The north and central part of Kazakhstan is full of wild beauty, enormous steppe areas, glittering lakes and mountains of ancient origin. The National Parks of Northern Kazakhstan represent this natural wealth in the most perfect way, as they offer their visitors crystal-clear lakes, the habitat of rare wildlife species, the scenes of the surreal geological formations. All parks show the different faces of the wilderness of Kazakhstan combining nature, culture and adventure.
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Discover the Wild Beauty of Northern Kazakhstan’s National Parks
1. Altyn Emel National Park
One of the best National Parks in Northern Kazakhstan, Altyn Emel is known due to its mystical Singing Dune, a huge sand hill that creates a melodic sound when the wind blows. The park is located in the Ili River valley, which is a combination of desert and mountainous landscapes. Wild animals can be seen by wildlife enthusiasts, including gazelles, wild asses, and golden eagles. Photographers and explorers are attracted to it because of its surreal landscape and old petroglyphs.
2. Ile-Alatau National Park
Ile-Alatau National Park is situated at the outskirts of Almaty it is a beautiful contrast of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows. The park is ideal to go on trekking, picnicking and watch wild animals such as lynx and ibex running freely. It is further enhanced by crystal-clear lakes like the Big Almaty Lake. The Ile-Alatau will be a cool retreat of families who visit Northern Kazakhstan into clean mountain air and picturesque serenity.
3. Burabay National Park
Burabay National Park is the most recognizable of all the National Parks in Northern Kazakhstan and is characterized by pine trees, blue lakes, and granite rock formations. The lake of Borovoe is reminiscent of the emerald hills, and legends of heroes and spirits give the area the cultural flair. These activities are hiking, boating and cycling. It is ideal to both the couples and families because of its clean air and fairy-tale landscape.
4. Kokshetau National Park
Kokshetau National Park is famous with its picturesque lakes – Zerenda, Shchuchye and Imantau, enclosed with birch and pine trees. It is a heaven of campers, birdwatchers and nature photographers. It has gentle hills and serene lakes that provide a serene rest to the tourists who want to relax and reconnect with nature. It is among the most places to visit in National parks in Northern Kazakhstan.
5. Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage site Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan, Korgalzhyn is the home of over 300 species of birds, including a well-known pink flamingo. It is an ideal place to visit because of the large wetlands and salt lakes, which are the dream of the photographers and bird lovers. The experience of sitting at the wetlands and watching the sunset and flamingos as they move around the horizon is one that one can never forget.
6. Bayanaul National Park
Bayanaul is among the oldest and most popular parks of Kazakhstan that is full of beautiful granite formations, ancient caves, and four large lakes, including Sabyndykol, Jasybay, Toraigyr and Birzhankol. Tourists have the option of hiking, swimming or camping under the star decorations. The unusual rock formations in the park, including the Sleeping Knight, are associated with the Kazakh mythology, which also gives the park a mythical appeal to its natural beauty.
7. Karkaraly National Park
Karkaraly National Park boasts of great mountains, tranquil lakes and dense pine forests. The park is a mixture of natural scenery and culture due to its archaeological sites and ancient petroglyphs. Hike to the Shaitankol (Devil Lake) or panorama view at the mountains. It is a place that will appeal to both the adventure and the history lovers who want to explore the wild Northern part of Kazakhstan.
8. Buiratau National Park
The Buiratau National Park is a region that covers the steppes, river valleys, and forested lands, which is home to rare animals such as saiga antelopes and steppe eagles. This park has a combination of the various landscapes and delicate ecosystems of Kazakhstan. The wildlife and the wilderness will offer an inexhaustible chance to the eco-tourists and photographers to see the harmony in one of the best preserved National Parks in Northern Kazakhstan.
9. Charyn Canyon National Park
Charyn Canyon is one of the most dramatic natural phenomena in Kazakhstan, the cliffs of the red sandstones formed by the wind and water during centuries. It has a well-known Valley of Castles that provides breathtaking hiking paths and breathtaking views. Its wild nature and unrealistic forms will leave families and photographers awestruck. During sunrise and sunset, Charyn landscapes shine with gold and it is indeed the spectacle of Northern Kazakhstan.
10. Kolsai Lakes National Park
The Kolsai Lakes National Park is a beautiful scenic alpine area of three lakes with forests and snowy mountains. Tourists may hike through Kolsai to Kaindy Lakes which has its own submerged forest and turquoise lake. It has perfect family adventure destination with horseback riding, boating and camping. It is among the crown jewels of the Kazakhstan area under protection due to its magical scenery.
Conclusion
The National Parks in Northern Kazakhstan provide a traveler with an unbelievable combination of landscapes canyons, dunes, alpine lakes, bird-filled wetlands. Every park has its own story to be visited, to reunite and fall in love with the beauty of nature in its crude form. It could be the flamingos of Korgalzhyn, the Singing Dunes of Altyn Emel, the fairy-tale lakes of Kolsai but Northern Kazakhstan will be remembered forever.
For more detailed itineraries and travel insights, check out our Kazakhstan travel guide curated by Go Kite Tours. Having a reliable knowledge, uninterrupted planning and a customized service, Go Kite Tours makes the experience of each trip to the national parks of Kazakhstan a story to be told.
