a real chance to feel part of pristine nature.
Borovoye
In northern Kazakhstan, between the cities of Astana and Almaty is a wonderful district, a real oasis - Borovoye. Geographically, this nook is called Kokshetau hills, and local guidebooks call it “Kazakhstans Switzerland”. «When God created the world, - says the old legend - some people were endowed with rich woods, fields and mast broad rivers, other were endowed with beautiful mountains and blue lakes . Kazakh received only steppe. Kazakh find it offensive, and he asked the Creator to give him a part of nature magnificence. And Allah scraped out from the bottom of his korzhun (bag), and scattered in the middle of immense stipa steppe remains of picturesque mountains, rocks and lakes with crystal-clear blue water, spreaded with generous hand emerald meadows covered with flowers, springs with the cold water and murmurous brooks. Covered mountains with variegated carpet made of a variety of trees and shrubs, settled forests with animals and birds, lakes - with fish, meadows -with insects and butterflies, which couldn’t be found in the steppe at a hundred miles around. Thus Borovoye was springing up ». To the south there is Mount Burabai (690m) - excellent panoramic point. Бурабай - это верблюд. Burabai - means a camel. (826м). Even southward of it, are Schuchinsk hills, the biggest of which is called Zheke-Batyr - alone warrior (826m).
They are many. Lakes shines on green cloth of Forest: Schuchye, Borovoye, Big and Small Chebachye, Kotyrkol. From the crest of Kokshetau may be seen a small lakes: Svetloe, Karasiye, Gornoe, Lebedinoe. Borovoyes calling card is the Blue Bay on the same lake. Right from waters rising Zhumbaktas rock (stone-Riddle), resembling a sphinx, on a background of wooded hills arises Ok-Zhetpes rock (Arrow will fall short) with a top similar to an elephant. Here, each name have its legend. Sphinx, for example, interesting fact that if you look at it from different angles, we can see the girls face with long hair, then women, and, finally, the old woman.
Borovoye is more beautiful then any fairy tale. The combination of mountains, pine forests and lakes creates not only the unique beauty of the landscape, but also a special medicinal climate. Here you can find many sanatoriums, tourist bases and boarding houses with all the attributes of the resort: restaurants, bars, shops and discos.
Bayanaul
Pavlodar region is famous for its remarkable National Park Bayanaul, one of the most picturesque corners of the country. It is a hundred kilometers from the Ekibastuz, a city with a developed industry. There are four types of vegetation in this National Park: forest, forest-steppe, steppe and meadow. In North-Western purlieus of the city of Pavlodar, on the right bank of the Irtysh, located one of the most unique places in the world, natural monument, called Flight Goose. Palaeontologists have found this place the remains of bones of giraffes, rhinos, hyenalike animals and gipparirions (small tridaktil horses), who lived from 7 to 10 million years ago. Pan number of fossils is very significant. It is likely that they belong to the thousands of species.
Naurzum Reserve
Naurzum Reserve is located on the territory Naurzum and Semiozersk areas of Kostanay region, in 190 kilometers south of Kostanay in Turgay hollows, which includes the tract Tersek, Sypsyn and Naurzum. The main part of the last tract occupies a unique Naurzum pine forest.
Pine Forest Reserve can be considered relics, as they remained in permanent form the Tertiary or beginning of the Quaternary period. And even if birches of Naurzum less slender than in Russia, they are beautiful, even those that grows near salt lakes. This is a special kind - birch Kyrghyz - endemic of the Northern Kazakhstan. It grows on a relatively small area, and anywhere else in the world does not occur.The Emblem of Naurzum Reserve is mute swan. But with the same success eagle-burial could be chosen as the emblem - here there were about 30 couples.
The most graceful animals of the Reserve, decoration of Naurzum pine forest are roes.
Southern Kazakhstan
The area occupies a vast territory from the Aral Sea in the west to Jungar gate on the east and from Lake Balkhash and the desert plateau 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 mountain ranges of Jungar Alatau. From west to east, the territory extends nearly 2000 km and from north to south about 700 km. Главные реки - Сырдарья, Чу, Или, Каратал, Аксу, Лепсы. The main rivers - the Syr Darya, Chu, Ili, Karatal, Aksu, Lepse. . The largest lake - the Aral Sea, Balkhash, Alakol, Sasykkol.
