Zaysan is a relatively large lake (length – 105 km, width – 22-48 km) located in eastern Kazakhstan (East Kazakhstan oblast), about 60 km from the border with China.

Shekelmes Bay has almost perfect semicircular shape. There is a belief that the bizarre metamorphosis of sand that you can see in this place is a result of the fall of a meteorite on the shore of the lake. Lake Zaysan on Google Maps. Photos by Ilia Afanasieff

magnificent place

Tags: East Kazakhstan oblast · landscapes

The upper delta of the Ili River in Almaty region is a very interesing area. It is an amazing place where the dunes can be seen side by side with the water meadows. Photos by Gregory Bedenko

beautiful pictures of the Ili River

Tags: Almaty oblast · landscapes

Beautiful view of the mountains surrounding the former capital of Kazakhstan – Almaty. Photo by Vitaliy Rage

Tags: Almaty city · landscapes

Aktau chalk mountains are located on the territory of Almaty region in “Altyn-Emel” reserve. This place is known for its unique landscapes reminiscent of pictures from Mars.

White and red colors dominate here. Aktau Mountains were formed millions of years ago. The area of the ridge is about 15×8 kilometers. Photos by Ilia Afanasieff

like real Martian landscapes

Tags: Almaty oblast · landscapes

This very vivid picture of the Soviet past of Kazakhstan made by photographer and journalist Semyon Fridlyand looks like a frame from a historical movie.

It is Temirtau city located in Karaganda region early in the second half of the 20th century.

Tags: Karaganda oblast