Ile-Alatau National Park

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.

The park is divided into four main sections: Aksay, Medeu, Talgar, and Turgen branches, each offering unique opportunities for exploration. For those looking for a scenic trek, the park is home to more than 265 glaciers, with some of the most notable being the Dmitriev Glacier and Tuyuksu Glacier. These natural wonders are accompanied by breathtaking mountain views, including the peaks of Constitution and Kumbel.

One of the park’s highlights is Big Almaty Lake, a striking high-altitude reservoir surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Tien Shan mountains. The turquoise waters of the lake make it a popular spot for photography and picnics, especially in the summer months. Another key attraction is the Turgen Gorge, known for its waterfalls and ancient Saki burial mounds dating back to the early Iron Age. 

The wildlife of Ile-Alatau National Park is as diverse as its landscapes. The park is home to 30 species listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan, including the elusive snow leopard, Tien Shan brown bear, and Central Asian lynx. You can see sightings of golden eagles, Eurasian scops owls, and Himalayan snowcocks. The park’s flora includes over 1,200 plant species, with the Schrenk spruce forests being particularly picturesque. The park offers a mix of adventure, wildlife, and history, making it a prime destination for anyone visiting Kazakhstan.