Almaty region at the area is slightly less than the whole United Kingdom. This area has a great variety of relief. Within one day, tourists can visit all the landscape and climatic zones found on the earth: from sandy deserts and steppes to eternal ices and high peaks. In deserts and semi-deserts the unique flora and fauna of the land excites interest. In tourists plans Almaty region is represented by Charyn Canyon and relic Ash-tree Grove, petroglyphs of Ili Bank and Tamgaly tract, Big Almaty and Kolsai Lake and the mountains of Zaili Alatau, Dzhungar and Central Tien-Shan. This land of ancient culture and history, famous for ancient mausoleums of Khoja Ahmet Yassavi in Turkestan, Aisha Bibi, Karakhan and Babaji Khatun in Taraz, unique Scythian tombs in Semirechye. Southern region - the birthplace of the space center «Baikonur».
The cosmodrome Baikonur
The main attraction of Kyzylorda region attracts many tourists from all over the world, is the Baikonur Space Center. Его площадь равна 6 717 кв. Its area is 6 717 square km. Here you can watch the lstarting of missiles and to visit the Museum of Astronautics, as well as homes, where Yuri Gagarin and Sergei Korolyov were living.
Aksu-Dzhabagly
Aksu-Dzhabagly - the oldest nature reserve in Kazakhstan, as well as the first in Central Asia, received the status of a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, is situated in the spurs of the Western Tien-Shan mountains at a height from 1000 to 4280 meters above sea level. Here are the main altitudinal belts: semi-deserts give place to dry forb steppes, luxurious lots of upland meadow give place to bushes of creeping archovnik. Variegated mosaic of colorful alpine flowers adorns the foot of the harsh peaks with dazzling snow and blue glacier. Aksu-Dzhabagly - the richest treasury of rare, endangered and endemic species of animals and plants. It found argali and mountain goats, Marals and roe deer, lynx and snow leopards, wolves and foxes, bears and porcupine, stone marten and ermine. Rich world of birds. High in the sky and soar beaver bars, white-haired sipy and golden eagles. The rock slopes kekliki nest, near the eternal snows, you can find snowcock. In seni shady deciduous forests alive tail lights seem Venus flytrap. Call the flute sounds like singing blue birds. On sunny glades flash multicolored butterflies, Machaon, rare species of swallowtail, copper-butterfly, sulfur.
Flora diverse. Tulips of Greig like a bright flame blaze on the slopes. In pinkish inflorescences collected light flowers of Maureen Kokand.
In difficult trench at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, is another attraction of the reserve - a kind of «Art Gallery», consisting of a set of figures, carved in dark shiny stones. Depicted on these wild and domestic animals, hunting scenes and life of ancient people. In the shale deposits in the paleontological sites of Aksu-Dzhabagly remained petrified imprints of the ancient inhabitants of the planet - plants, fish, insects, and pangolin.
Altyn-Emel
There is Altyn-Emel National Park on the western spur of the spine Jungar Alatau, it is the largest nature reserve in Kazakhstan. The area of 460 000 hectares is designed to preserve rare species of animals and plants. Here you can enjoy a unique view of colorful mountains Aktau, sand mountains Katutau. In the park has several historical monuments - Scythian (Saksk) burial mounds Bes-Shatyr dated the 1 st millennium and Tamgaly-Tas with ancient rock images, the earliest of which belongs to the 16-14 centuries. Here, on the right bank of the Ili River is famous Singing Barkhan. Going on safari, you will find a lot of animals: Siberian mountain goats - teke, desert gazelles - goitered gazelles, Asiatic wild asses, mountain sheep - argalis, wolves, foxes, birds such as golden eagle, beaver, mountain partridge - keklik and many others, most of which are listed in Kazakhstan and the World Red Book.
Barrow Bes-Shatyr
Necropolis Bes-Shatyr (Five tents) was a place of worship of the ancient Saks, who lived on the territory of Kazakhstan in the first millennium BC. Here, in the territory of 2 sq. Km. there are 18 royal burial mounds about 9 m. in diameter and about 2.5 meters in height. Under the mounds were built from logs crypt of Tien Shan spruce. This unique monument of early nomads is in Semirechje, in upstreamof Ili. To the west of the royal burial mounds extends from north to south, a chain of 45-and stone slabs covered with images of animals. Scientists believe this place was a ritual part of the necropolis.
