Southeastern Kazakhstan is an area of diverse geography, featuring snow-capped hills, lakes, glaciers, and steppe. Mountaineering and skiing are popular among explorers who visit the region’s high peaks. In the region, there are a number of resorts that provide a wide range of winter activities. Zhetisu is the name given to the area stretching from Almaty to Lake Balkhash. In this area, there are around 800 rivers. Many of these rivers receive their water from the Zailiysky and Zhungar Alatau mountains’ glaciers. In the hilly region near Kazakhstan’s borders with Krygyzstan and China, tourists will find lots to see and do.
The natural beauty of Southeastern Kazakhstan is well-known. The two main peaks in Southeast Kazakhstan are Zailiysky Altau and Kungey Alatau. This location is a popular tourist destination due to the mountain streams, waterfalls, plateaus, and turquoise coloured lakes. The Kolsay Lakes are located in the Kungey Alatau mountain range. These highland lakes provide excellent hiking and trekking opportunities.
Charyn Canyon, often known as the ‘Valley of the Castles,’ is a well-known natural attraction in Southeastern Kazakhstan. The area’s multi-colored gorges and canyon-style boulders are well-known. The Karkara Valley is a picturesque location in Kazakhstan that stretches from the country’s northern plains to the country’s southern snow-capped mountains.
The climate of southeastern Kazakhstan is similar to that of Almaty. During the summer and spring, the entire landscape becomes green, making it a naturalist’s dream. This is the time of year when trekkers may enjoy hiking in the region’s numerous mountains. The warmest months in this region are generally July and August.
Tourist Attractions in Southeastern Kazakhstan
Zailiysky Alatau & Kungey Alatau
The two main peaks in Southeastern Kazakhstan are Zailiysky Altau and Kungey Alatau. The valleys, glaciers, and passes located around Almaty provide hiking and trekking options. The summits are part of Central Asia’s northern Tian Shan mountain ranges. The northern half of the mountains is bounded by the Ili River. This location is a popular tourist destination due to the mountain streams, waterfalls, plateaus, and turquoise coloured lakes.
Kolsay Lakes
The Kolsay Lakes are located in Kazakhstan’s extreme southeast, and are part of the Kungey Alatau mountain range. The Kolsai Lakes are divided into three sections: lower, middle, and highest. These highland lakes provide excellent hiking and trekking opportunities. The lower and middle lakes are bordered by alpine meadows and forests, while the higher lake is flanked by rocky terrain.
Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon, often known as the ‘Valley of the Castles,’ is a well-known natural attraction in Kazakhstan. The entire area is recognised for its multi-colored gorges and sculpture-like canyon-style rocks. Here you may enjoy some of the best rafting in the world. The location, which is around 200 kilometres from Almaty, is well known for its various hiking and trekking paths.
Karkara Valley
The Karkara Valley is a beautiful spot in Kazakhstan’s southeast. The valley spans from Kazakhstan’s northern plains to the country’s southern snow-capped mountains. Green meadows, as well as a diverse range of plants, are a highlight here. Throughout the valley, there are several hiking and riding paths. Tourists visiting the Karkara Valley can also go horseback riding or camping.
Central Tian Shan
The Central Tian Shan Mountain Range is part of the Tian Shan Mountain Range, which stretches from Kazakhstan to China. Khan Tengri, with an altitude of around 23,000 feet, is the most well-known summit in the area. The natural beauty of the area, which includes alpine meadows and lovely pine trees, makes it excellent for mountaineering and trekking. Merzbacher Lake, which is ice-bound, is another local attraction.
Lake Kapchagai & Ili River
The Ili River and Lake Kapchagai are two of Kazakhstan’s most important water bodies. The Ili River originates in the Tian Shan mountain ranges’ eastern reaches before flowing into Lake Balkhash. The Ili River forms Lake Kapchagai, which serves as a reserve for the Kapchagai Hydroelectric Power Station. The entire region is incredibly attractive, and there is enough to see and do.
Tamgaly Petroglyphs
Tamgaly Petroglyphs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the most spectacular petroglyphs in Southeastern Kazakhstan. The location is roughly 170 kilometres northwest of Almaty, near Karabastau, in a densely forested canyon. There are over 5000 Bronze Age sculptures, including sun-headed idols, women in delivery, bull sacrifice, and so on. The greatest time to observe these sculptures is in the afternoon, when the sun is shining the brightest.
Lepsinsk
Lepsinsk is a tiny settlement near the Chinese border in the foothills of the Dzhungar Alatau mountain range. The visual splendour of Lepsinsk and its natural environs are well-known. Lepsinsk is a renowned tourist destination because of its natural beauty, which includes snow-capped mountains and alpine meadows. Aspen, birch, apple, and fir trees are among the deciduous and coniferous species found here.
Lake Balkhash
Lake Balkhash is one of Central Asia’s biggest lakes. The western half of the lake is made up mostly of freshwater, while the eastern half is made up mostly of saline water. During the winter months of November to March, the lake is generally frozen. Near the Lake, a wide range of animals and birds may be discovered. Fish species present in the lake include catfish, marinka, bream, and pike perch.
