Natural wonders
of Kazakhstan
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Places you must see
Big Almaty Lake
Located about 25 kilometers south of the city in the Ile-Alatau National Park, the lake sits at an altitude of nearly 2,500 meters. Its water changes color with the seasons, ranging from deep turquoise to light green, depending on the time of year and sunlight. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense pine forests, it’s a favorite destination for both locals and travelers looking for breathtaking scenery just a short drive from Almaty. Because the lake also serves as a key source of drinking water for Almaty, swimming is not allowed, but visitors can enjoy hiking trails, photography, and panoramic views of the Tian Shan mountains.
Charyn Canyon – The “Kazakh Grand Canyon”
Charyn Canyon, often referred to as the “Kazakh Grand Canyon,” stretches for more than 150 kilometers along the Charyn River. Its most famous section, known as the Valley of Castles, is filled with towering red sandstone cliffs shaped into surreal formations by centuries of wind and water. Walking through the canyon feels like entering another world, especially at sunset, when the cliffs glow in brilliant shades of orange and crimson. This is one of the most photogenic landscapes in Kazakhstan and a must-see for hikers and adventurers.
Lake Kaindy – The Sunken Forest
High in the Tian Shan mountains lies Lake Kaindy, one of Kazakhstan’s most magical natural attractions. Created by an earthquake in 1911, the lake submerged an entire spruce forest, leaving its bare trunks rising eerily from turquoise waters. Beneath the surface, the forest remains preserved, creating a surreal underwater world that continues to fascinate divers and photographers alike. The dreamlike setting makes Lake Kaindy one of the most unique places to visit in Kazakhstan.
Altyn-Emel National Park
Altyn-Emel National Park, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, is a land where desert, mountains, and history meet. Its most famous feature is the Singing Dune, a towering sand dune that hums like an organ when the wind sweeps across it. Rising more than 150 meters high and stretching for several kilometers, the dune seems almost alive, adding a mystical quality to the landscape. Nearby, the Aktau Mountains glow in shades of white, red, and yellow, while the Katutau Mountains reveal ancient volcanic origins. Beyond its scenery, the park is home to rare wildlife such as wild kulans, argali sheep, and golden eagles. Ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds scattered across the land remind visitors that people have traveled through Altyn-Emel for thousands of years, making it a place where natural wonders and cultural heritage exist side by side.