Lake Issyk
How to get there:
— by private transport along the Kuldzhinsky highway in the direction of the city of Esik, then follow the signs
— on the tour bus.
The area surrounded by rocky mountains, forests, and meadows, where you can find plants listed in the Red Book. The lake changes color depending on the weather.
What to see:
— reserve
— the mound where the Golden Man was found
— “Kremlin Wall”.
Address: 65 km East of Almaty, drive about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Charyn Canyon
How to get there:
— on the bus that departs from the Sayakhat bus station, the ticket price is 1000 tenge
— order a minibus for 7-10 people
— on the tour bus
— by private transport.
One of the most famous and beautiful natural attractions located on the spurs of the Tien Shan. It is considered the younger brother of one of the largest gorges on the planet — the Grand Canyon.
What to see:
— small zoo
— Ashen grove
— Turanga grove
— valley of castles.
Address: 195 km East of Almaty, the road takes 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Kaindy Lake
How to get there:
— by car along the Kuldzhinsky highway (190 km), then follow the signs
— on the tour bus.
An unusual lake with clear water and trees that seem to grow out of it. The territory is surrounded by mountains and fir trees. The water in the lake changes color from blue, turquoise to brown, depending on weather conditions.
What to see:
— Birch grove
— trout in the lake.
Address: 288 km from Almaty, Kungei-Alatau gorge, the road takes 5-7 hours.
Big Almaty Lake
How to get there:
— from the First President Park, you can take the bus 28 and get to the Alma-Arasan terminal stop, then go about 8 km along the pipe
— hitchhiking
— by private car
Big Almaty Lake can be visited at any time of the year. In summer, you can stop for a picnic, rest in a gazebo, go to the lake. In winter, you can take a walk in the snowy mountains. It is also a great place for photoshoots.
What to see:
— FIAN scientific station
— Tourist Peak and Big Almaty Peak
— lake
— take a walk on the slopes.
Address: 15 km south of the outskirts of Almaty, Zailiysky Alatau.
Singing Dunes
How to get there:
— on the tour bus
— by private car, along the Almaty-Kapchagai highway to Sary-Ozek, then continue driving through the Altyn-Emel pass and the village of Basshi.
It is located in Altyn-Emel National Park. It is considered one of the seven wonders of Kazakhstan and a national landmark. When you go down from the crest of the dune, you can hear sounds that come from the depths of the sand mountain.
What to see:
— Singing Dune
— Ile River
— Dzungarian Alatau.
Address: 300 km North-East of Almaty.
Turgen Gorge
How to get there:
— by private car, along the Kuldzhinsky highway, and follow through Issyk. At the intersection near the Royal Petroleum gas station after the village of Tole Bi turn right, into the gorge.
— through tourist destinations.
One of the most popular destinations for tourists and residents of Almaty. There are many other smaller gorges, rivers, tracts, and attractions.
What to see:
— waterfalls
— Kiela-Bulak spring
— The Golden Man and an outdoor museum
— Chinturgen moss spruce forests
— trout farm.
Address: 90 km from Almaty.
Assy Plateau
How to get there:
— by private car, along the Kuldzhinsky highway, and follow through Issyk. At the intersection near the Royal Petroleum gas station after the village of Tole Bi turn right, into the gorge. The first stop before the waterfalls of the Turgen Gorge.
One of the most picturesque places in the foothills of the Tien Shan. There is an Astronomical Observatory, and along the way, you can see Red Rocks and white snowy landscapes.
What to see:
— Observatory
— endless meadows
— a view of the landscape
Address: 75 km East of Almaty.
Chunja hot springs
How to get there:
— by bus, a round trip ticket from 5500 tenge, only on weekends
— taxi, at the Sayakhat bus station in both directions from 8000 tenge
— you can take a private car along the Almaty — Khorgos highway, then follow the signs.
These are mineral springs near Almaty, which is known for its unique hot radon springs. Here you can get medical treatment, breathe clean air, watch the scenery, and relax from the bustle of the city.
What to see:
— recreation areas
— mountains
— springs.
Address: Chunja village, 350 km from Almaty.
Bartogay Lake
How to get there:
— by private car along the Kuldzhinsky highway towards the village of Kokpek.
The reservoir located between two mountains — Toraigyr and Syugaty. The most interesting and exciting sight occurs when two tunnels opened and two large water streams formed. People come here to enjoy the landscape in silence. You can also fish here, trout and carp are found in the reservoir.
What to see:
— reservoir
— dams
— grove.
Address: 186 km to the East from Almaty, Enbekshikazakh District, 10 km from the village Asysaga.
Kolsay Lake
This is a system of three lakes, which is called the Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan. The lakes are surrounded by pine trees, and trout live in the water.
How to get there:
— by private car, preferably by SUV, along the Kuldzhinsky highway, you need to get to the village of Saty. On the road fork, go left on the main road, get to the environmental post, and then walk
— by intercity bus from the city bus station
— rent a minibus.
Address: 330 km South-East of Almaty.
Photo source: @vkadre_kz
