Kazakhstan in Winters

If you are looking for the best places to visit in Kazakhstan having pristine natural elegance and beauty, no other place will be as perfect as Altyn Emel National Park. Even though the location is quite remote, one can find diverse landforms, starting from rocky floors to humongous sand dunes, and several bordering mountains.

This park is the habitat for over 230 avian species and hence, birdwatching is a popular activity. No matter what time of the day it is, lone horses roam around the park's land, including the przewalski horses. The presence of stone steels and petroglyphs proves the existence of Saka and Scythian tribes.

Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Located along the northern edge of the famous Tuan Shan Ridge, the Kolsai Lakes National Park is one of the most placid and auspicious attractions in Kazakhstan. From here, one will have a crystal view of both the Kaindy and the Kolsai Lakes. If you are planning to go on an adventurous trip, you can either camp or stay in the guest houses.

Here, the main vegetation covers are that of the Alpine and spruce types, along with crystalline frozen lakes in the middle portion. Twelve different rate flora species are present in the national park, mainly in the protected region. Apart from this, several other animals are also found like the Turkestan Lynx, Tian Shen bear, Rainbow trout fish, and others.

Location: Grigorievka, Kazakhstan

Entry fee: 750 tenge per person and a surplus of 1000 tenge for personal cars

Turgen Gorge is definitely one of the most exquisite places to visit in Kazakhstan. The Turgen vegetation is most spruce type, with the waterfall washing away the soil from in between. Right after the entrance gates, you can visit the trout farm followed by the nomadic Asy highlands. Deeper into the woods of the Turgan Gorge are several fauna species including marmots, deer, ibex, and golden eagles.

Location: From Turgen village to the foot of Asy Pass

Entry fee: 200 tenge per person

Also known to be the sunken forest, Lake Kaindy is one of the major attractions in the Almaty district of Kazakhstan. The lake is quite deep, the depth almost reaching thirty meters. Filled with fresh mountain river water, the lake is the home to submerged Schrenk's spruce trees. During the summer and autumn seasons, the water is so transparent that you can view the submerged roots of the plants.

However, during the winter season, the lake freezes in certain areas which is why it’s a great spot for ice diving. Trout fishing is also a popular activity in this region.

Location: north of Kolsai Lakes National Park, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Most of the Kazakhstan tourist places are full of wonders and mysteries. But, somehow, Tamgaly Tas has outsmarted every one of them, making itself known as the most enigmatic spots in the country. It’s an open air temple, whose popularity is the result of rock carvings and paintings. Five immaculate images of deities as per the Buddhism doctrines have been carved out of the rocks, making it quite charming.

Other than these, you will also find several carvings belonging to the different Kazakh clans. All these petroglyphs depict the richness of the Kazakh history and establish the relationship between this country and the Central Asian culture.

Location: Ili river banks, 120 kilometres north of the Almaty district, Kazakhstan

If you are visiting the Tamgaly Gorge, stopping at the Nomad's Land will be worth your time. Also known as the City of Nomads, this is one of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan. The Nomad's Land is nothing but an old, abandoned, and almost deserted movie set for those plots revolving around the nomadic lifestyle.

The buildings and other structures replicate the real-time palaces and forts in the most inexplicable way. Apart from this, the small streets, houses, and courtyards are designed in a wonderful way. You can roam around the set, taking pictures, and observing this old movie set which is hardly being used nowadays.

Location: Tamgaly Gorge, Kazakhstan

Covering most of the north eastern region of the Tian Shan mountain ranges, the Aksu-Zhabagly is the oldest natural reserve in the entire Central Asia. In close vicinity to this area is the famous Aksu river flowing while the Zhabagly range is located towards the northern side.

A lot of regional avian species can be found here, which is why birdwatching and photography are the two most crucial activities here. Apart from this, one can also find several insects in the reserve. The ecosystem of this Aksu natural reserve is very diverse, which is why it is one of the most visited tourist spots in Kazakhstan.

Location: Tulkus, Kazakhstan