Petroglyphs of Tamgaly-Tas
At 170 km from Almaty, in the tract Tamgaly-Tas (Stones marked with generic sign) found a unique sanctuary with rock art, which is a real old art gallery. It reflects a number of historical periods. Found more than 4000 images belonging to the Bronze Age, early nomads, and Turkic period. At low shale outcrops on both sides of the valley, on vertical flat with help of metal stamp were applied image of worship sun gods, argali, ibex, deer-marals, domestic animals: camels, horses, bulls, dogs, hunting scenes, rituals, sacrifices, figures of women, archers, scenes falconry and much more. Near the gorge there are tombs from the Bronze Age and the early nomads and also their settlement. Gallery of petroglyphs of Tamgaly is a treasure of world importance and is under UNESCO fund protection.
Singing Barkhan
Another wonder of nature is located on the right bank of the Ili River. Singing barkhan is known that in dry weather sands produce sounds similar to a tone body. Friction caused by the movement of air and dry sands, elektrizuet them, causing vibration. Favorable conditions for resonance creates sound waves that are reflected from the dense soil, causing shaking sand. This sound is heard for several kilometers. Curiously, that sand-dune don’t roam on the plains, despite the fragility of the sand and strong wind, and remains in place for several millennia. The south-west slope is smooth, whereas the slope in the north-east has a few ridges with flat slope.
Aktau Mountains
Aktau Mountains (White Mountains) is the Museum of the Earth’s distant past. 15 million years ago there was a giant lake-sea, now - layers of sedimentaries of quaint form and colors: red, yellow, blue and white.Huge conical mountains looks like the Egyptian pyramids. From time to time, there are fossils of dinosaurs and ancient mammals.
Turgen Gorge
InI In 90 km from Almaty is a beautiful corner of nature - Turgen Gorge. Rich in hot springs, waterfalls, coniferous and mixed forests, alpine and sub-alpine meadows, lakes and springs, medicinal herbs and berries, it goes deep into the 44 km to the vast plateau of Assa. Turgen Gorge is famous for its waterfalls - there are about seven of them. Medvezhiy waterfall attracts with its 30-meter height of overhanging rocks and green firs. Bozgul waterfall famous with its powerful stream of water panched a tunnel in rock. The rocks in the tract store paints of plants of preglacial period. The gorge is famous with relict Chin-Turgenskimi mossy fir-wood, prostrate on the ground forming a dense firry carpet.
The most popular place in the valley - Botan-eger station. Here, with the junction of three rivers, Turgen Gorge is the most depth - 920 m. There is observatory on the plateau. Along the river Asa there are ancient burial mounds and rock paintings.. There are a lot of ancient Sak and Usun graves in the gorge. Also there is a trout farm in Turgen Gorge, where you can fish and cook yourself to dinner trout on regally.
Issyksky mound
Issyksky burial ground is considered one of the greatest archaeological sites of Saki-Scythian period. The monument is dated in the IV. до н.э. BC Young people buried there, belongs to Sak-Tigrahaud rulers, perhaps - to the ruling dynasty of Great Kushans. «The Golden Warrior» was dressed up chain mail, richly decorated with gold plaques, belt with a weapon made of pure gold, at the head — arrowy hat. The costume consists of a 4 thousands of gold ornaments, symbols, performed in the famous «animal style», characteristic for Saks artisans. . Copies of «Golden Rights» are exhibited in museums of Алматы и Астана.Almaty and Astana.
Lake Issyk
A total of 60 km from Almaty, near the small town of Issyk, at height of 1 800m above sea level, hide one of the most picturesque lakes of Zaili Alatau. In 1963, out of the glacial area in the upper reaches of the river Issyk escaped powerful mudfloe. The giant waves destroyed the natural dam, and as a result, in a few hours the lake was erode. Now it is partially restored, but beautiful landscape of the surrounding mountains still cases joy to tourists.
Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon, which is compared to the beauty with Grand Canyon in Colorado, is located in 200 km to east from Almaty. Unique forms of erosion and weathering of the relief will take you to the fabulous, unreal world whimsical sculptures of sandstone: « Castles Valley », « Witches gorge » and others. The height of vertical slopes, columns and arches up to 150-300 meters. The canyon stretches for 154 km from the north-east to south-west, along the Charyn River, which is perfect for rafting. Here is Here is remained rare representative of the vegetation of the globe - Ash Sogdien experienced era of glaciation
Ili River
Ili is the largest river in Semirechye. Its length is 1439 km. River takes its origin in China, at the territory of Almaty region, it forms an artificial reservoir Kapchagai, and flows into Lake Balkhash. Kapchagai called the Sea: in warm weather it is a favorite place for townspeople. Its maximum width - 22 km, depth - 45 m. Along the coast there are sanatoriums, holiday hotels, beaches, in the city Kapchagai built a water park. Waters of Kapchagay rich in variety of fish. Just in a few kilometers away, on the banks of the Ili River, is the place, returning us in ancient times. On the right bank, with a huge stone for many centuries looked to the sky images of Buddha and bodhisats. There are a lot of petroglyphs, images of deities, later Buddhist writings, the meaning and significance are yet to be solved on the mysterious black rocks - only about 1000 of various rock images, which historians ascribe to the late Middle Ages. For beginners tourists and just for lovers of active recreation rafting on Ili river is of great interest. During the rafting tourists familiarize themselves with nature and fauna of the river flood-lands. In Tugai bush here conducted a large number of birds, many of which are unique. Excellent fishing on Ili river. Catfish, carp, asp, pike, bream, white amur - all this can become a prey in the hands of even not very experienced fisherman.
Big Almaty Lake
This mountain lake located in the gorge of Bolshaya Almatinka river, at height of 2511 meters above sea level, 28.5 kilometers south of Almaty. It is located in the cavity, like a sparkling mirror, surrounded by mountain peaks on all sides. Above the lake rise the three main peaks: the peak of Councils (4 317 m), Lake Peak (4 110 m) and Peak Tourist (3 954 m) - can be seen from the northern end of the dam. On the west from Peak Tourist is the Great Almaty Peak (pyramid height of 3 681 m), which is visible from the city center. Lake which is supplied by glacier water is a bowl of length 1.6 km, a width of about 1 km and a depth of 40 m. Depending on the season, the color of the lake varies from pale green to turquoise blue. In the valley of the lake lies the village with impressive domes of the Tien-Shan Astronomical Observatory (2 km from the lake, at height of 2 700 m). And even higher (at height of 3 300 m), near the pass Zhasylkezen - Cosmostation, where you can spend the night, admiring the stars.
Kolsai Lakes
They are called the pearl of the North Tien Shan. Three high-altitude lakes with steep, piny slopes are located in the spur of the spine Kungei Alatau. Each lake has its own charm. In the crystal clear blue water there is a royal fish - rainbow trout. This is a great place for hiking trips, traveling on horseback riding and mountain biking. The first lake stretches the length of 1 km at height of 1 818 m to the road, there is a comfortable guest house, camping. Average Kolsai Lake (2 252 m), the largest and beautiful, it is located 5 km recovery from the first lake. Upper Kolsay located 4 km further and 600 m above. After another 6 km on the Kyrgyz border, the traveler waits for Sary-Bulak Pass (3 278 m) with magnificent views of the blue lake Issyk-Kul. All travel (25 km) can be done on horseback in one day, on foot - for 3 days.
Lake Kaindy
Kaindy ( «Berezovo» Kazakh) - Lake is located in a beautiful pine forest at height of 2 000 meters above sea level. The lake is about 400 m long reach the depth of about 30 meters. Stunning views of the valley Kaindy, Sata, valley Chilik opens from the crest of rock. Dry trunks of flooded trees tower above the water surface, as the masts of sunken squadron.
Khan-Tengri
The real climbing Mecca was the central Tien Shan peaks of the famous Khan-Tengri (7 010 m) and Victory peak (7 439), belonging to neighboring Kyrgyzstan. Khan-Tengri (Lord of the spirits), the highest point in Kazakhstan, is considered one of the most beautiful peaks of the Central Tien Shan. Marble Peak in the form of sharp-pointed pyramid is visible almost everywhere. Mount coated with ancient legends. It is also called Tengritau (Mountain of God), or Kantau (Blood Mountain), for the red hue, which takes the peak in hours of sunset. This is the most northerly seventhousanderin the world. Khan-Tengri is nook, therefore, very interesting for climbers, and for lovers of adventure tourism. The northern part of the mountain belongs to Kazakhstan. Climbing on «North Wall Khan Tengri» is the cherished dream of many climbers.
