Ustyurt is a huge desert and a plateau with an area of more than 200,000 kilometers located in the west of Central Asia (in Kazakhstan (Mangystau oblast), Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), between Mangyshlak and Kara-Bogaz-Gol in the west, the Aral Sea and the Amudarya delta in the east. Ustyurt National Preserve is located on this territory. The Ustyurt Plateau on Google Maps. Photos by: Vladimir Mulder.

beautiful scenery

Tags: Mangystau oblast

Bektau-Ata is a rock massif located 70 kilometers to the north of the town of Balkhash in the Karaganda region. This mountain area with an approximate height of 1,200 meters above sea level is known for numerous bizarre rocks, caves and small lakes.

Located in the middle of the Kazakh steppe, Bektau-Ata has its own unique flora. These photos were taken while climbing one of the peaks of Bektau-Ata – Mount Pik (1,214 meters). Bektau-Ata on Google Maps. Photos by: Alexandr Kuznetsov.

climb the mountain

Tags: Karaganda oblast

The so-called “singing barkhan”, consisting of sand of light tones, has a length of up to 3 km and a height of 150 m. It is located in the Altyn-Emel National Park in the Almaty region, 182 km north-east of Almaty.

This monument of nature is famous for the fact that in dry weather the sands emit sounds similar to the melody of the organ. Singing Barkhan on Google Maps. Photos by: Sergey Terekhov.

legendary place

Tags: Almaty oblast

Ulytau is a complex of low mountains located in the southwest of Kazakh Upland (Sary Arka) – a steppe in Central Kazakhstan, in the northwest of the Karaganda region.

It is one of the oldest mountain ranges of Sary Arka that stretches from north to south for 200 km. The highest point is Akmeshit Peak (1,131 m).

scenic yellow, red and orange mountains

Tags: Karaganda oblast

The Dzungarian or Semirechensky Alatau is a mountain system located in the north-east of the Almaty region, between the Ili River and Lake Alakol.

This region is a place with pristine nature because it is located in the border zone with China. There are no roads and settlements here. Some areas can be reached only on horseback or by helicopter. Photos by: Grigory Bedenko.

amazing mountain scenery

Tags: Almaty oblast

Shalkude or Chelkudinskaya Valley is a beautiful mountain valley stretching for more than 100 km at an altitude of about 2,500 meters above sea level.

The valley of the Shalkudysu River, also known as Kegenskaya, is the most extensive valley in the Kazakh part of the Tien Shan. The Shalkodysu River gives rise to one of the largest waterways of the Almaty region – the Charyn River. Photos by: E.W.Shestakowa.

summer in the valley

Tags: Almaty oblast

The Ili River is the largest and one of the longest rivers in Central Asia (1,430 km). The river originates in the Chinese part of the Tien Shan and flows into Lake Balkhash located in southeastern Kazakhstan.

The delta of the river is known for its unique microclimate. Here you can find some relict plant species. Autumn in the delta of the Ili River is very picturesque. Photos by: Grigory Bedenko.

fly over the Ili River

Tags: Almaty oblast

Borovoe is one of the lakes of Burabay group of lakes located in the north of Kazakhstan, in the Burabay district of the Akmola region.

The entire shore of the lake is covered with pine forests, hence the name – Borovoe (“bor” means a coniferous forest in Russian). The historical name of the lake is Auliekol, which means “Holy Lake”.

very picturesque lake

Tags: Akmola oblast

Kolsai (Kulsai) lakes is a system of three lakes located in the northern Tien Shan in Kolsai Gorge, in Raiymbek district of the Almaty region, 10 km north of the border with Kyrgyzstan and 330 km south-east of Almaty, at an altitude of about 1,800 m, 2,200 m and 2,800 m above sea level.

The lakes, surrounded by pine forests, are known as “the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan.” The depth of the lakes can reach 50 meters.

the beauty of pristine nature

Tags: Almaty oblast

The beach in Golubaya (Blue) Bay is located on the Mangyshlak Peninsula, in the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan. The beaches of this bay are considered one of the most beautiful places on the peninsula.

You can get here, after leaving the city of Aktau in the direction of the town of Fort-Shevchenko located to the north-west. Golubaya Bay is a perfect combination of clean golden beaches and azure turquoise sea.

beautiful wild beach

Tags: Mangystau oblast