National Parks in Kazakhstan for an Outdoor Adventure

Altyn Emel National Park, located in the Almaty Region, covers approximately 4,600 square kilometers between the Ili River and the Ak-Tau mountain range, near Lake Kapchagai. The park is renowned for its desert and rocky terrain, including the iconic Singing Dunes. Besides the natural wonders, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare kulan, goitered gazelle, and argali sheep.

Best Time: May - September

Charyn Canyon National Park, located in the Almaty Region, stretches along the Charyn River and covers 1,251 square kilometers. The park is known for the Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon in the US, though smaller at 50 kilometers long. You can reach the park from Almaty and can indulge in hiking, photography, and exploring the canyon's unique red sedimentary rock formations.

Best Time: May - September

Located south of Almaty, Ile-Alatau National Park spans 2,000 square kilometers and was established in 1996. The park is situated in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, between the Turgen Gorge and Chemolgan River. It offers diverse landscapes, including glaciers, alpine meadows, and coniferous forests. Here, you can enjoy hiking, skiing, and wildlife observation, with a chance to see species like the snow leopard and ibex.

Best Time: June - September

Kolsay Lakes National Park, located on the north slope of the Tian Shan Mountains in the Almaty Region, covers 1,619 square kilometers. The park is known for the stunning Kolsay Lakes and scenic Lake Kaindy. These lakes are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks and dense coniferous forests. Often referred to as the "Pearls of Tien Shan," the park offers hiking and boating with easy access from Almaty.

Best Time: May - September

Burabay National Park, often called the "Kazakh Switzerland," is located in the Akmola Region, about 250 kilometers from Nur-Sultan. The park covers 835 square kilometers. It features low mountains, pine forests, and beautiful lakes such as Borovoe and Shchuchye. Burabay is accessible by car or train and offers activities like hiking, boating, and exploring iconic rock formations such as Zhumbaktas and Okzhetpes.

Katon-Karagay National Park, located in the East Kazakhstan Region, covers a vast area of 6,434 square kilometers. It is situated near the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, China, and Mongolia. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Altai mountains and the highest peak, Belukha Mountain. It offers opportunities for trekking, wildlife observation, and exploring ancient petroglyphs.

Situated in the southeastern Pavlodar Province, Bayanaul National Park is 140 kilometers from the city of Ekibastuz. Covering an area of 684 square kilometers, this park was established in 1985 as Kazakhstan's first national park to preserve the natural flora and fauna of the Bayanaul mountain range. The park's unique rock formations, clear lakes, and diverse ecosystems make it a favorite for hiking, rock climbing, and swimming.

Buiratau National Park, located in the Akmola Region, spans 890 square kilometers. It preserves a unique transitional zone between dry steppe and semi-arid forest ecosystems. The park is about 120 kilometers from Nur-Sultan and offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and exploring the diverse landscapes. It is home to species such as the saiga antelope and steppe eagle.

Karkaraly National Park, in the Karaganda Region, covers 1,121 square kilometers. Known as a 'mountain oasis' in the Kazakh Uplands, the park features pine forests, lakes, and rugged mountain terrain. The park is accessible from the town of Karkaralinsk, offering activities such as hiking, bird watching, and exploring unique rock formations.

Kokshetau National Park, located in the Akmola Region, spans 1,820 square kilometers. The park is known for its mix of forests, lakes, and mountains, situated in a transition zone between the Siberian taiga and the southern steppes. In the park you can explore Lake Burabay and Lake Zerenda, and indulge in activities like boating and hiking.

Sairam-Ugam State National Park, located in the South Kazakhstan Region, covers 1,490 square kilometers. Established in 2007, the park is situated in the Western Tian Shan Mountains, near the Uzbekistan border. Known for its juniper forests and fruit and nut trees, the park offers hiking, horseback riding, camping, bird watching, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna.

Tarbagatai National Park, located in the East Kazakhstan Region, spans 1,363 square kilometers and was established in 2018. The park protects a region of mountain-steppe that supports wild fruit trees. Although the tourism in the park is not that developed, visitors can explore the scenic landscapes, hike, and observe wildlife in this remote and pristine area.

Zhongar-Alatau National Park, located in the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains of southeast Kazakhstan, covers 3,560 square kilometers. Established to protect the Sievers apple tree, considered the ancestor of all apple varieties, the park also shelters endangered species like the Turkistan lynx, snow leopard, and Tien Shan bear. Bird enthusiasts can spot species like the black stork and golden eagle. The park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including Lake Jasylkol and the historical Dzungarian Gate.