«Golden Ring» of Southern Kazakhstan
In the blessed oasis of the southern steppes, at the junction of the nomadic and sedentary civilizations there were ancient cities of the world. For centuries this land was a system of ancient caravan roads leading from China to the Middle East and Europe. Silk Road, or «Zhibek Zholy» as trade highway began in the III century BC Much of the road along the territory of present Kazakhstan. Cities Turkistan (Yasy), Taraz (Talas) Otrar, located on the Great Silk Road in ancient and medieval times were the main points, which run through the dealers.
Turkestan
The city of Turkestan (Yasy) was said to be spiritual and political center of the Turkish-speaking peoples of the vast region Desht-and-Kipchak (Kipchak steppe), and was the ancient capital of the Kazakh khans. Today, Turkestan is 1500 years old. Sheikh Khoja Ahmed Yassaui - Sufi, poet, philosopher, spiritual guide of Turkic peoples lived in this city. Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui which was built in the XVI century, by order of Timur, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, an amazing complex of palaces and temples. Amazing elegance of the decor, patterned vaulting ceilings, colored mosaic of majolica.
Arystan-Bab
According to popular belief the road to Turkestan must lie through the mausoleum Arystan-Bab, built over the grave of a teacher of Ahmed Yassaui known religious mystic, who lived in the XII century. The earliest part of the mausoleum belongs to the era Timurids.
Otrar
Ancient city Otrar (IVc. BC) was a major center of commerce. His famous library is not inferior in richness of the most famous libraries of antiquity: Alexandria and Carthage. At the city was born, lived and created the world famous medieval philosopher Al-Farabi. At the end of the XIII century Mongolian troops razed a wonderful city to the ground.
Sauran
A powerful fortress Sauran (X-XVIII cc.) Famous for the unique water supply. Thanks to the availability of water and food, the city could withstand a siege of several months.
Domalak Ana
At the high places in the steppe, not far from Turkestan, there is Mazar Domalak Ana, erected in honor of «Great Babishar Mother, daughter Aksultana» - clairvoyant, endowed with the gift of prediction. According to legends, three Kazakh Zhuz (clan) - the descendants of her three grandchildren. In 1998, the site of the old mazar was built a magnificent memorial complex of white marble. Two stones, which previously stood at the tomb, are considered sacred. It is said that only the righteous people among may pass between them.
Taraz
Taraz (Talas) is older than 2000 years. Since ancient times the city was known as the «City of Merchants». The peak of development of the city is in X-XII centuries. When it was the capital of Karahanids. Mausoleum of Karakhan and Davudbek, castles of rulers and many of ancient burials permit traveler to immerse yourself in thoughts in distant century. Not far from the modern Taraz preserved masterpieces of ancient architecture that are included in the UNESCO list of world rarities Architecture: Mausoleum-Babaji Khatun and Aisha-Bibi.
Mausoleum of Aisha-Bibi
According to legend, the mausoleum was built by one of the rulers of the dynasty of Karahanid over the grave of his beautiful bride Aisha-Bibi, daughter of Sufi poet Hakim-Ata. According to folk legends, treacherous snake cut life of young girl on the road to her sweetheart. The structure is fully faced with terracotta tiles carved with vegetal and geometric patterns. Mausoleum itself is incredibly light and elegant. More than eight centuries, it is against the winds and bad weather as a witness of outstanding skill of ancient architects.
West Kazakhstan
West Kazakhstan includes: West Kazakhstan, Atyrau, Mangystau and Aktyubinsk regions. The area is located in the far west and south-west of the country. Its vast territory stretches for 1200 km from north to south and for 1300 km from west to east.
The main rivers are Ural and Emba. The largest lakes - Inder, Aralsor, Kamys-Samar. Important role in the region plays Caspian Sea. In the region more than 100 years, there is the extraction of oil, Atyrau is the center for production and conservation of black caviar. Climate - is sharply continental, dry.
Through the whole territory of Mangistau during 2000 years was the Great Silk Road, now it is an interesting tourist route. The availability of attractive landscapes, coupled with the diversity of fauna Usturt reserve, unique monuments of nature and many historical and cultural monuments, which Mangistau is rich in, picturesque places the Caspian coast of considerable interest for potential tourists.
