Trans-Ili Alatau or Ile Alatau is a mountain system located in the northwest of the Tien Shan (on the border of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan). It is the most northern mountain range of the Tien Shan.

These mountains are rich with numerous glaciers and lakes that increase the risk of mudflows creating a hazard to the settlements located at the foot of the mountains, including the city of Almaty. That’s why regular monitoring of Trans-Ili Alatau is conducted from the air. Photos by: Grigoriy Bedenko.

fly over Trans-Ili Alatau

Tags: Almaty oblast

Semirechye (Seven Rivers), or Zhetysu is a vast area located in the south-east of Kazakhstan (Almaty region).

It is situated between Lake Balkhash in the north, Sasykol and Alakol in the northeast, the mountain range of Jungar Alatau in the south-east, and the ridges of the Northern Tien Shan in the south. Photos by: Grigoriy Bedenko.

the land of lakes

Tags: Almaty oblast

The Kolsai lake cascade is a system of three lakes located in the northern Tien Shan, in the Almaty region.

Let’s walk through the forest trail leading to the second Kolsai lake. Kolsai lakes on Google Maps. Photos by: Sergey Terekhov.

scenic forest trail and the lake

Tags: Almaty oblast

Besshatyr royal mounds are the main attraction of the national park “Altyn-Emel”, located in the Kerbulak district of the Almaty region. This necropolis is considered to be the sacred place of ancient Saks, who lived on the territory of Kazakhstan in the first millennium BC.

Here, on an area of two square kilometers, you can find 18 royal burial mounds with diameters from 8 to 70 meters and heights of 2 to 20 meters. The place name “Besshatyr” is translated as “five tents” probably because of the number of the largest burial mounds in the area. Photos by: Sergey Terekhov.

explore the ancient mounds

Tags: Almaty oblast

Stunningly beautiful Charyn Canyon stretches for 154 km along the Charyn River, 195 km east of Almaty, near the border with China.

People living in Kazakhstan are very proud of this place. They say that it is no worse than the famous Grand Canyon in the US.

Charyn Canyon – a true natural wonder

Tags: Almaty oblast · landscapes

You can see these amazing colorful landscapes, if you visit the tract of Atzhal and the Aybyrzhal Mountains located in the area of the Tekes River in Terskey Alatau Mountains, near the border with China (the Almaty region). Photos by: Sergey Terekhov.

gorgeous place

Tags: Almaty oblast · landscapes

“Altyn-Emel” is a state national park located in the valley of the Ili River on the territory of Almaty region.

The park was organized on April 10, 1996. The purpose of the park is to preserve the unique natural complex, archaeological, historical and cultural monuments, rare and endangered plants and animal species, the development of ecotourism.

stunningly beautiful place

Tags: Almaty oblast · landscapes

The river and valley of Kim-Asar are located on the northern slope of the Trans-Ili Alatau near Medeo rink.

This place is very popular among residents and guests of Almaty because it is easy to reach it by bus or car, even untrained tourists can take the route and it is available at almost any time of the year. Photos by: Olga Kulakova.

magnificent views

Tags: Almaty oblast · landscapes

This unusual landscape known as steppe or red mountains can be found near Toraigyr Ridge in Enbekshikazakh district of Almaty region. Toraigyr Ridge on Google Maps. Photos by: Sergey Terekhov.

beautiful spring landscape

Tags: Almaty oblast · landscapes

Another great set of photos taken in Altyn Emel National Park located in Almaty region. This time we can enjoy the beautiful views of multicolored Aktau Mountains. Photos by: Sergey Terekhov.

amazing mountains

Tags: Almaty oblast · landscapes