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Nestled in northeastern Kazakhstan and largely unexplored by tourists, the Kazakh Altai is a wild and rich landscape that offers a unique escape for adventurers seeking authenticity.
This region, at the crossroads of the Siberian taiga and the deserts of Central Asia, is distinguished by its majestic mountains, dense forests, and alpine meadows. The Altai is a true playground for many enthusiasts.
Geologists can discover a complex geology dating back over 200 million years, while botanists and zoologists will undoubtedly be fascinated by the richness of its fauna and flora. Adventurers will find opportunities for off-the-beaten-path exploration, and the burial site of Berel, dating back to the 5th-4th centuries BCE, is a treasure trove for any history and archaeology enthusiast. This wild region, with its vast horizons, crystal-clear rivers, and endemic flora, has also inspired countless writers and artists for centuries.
The Kazakh Altai is a unique destination to appreciate preserved landscapes and reconnect with nature.
The Kazakh Altai features a diversity of natural zones that shape its unique landscape. About one-tenth of Kazakhstan's territory is occupied by this region, where vast steppes, deciduous and coniferous forests, and subalpine meadows coexist. The mountains, covered in snow for most of the year, dominate the panorama, creating a fascinating environment for biodiversity.
⚠️ It is not recommended to venture alone or in a group to these rarely marked areas, even for experienced hikers! It’s best to arrange for a local guide or join group expeditions. For this, you can contact me on Instagram or Whatsapp !
Katon-Karagay National Park, established in 2001, is the largest park in Kazakhstan, covering 643,477 hectares. It is part of the Altai-Sayan ecoregion and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.
The park is home to over 1,000 plant species, 30 of which are protected, and its forests, which make up 34% of its area, are primarily composed of conifers. The fauna includes 363 vertebrate species, several of which are endangered, such as the taimen and the snow leopard.
A portion of this park extends along the slopes of Mount Belukha, the highest peak in the Altai, located on the border between Russia and Kazakhstan, rising to 4,506 meters and believed by many to possess sacred powers.
According to the legends of old believers, this is where the entrance to the blessed land of Belovodye lies, a place of justice and harmony. Many people also seek the mythical Shambhala here, a mysterious land mentioned in Buddhist manuscripts.
The peaks of the Altai mountains remain snow-covered for most of the year, shedding their snow for only a few weeks, and feeding hundreds of rivers that nourish vast forests through melting.
The Altai region is home to 40% of Kazakhstan's water resources, with the Irtysh River as the largest, along with the Lakes Zaysan, Markakol, and the Bukhtarma Reservoir.
Lake Zaysan, also known as "The Bell Lake," is a vast freshwater lake approximately 100 km long and 30 km wide, covering an area of 1,800 km² with a depth of 8 meters. A fascinating feature of the lake is that at sunset, a soft tinkling sound, resembling a hum, can be heard, giving it the nickname "Bell Lake."
Lake Markakol is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan, situated at an altitude of 1,447 meters. Surrounded by dense forests, its shores boast both steep cliffs and meadows. On August 4, 1976, the lake and its surroundings were designated as a nature reserve.
The Bukhtarma Reservoir is the largest in the country and one of the five largest in the world, covering an area of 5,500 km². Created in 1960 on the Irtysh River, it boosts the electricity production of local hydroelectric plants and allows for the passage of vessels.
This site is popular for camping, fishing (with a variety of fish such as zander and pike), and attracts nature lovers with its forests and wildlife.
Known as "the sea" by Kazakhs, the reservoir has over 20 recreation bases offering accommodations with water views, barbecues, and water activities. The sandy beaches and swimmable waters make it a favored destination.
To reach it, you can take a bus or train to the Novaya Bukhtarma station, then take a taxi to the recreation bases.
Also, don’t miss the Kokkol Waterfall, which is 60 meters high and accessible only by foot or horseback! Formed by the small mountain river Big Kok-Kol, its 10-meter-wide water jet creates a thunderous roar, moistening the valley air and enriching it with gaseous ions known for their healing properties.
Compared to the climate of the Tian Shan in southeastern Kazakhstan, the Altai is significantly colder. Winter in the Kazakh Altai is long and harsh, with average temperatures dropping below -17 to -22 °C in January and February!
In July, the average temperatures only reach +14 to +16 °C. Therefore, the ideal time to visit the Altai is quite short: from July to August, with some opportunities still in late June and early September. Autumn begins very early and is already well established by September!
🧭 I frequently organize expeditions in Kazakhstan, so feel free to follow me on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming trips or contact me on Whatsapp. Two expeditions are already planned in the Altai region for summer 2025! You can also email me (easternpathsdata@gmail.com) or sign up for a call if you have a travel project in mind!
The Altai region is a true playground for thrill-seekers.
The majestic mountains and varied landscapes offer countless activity options.
The Altai promises excitement at every turn, making it perfect for those who love challenges and adrenaline.
The Kazakh Altai is mainly accessible from three cities in eastern Kazakhstan: Ust-Kamenogorsk (Усть-Каменогорск), Semey (Семей), or Ridder (Риддер).
🚙 By car: The journey of 983 km takes about 18 hours via the A-3 road.
✈️ By plane: Direct flights of about 1.5 hours are available 1 to 3 times a day from Almaty to Ust-Kamenogorsk.
🚂 By train: The journey takes 24 hours, with trains departing daily from Almaty.
🚙 By car: The journey of 1,002 km takes about 18 hours via the A-3/R-138 road.
✈️ By plane: Direct flights of about 1.5 hours are available, with one departure per day.
🚂 By train: Trains depart daily from Almaty.
🚙 By car: At 1,110 km, the journey takes about 20 hours.
✈️ By plane: There are no direct flights; you need to go through Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semey, or Astana.
🚂 By train: There are no trains; you need to go through Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semey, or Astana.
🚙 By car: Approximately 981 km, taking about 13 hours via the M-38 or R-174 roads.
✈️ By plane: Regular flights of 1 hour and 40 minutes.
🚂 By train: Daily trains are available.
🚙 By car: The journey of 768 km takes just over 10 hours via the R4/R-174 road.
✈️ By plane: Direct flights of 1.5 hours are available 5-6 times a week.
🚂 By train: Trains depart from several stations.
🚙 By car: The journey of 1,003 km takes about 15 hours.
✈️ By plane: There are no direct flights; you need to go through Ust-Kamenogorsk or Semey.
🚂 By train: There are no direct trains; you need to go through Ust-Kamenogorsk or Semey.
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