GUIDE TO NATURE OF KAZAKHSTAN: WHEN AND WHERE TO GO

The nature of Kazakhstan is extremely diverse, and it was not what I expected from a country known for its endless steppes, which seem so empty from above. Little did I know that Kazakhstan also has mountains, as well as alpine meadows, glacial lakes, desert sand dunes and wetlands.

Kazakhstan has a large number of impressive national parks. Most of them still receive very few visitors, and tourism in the country is still in its infancy. However, if you are looking for nature, Kazakhstan is a very rewarding place to visit. All you need to know is when and where to go. Since each season has its own charms, you can travel to Kazakhstan at any time of the year.

NATURE OF KAZAKHSTAN

In Kazakhstan, temperatures can be extreme, so spring and autumn offer the best climate for traveling around the country. It would be difficult to choose between these seasons. While spring brings blooming flowers and migratory birds, the fall colors in the forests are equally spectacular.

Winters can be very cold and summers can be scorching hot. But even in this case, the nature of Kazakhstan is worth visiting. It's easy to escape the summer heat by going to the Altai or Tien Shan mountains. This is actually the best time to hike at high altitudes.

Winter is a completely different world again with frozen steppes and lots of snow. Not far from Almaty you will find the Medeu ice skating rink and the Shymbulak ski resort, where you can have fun at this time of year. You can stay at a hotel in Almaty.

This Kazakhstan nature guide will tell you exactly when and where to go to see Kazakhstan's nature in all its glory.

NATURE OF KAZAKHSTAN IN WINTER

Let's start with the coldest season, when the nature of Kazakhstan turns into a winter wonderland. In a country where temperatures can drop to minus 40 degrees, most people will think twice before visiting. However, if you dress warmly, winter will definitely be a unique experience in Kazakhstan.

SHYMBULAC AND MEDEU

With plenty of snow, Kazakhstan is a great winter sports destination in Asia. The most developed ski resort in the country is Shymbulak. Here you can rent ski equipment or enroll in a ski and snowboard school.

It is located just 30 minutes from the former capital of Almaty. Opposite the Kazakhstan Hotel, bus number 12 leaves for the Medeu Ice Ring. From there you can take a bus or cable car to Shymbulak.

NATURE OF KAZAKHSTAN IN SPRING

At the end of March, Kazakhstan welcomes warmer weather with the spring holiday of Navruz. If you get bored staying at the hotel, you can dress warmly and go for a walk in the Parks of Kazakhstan.

However, cold weather and snow remain a possibility, especially in the mountains. It's only in May that the weather really starts to warm up and the flowers bloom.

AKSU-ZHABAGLY NATIONAL PARK

In the Netherlands we might sing that tulips come from Amsterdam, but in fact they come from Kazakhstan. The green meadows in Aksu-Zhabagly National Park turn red in spring from millions of blooming tulips. This is one of the best places in Kazakhstan where you can see wild tulips blooming.

But tulips are not the only attraction. The apples are also from Kazakhstan and you will find wild apples as well as other rare plants and flower species. Wildlife is equally diverse: snow leopards, brown bears, mountain sheep and marmots.

Aksu-Zhabagly National Park is located in the south of Kazakhstan and is part of a larger natural corridor, making it a true wilderness area. The park borders Sairam-Ugam National Park in Kazakhstan, the Chimgan Mountains in Uzbekistan, and a remote corner of eastern Kyrgyzstan.

Aksu Zhabagly is a worthwhile natural destination all year round. However, if you are coming for tulips, spring is the best time.

HOW TO GET THERE

There is one direct route from Shymkent that runs on request. It wasn't running when we were there, but when it does it usually leaves between 9 and 11am from Aina Bus Station.

Instead of looking for a direct minibus, you can also take one of the frequent minibuses to Tulkibas or Turarkent (also called Vanovka or Turar Ruskylov) for 400-500 tenge. From Tulkibas and Turarkent you can take a public taxi to the village of Zhabagly (300-500 tenge).

There is also a train station in Tulkibas, so you can even take a train from Shymkent, although the timings are not as convenient.

NATIONAL PARK FESTIVAL

Sairam-Ugam National Park is in close proximity to Aksu-Zhabagly, but receives only a fraction of the visitors to its more famous neighbor. However, Sairam Ugam has just as much to offer, and with lower park fees it is a much cheaper alternative to the more expensive Aksu-Zhabagly National Park.

Since Sairam-Ugam is part of the same natural corridor, your chances of seeing its unique flora and fauna are the same. As in Aksu-Zhabagly, wild tulips grow in abundance in spring and wild apple trees bloom.

The villages of Lenger, Dikankol, Kaskasu and Tonkeris, where you can go hiking or horseback riding through the park, offer an excellent community tourism program with some nice families.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Shymkent (Military Commissariat bus stop on Tole Bi) you can take a minibus or minibus to Lenger. Public transport to Dikankol, Kaskasu and Tonkeris departs from Tashenov near the Central Bazaar of Shymkent.

CHARYNA CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Charyn Canyon National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Almaty. We invite you to stop if you have planned a trip to the Charyn Canyon.

 It is often compared to the more famous Grand Canyon, and although Charyn Canyon is much smaller, it is truly just as impressive.

It is a geologists' dream come true with sedimentary rocks in red, yellow, yellow and black. They are rich in minerals and are about twelve million years old. There is also a wide variety of flora and fauna with over 1000 plants, of which 50 are extremely rare. Charyn Canyon National Park is also home to wildlife such as foxes, hares, gerbils, eagles, pheasants, snakes and lizards.

Charyn Canyon National Park is actually so impressive that I can recommend you stay there for at least one night. On a day trip you will only be able to see the tip of the iceberg. Most tour groups hike the 2km trail through the picturesque Castle Valley with its unique red rock formations. It's a pleasant walk, but its true beauty is revealed at sunset and sunrise, when the crowds have dispersed.

Besides, the Valley of Castles is just the beginning. There are three more canyons inside Charyn National Park. There's a canyon here Iron (iron canyon), canyon Uzunbulak (yellow canyon or moon canyon) and Bestamak Canyon (red canyon).

Spring is the best time to visit with excellent weather and pleasant temperatures. Winters here are icy and summers are unbearably hot. Autumn will be another good season for traveling to the Charyn Canyon.

HOW TO GET THERE

If you want to go on your own, you can take a shared taxi to Kegen ($5). Ask them to drop you off at the turnoff to the Charyn Canyon. From there, 12 km through meadows, without shade, to the entrance. To return you need to return to the main road and then hitchhike back to Almaty. Alternatively, there are inexpensive day tours or you can rent your own car.

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