Depression Karagiye
Depression Karagiye ( «black depression» Kazakh) - the lowest point in Kazakhstan and the CIS (132 m below sea level). It is remarkable for its unique beauty.
The Silk Road
One of the most attractive tourist destinations of Mangistau region is considered to be traveling along the Great Silk Road, which in ancient times was held through the whole territory of Mangistau, from south to north, and farther to the northwest through the plateau Ustyurt, Shetpin gates to the coast of the Caspian Sea. Here are preserved caravanserais, small towns: Sartash, Alta, Ketyk. Legendary sacred mountain Sherkala, and not far from it - the ruins of the castle of Genghis Khans son Dzhuchi. These lands keep a lot of historical architectural monuments: carved out of rocks underground mosque Becket-Ata, Ata-Shakpak and many others, Memorial of Eset-Batyr.
Tamshaly
Not far from Aktau, in 35 km from Fort-Shevchenko there is paradisiacal place called Tamshaly, which means «funny drops» in Kazakh. Green Valley, covered with old weeping willow, poplars, shrubs, surrounded by smoky-colored steeps. There is also a lake with bush of mint and blackberry. Water come out from the wide stone platform, impending high cornice, and the drum drops on a stone. Here you can listen to the legend of the weeping stones.
Usturt National Biosphere Reserve
Usturt Reserve has an area of 70′000ga, it is characterized with typical landscapes of the Turan lowland deserts and plateaus Ustyurt. The reserve is a refuge for many rare animals, such as: Usturt mouflon, cheetah, saiga, gazelle, jackal, fox, longquil hedgehog, VORMELA peregusna, and others. Places of Ustyurt are archaeological sites. In ancient times, through the plateau were the ancient caravan ways, such as road of Khorezm Shahs, connecting Khiva with grassroots of Emba and Volga. Along it were an ancient city Shahr-i-Wazir, Beleuli caravanserai and Allan fortress. Across the plateau scattered with majestic old cemetery mausoleums-Mazars. Some of them have already been studied by archaeologists, but many are still waiting for their researchers. There are more ancient monuments. There are about 60 known neolithic sites at Ustyurt. Especially a lot of them are in the Manat area and in surroundings of Karynzharyk depression.
Archeological Sites
To the north of the Kyzan, on the shores of the Dead Kultuk ancient graves were found. They date from about 4-5th centuries BC Experts recognize that this discovery may indicate new information about ancient peoples of Sak-Massaget period, who were wandering in these places. Located 18 km from Shetpe Akmysh town attracts tourists not only for its beauty, but also for the historic monuments of ancient town of Kyzyl-Kala ( «red city» Kazakh). Three kilometers from Akmyshsay there are picturesque gorges Samal and Sazanbay. At 30 km from Fort-Shevchenko is another attractive place - the tract Khanga-woman. Spring water, bush of hawthorn, blackberry, mulberry, elm, poplar. There is also an ancient necropolis Khanga-baba with the mosque.
East Kazakhstan
East Kazakhstan consists of the East Kazakhstan region. This region is located on the borders of China, Mongolia, Russia. The majority of the area occupied by mountain systems of Rudniy and Southern Altai, Kalb, Sauri-Tarbagatay. The mountains height - from 800 to 1500 m, in the extreme east of the Altai - up to 3000-4000 m (Belukha m., 4506 m)
The main rivers are Irtysh and its major tributaries - rivers Uba, Ulba, Bukhtarma. The largest lakes are Markakol, Zaisan, Rahmanovskoe, Sasykkol, Alakol, Maralie. Climate is continental, with large daily and annual amplitudes of air temperature.
Eastern Kazakhstan is characterized by great diversity of climatic zones.
The nature of East Kazakhstan is amazing, steppes and semi-deserts of Asia meeting here with the mountain taiga of Siberia, giving birth to unique diversity of landscape: desert, steppe, taiga, mountains with shining eternal glaciers, many lakes and rivers.
Mount Belukha
Mount Belukha in the North-East, with a white peak (4506 m) - the highest in Siberia and Altai. This is the kingdom of snow, ice, rattling avalanches and sparkling waterfalls. It adjoins the mountain Berkutaul (Residence of Eagle), its height - 3.373 m Berkutaul - the second peak of popularity in the Southern Altai, after Belukha.
