Gorelnik Gorge is one of the most picturesque and easily accessible places located in the mountains near Almaty. It is very suitable for one-day mountain hikes.

To get there you should go to the Medeu ice rink, then climb to the dam, and go about 1.5 km further along the road towards Shymbulak, turn right, and behind the hunter’s house there is an entrance into the gorge. Gorelnik Gorge on Google Maps. Photos by: Ilya Gornostayev.

great place for hiking

Tags: Almaty oblast

Kaindy is a 400 meters long lake located among coniferous forests at an altitude of 1,667 meters above sea level in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, 284 km east of Almaty, a popular tourist destination.

Despite the low water temperature, Kaindy is very popular with diving enthusiasts. The main attraction of the lake is the remains of the spruce forest rising straight out of the water. Lake Kaindy on Google Maps. Photos by: Sergio.

very picturesque lake

Tags: Almaty oblast

In the northern Tien Shan, a cascade of three lakes, under the general name of the Kolsay lakes, is situated. Mountain ridges border a wonderful picture. Three high-altitude lakes are called the pearl of Kazakhstan.

They were formed as a result of the landslide descent to the bottom of the gorge when a fast-moving mountain river stopped its running at the dams that suddenly appeared on its way. This is an amazing place. So, if you find the one among Asian girls, then you can visit Kolsay lakes with her or even make a proposal there.

The first (Lower) Kolsay Lake

This lake is located not very far from the former capital of Kazakhstan. Stretching for 1.5 km in length, it is clamped in a narrow gorge. The lake is surrounded by high firs. They seem to have been specially planted here to preserve this paradise. The water in the lake is absolutely transparent and reflects the sky. Photos by: Grigory Bedenko.

beautiful lakes

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The Western-Altai State Nature Reserve was established with the goal of comprehensive protection of the Altai mountain system in 1992. It covers an area of about 56 thousand hectares at the northeastern border of the East Kazakhstan region, 60 km east of the city of Ridder.

This territory has a complex geological history. Here you can see picturesque rock formations – geological monuments of the distant past. The Western-Altai Reserve on Google Maps. Photos by: Ilya Afanasyev.

picturesque rocks of Altai

Tags: East Kazakhstan oblast · Ridder city

The Arkat Mountains are located in the central part of the East Kazakhstan region, in the area of the settlement of Arkat.

The mountains are very old and almost completely destroyed by erosion except for separately standing rocks. However, despite this, the local landscapes are very picturesque and attract people who prefer active rest. The Arkat Mountains on Google Maps. Photos by: Ilya Afanasyev.

remains of ancient mountains

Tags: East Kazakhstan oblast

Karkaraly Mountains are a mountain massif located in the Karaganda region of Kazakhstan, in the eastern part of the Kazakh Uplands. The Karkaraly massif consists of three mountain groups.

The mountains are relatively low and consist of granites, porphyrites, quartzites, and other rocks. The highest point of the massif is 1,403 meters. There are numerous lakes.

beautiful mountain scenery

Tags: Karaganda oblast

Charyn (Sharyn) Canyon, stretching for 154 km along the Charyn River, is located about 200 km east of Almaty, near the border with China, part of the Charyn National Park.

This picturesque natural monument consists of sedimentary rocks formed about 12 million years ago. The height of the rocks reaches 150-300 m. Charyn Canyon on Google Maps. Photos by: Sergey Rubtsov.

magnificent canyon

Tags: Almaty oblast

The tract of Boszhira is located in the western part of the Ustyurt plateau on the Mangyshlak peninsula of the Mangistau region.

Boszhira occupies a large area, it takes more than one day to explore it. This place is gradually becoming more popular among tourists. There are no pre-laid routes, you can go wherever you want. Boszhira on Google Maps. Photos by: Vladimir Mulder.

amazing kingdom of chalk cliffs

Tags: Mangystau oblast

The southeastern part of Kazakhstan, a vast area known as Semirechye (Zhetysu), belongs to the few regions of Kazakhstan with rich bioresources.

Seven large rivers flow into Lake Balkhash – hence the name to the region. The longest river is the Ili, which brings to Lake Balkhash about 70% of all incoming water. Semirechye on Google Maps. Photos by: Grigory Bedenko.

Lakes in the delta of the Ili River sometimes have a very bizarre shape.

late autumn in Semirechye

Tags: Almaty oblast

Saryarka is a vast steppe territory located in Northern and Central Kazakhstan, in the Akmola and Karaganda regions. It is known for its harsh climate, unique ecosystem with rich flora and fauna, and picturesque views.

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan is the first natural World Heritage site in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. It consists of two reserves, Korgalzhyn (Central Kazakhstan) and Naurzum (Northern Kazakhstan), with a total area of ​​450,344 hectares. Korgalzhyn Reserve of Saryarka on Google Maps. Photos by: Grigory Bedenko.

beautiful steppe scenery

Tags: Akmola oblast · Karaganda oblast