Markakol Reserve
East Kazakhstan sheltered one of the most surprising corners of Kazakhstan - Markakol National Reserve. The jewel of this area is Lake Markakol lying in the hollow, bounded on the north with mountain ridge of Kuchum and with mountain ridge Azutau - on the south. The lake is 38 km in length, 19 km - in width and 27 meters - in depth. It is fed by 27 rivers, but only one river - Kalzhir flows out of the lake.
Water Markakol fresh and very soft, but its main wealth - uskuch fish of the salmon family. Lake Markakol - the only habitat of this fish in Kazakhstan. Picturesque rocky mountains ledges predominantly covered with larch, rarely - fir forest. Subalpine meadows rich in flowers, rare medicinal herbs (golden and marals root, rod-shaped tick trefoil, leather bergenia and others). Wildlife of the reserve is rich and diverse.
The forests found brown bears, moose, fox, lynx, Marals (Siberian deer), wolverine, sable, ermine, falcon, black grouse, rare red wolf, black stork, silver gull, and many others.
Rahmanov Springs
Subterranean rivers of these sites presumably contain curative radon - a product of radioelrments decay, which are contains in very few minerals of granite.Thermal water is used to treat diseases of the joints, spine, nervous system and skin. Hot springs were opened by krestyanin Rahmanov in 1763. According to the legend, he wounded Maral. Losing power, animal wandered into the springs and went out from it already healthy and unharmed.
Lake Alakol
Alakol (colored) - one of the most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan. In addition to abundant water salt lake rich in therapeutic mud, mineral salts. It is located on the northeast edge of Jungar Alatau. At Birds island are majestic flocks of flamingos, it is home to over 40 species of birds.
Kiin-Kerish
Among the desert plains rise up the walls and towers of the ancient cities and castles … This is not a mirage, it Kiin-Kerish (Majestic Beauty) - a natural atmogenic city, also called the «City of Spirits». Formed by tertiary clays, undreamed-of beauty and uniqueness place with unique red, white and orange walls. Issued a strong clay cliffs and precipices of Kiin-Kerish looks like flame rushing on wind. For this they are called «flaming cliffs». Main treasure of Kiin-Kerish small layers of clay and sand with the prints of vegetation from a distant tropical past of this place (palm trees, magnolias, araucaria, ginkgo, and others) and the remains of fossil vertebrates (rhinos, crocodiles, turtles and salamanders).
Bukhtarma Lake
The nature of this area is amazing and wonderful. Bukhtarma Emerald Lake is known for its picturesque views, as well as an excellent biting. Many rivers and springs, coming from mountain ledges, empties into the lake, forming here and there the most beautiful waterfalls, only Shandage-Bulak river flows out of this lake .
Kozi-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu Mausoleum
One of the most interesting historical sites, located on the bank of the river Ayaguz - Mazar of Kozi-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu. (X - XI centuries). The image of the heroes of folk epic - the symbol of eternal love between boy and girl, Kazakh Romeo and Juliet.
Central Kazakhstan
Central Kazakhstan (Karaganda region) - The heart of Kazakhstan, its area is 398.8 thousand square km. The region - a treasure house of natural wealth. In the Central Kazakhstan (Karaganda region) is one of the largest lakes in the world - Lake Balkhash, the unique Karkaraly mountain and forest oasis. Enthusiasts of mountain tourism will not leave indifferent to views of picturesque mountains of Ulytau. In the land a lot of places of memory, which preserved the archaeological and ethnographic objects. Central Kazakhstan - a land where millenniums meet. Recent archaeological digs suggest that the steppe Saryarka were included in the commercial and cultural area of the Great Silk Road. Evidence of these is Indo-Chinese and Middle-Asian origin,were found in the region.
Saryarka
Freely and widely spread steppe expanses of Saryarka: from scenic granite mountains ranges of Karkaraly, Kent, Kyzylray in the east to the lake Tenghiz and Ulytau mountains in the west from the River Ishim in the north to the desert Betpak-Dala in the south stretches a broad steppe, which since ancient times was given a poetic name Saryarka by Kazakh people, which means “yellow mountain range”. Nature has generously endowed the land. Its subsoil is rich in minerals. Here in the heart of the Eurasian continent, extend summer and autumn pastures, mountains and hills shine with blue color. There are more than two hundred lakes in addition to Lake Tengiz, at Saryarka spaces, where live cranes, swans, herons, ducks and geese.
Karkaraly State National Natural Park
Name of mountains Karkaraly comes from the name of national headgear Kazakh girls - Karkara, beautifully embroidered with beads, silk, decorated with velvet, brocade and crown with oils feathers. And as brilliant Karkara- with all the colors of the rainbow shines Karkaraly mountains. The height of their relatively low: 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. On the unusual beauty of the local sites are say names of cliffs, mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers, which were given by narrator-people. The Falcns alp, Deers mountain, hill Red beard, Red rock cliff, Lakes - Mirror-like surface, Tillage, Shaitan-long (Devil’s Lake) …
Lake Karasor
Lake Karasor (or Tuzdykul), has an area of approximately 250 square kilometers. The lake is rich in fish. The content of salts in the waters Karasora exceeds the content of salts in seawater. At its bank, there are therapeutic muds. About ten small rivers carry their water in Lake Karasor.
Lake Balkhash
Legend says that the rich Balkasha had a beautiful daughter-Ili. The rich declared a holiday and competition, he promised to marriage his daughter on a winner. Ili Beauty and the poor shepherd Karatal loved each other. Ili helped Karatalu to win the competition of bridegrooms. But Balkash did not want to give the daughter of the poor. Then Karatal and Ili fled. Irate father could not catch up with the fugitives. And then he turns them into rivers, and he rushes to their front and turns into a lake, absorbing disobedient daughter. And the lake has a blue gray color. Lake Balkhash - the largest inland body of water after the Caspian and Aral seas. The length of the lake - 614 km, width - from 3.5 to 44 km, maximum depth reaches 26 m. The phenomenon of Balkhash is in different mineralization of the western and eastern parts, united with a narrow strait. West Basin, which receives water from the Ili River formerly abounding - fresh, eastern - salty. Nature of Balkhash amazing and full of contrasts. Reservoirs of Ili - Balkhash basin is one of the most significant in terms of biodiversity and the reproduction of valuable fish species, as well as opportunities for fishing. The composition of the ichthyofauna includes carp, white amur, barb, barbel, trout, marinka, asp, bream, catfish and others. The lake annually produce 8-10 thousand tons of fish. Perch and marinka of Balkhash and entered into the International Red Book. Here the only place where preserved extinct in the Aral spine and Aral barbel.
Mountain range of Bektauat
At the height of more than a thousand meters towers pink peak of Bektauat - Oasis of North Balhash. In clear weather it can be seen for hundreds of kilometers, so it is called a beacon of Balhash. Mountain range Bektauat has small area (4000 ha), but it has an extraordinary variety of bizarre rocks, thorny gorges. Daylight reaches far in a cave, and therefore, speleologist calls such cave “grotto” or “crystal cellars.” This is a rare beauty portal, and the entrance to the cave is located at the site of vertical cliffs. In a rarity for local desert places in Bektauata many different plants. In the bowels of the mountain caves found smoky rock crystal morion, a rare mineral pezoquartz. The processes of weathering destroyed granite for thousands of years, and at that places where they were amenable, they took the most fantastic forms. They havesuch names as - “Mushroom”, “Chest”, “Turtle,” “Three-tooth”. One of the arrays is called “Sarykuldzha” - yellow arhar.
Ancient monuments and burial mounds
Many of them have survived and may be hiding secrets of life boiled up in this region. In Saryarka 88 archaeological sites located in different parts of the area taken under state protection of. Among them are - mound Aktasty, Dermen site, Aydagarly cave and mound Klysh, a group of mounds in winter hut Karasu in Valley Ken Dara, Dongal site and others. Interesting example of religious architecture of XVIII century in a Mazar-Ak Becket. Mazar has a circular structure as a yurt. Mazars Sean (XVIII century), Klysh and Ahmetzhan (XIX century) also have the original beauty. Curiously, that for their manufacture have been used about 80 different forms of bricks, multiple colors and shades. For their production were used only high-quality clay and spring water, which was brought on horseback in “torsukah (vessels of the skin).
