Top 10 Natural Wonders of Kazakhstan

The ninth largest country in the world, Kazakhstan is a natural gem of ecological diversity and beauty. The landscapes of Kazakhstan are composed of stunning canyons, emerald lakes, singing dunes, and alpine meadows which present unforgettable adventures to the lovers of the nature. Any international traveler who intends to visit these beautiful places needs to know how to get the Kazakhstan tourist visa. It has never been simpler to visit this gem of Central Asia with its simplified online visa services and easy-to-reach embassy support.

You would want to know all about these natural wonders before you make the trip to explore them and it is only wise that you are properly informed of the Kazakhstan travel visa tips that would make your trip hassle free. Whether you are going alone, with a photography tour or with family, the timing of application, documents required and the stay time will make your adventure stress-free. So, here are the 10 greatest natural wonders of Kazakhstan that will make you amazed with its pristine beauty.

Here are the Top 10 Natural Wonders of Kazakhstan

1. Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon is a geological masterpiece that was created by wind and water over millions of years and compared often to the Grand Canyon. This canyon is situated in the Charyn National Park (approximately 200 kilometers away of Almaty) and it is more than 90 kilometers long and reaches a depth of 300 meters. The most well-known is its Valley of Castles where unusual rock structures look like old castles. The canyon is suitable to hiking, photography, and eco-tourism. Go during spring or autumn, when it is not hot.

2. Kaindy Lake

Kaindy Lake is one of the most surreal lakes in the world and it is situated in the Tian Shan Mountains. The lake was created due to an earthquake that caused a landslide in 1911 and is well-known because of the submerged forest. The turquoise water appears eerie and mesmerizing with the tree trunks protruding on the water. The lake can be reached by a 5-hour car drive to Almaty and a short walk. Kaindy Lake is perfect during the months of May to September when the weather is good and adventurers and photographers can easily visit the lake.

3. Big Almaty Lake

It is a natural alpine reservoir that is situated only 28 km south of Almaty in Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Big Almaty Lake is set at the altitude of 2,500 meters, and with its blue waters and snow-capped mountains, the lake is one of the most Instagrammable places in the country. It is also a major source of water and thus swimming is prohibited. Nevertheless, the lake provides impressive sceneries, particularly in the early summer when vegetation is dense and green.

4. Altyn Emel National Park Singing Dunes

The Singing Dunes are a natural phenomenon, which is found within the Altyn Emel National Park. The wind sweeping across these sand dunes makes a low humming noise--like that of an airplane far away. The dunes are up to 150 meters and about 3 kilometers in length. The park is found northeast of Almaty and contains wild gazelles, mountain goats and ancient petroglyphs. The best time to visit is between April and October and it is good to remember to take a lot of water and sun protection.

5. Bektau-Ata Mountains

The Bektau-Ata Mountains are an uncommon and not very well-known miracle that resembles a mirage in the heart of the Betpak-Dala desert. These rocky hills provide an alien kind of landscape with strange shaped granite formations, secret caves and natural rock pools. This region is approximately 70 kilometers north of Balkhash; it is an excellent site of camping and rock climbing. It suits best the people who want to have non-touristic experiences.

6. Markakol Lake

Markakol Lake is located in the Altai Mountains in eastern Kazakhstan, which is covered by dense taiga forests and snow-capped mountains. The lake acts as a sanctuary to the endemic fish and migratory birds which makes it a paradise to nature lovers and bird watchers. Markakol has unspoiled beauty that can only be accessed in the summer since it is heavily covered by snows, thus making it a peaceful getaway out of the city.

7. Ustyurt Plateau

The Ustyurt Plateau extends through western Kazakhstan and into Uzbekistan and is a dramatic landscape of chalk cliffs, salt pans and colorful rock formations. It has got a mystifying and photogenic Martian-like landscape. Ustyurt plateau is inhabited by rare species of animals like Ustyurt mouflon and the saiga antelope. It is located remotely and guided tours are advised to guarantee safety and directions.

8. Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve

The Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve in the western Tien Shan Mountains is the oldest nature reserve in Kazakhstan. The reserve is known to be biodiverse with snow leopards, ibex and over 1,300 species of plants. The reserve also has the Aksu Canyon where one can do some spectacular trekking. The best time to visit is in spring and early summer, when the wildflowers are in flower.

9. Tamgaly Tas Petroglyphs

Although not a natural wonder in its narrow sense, Tamgaly Tas is a mixture of nature and ancient human expression. This location is located on the banks of the Ili River, and it consists of Buddhist rock carvings that date back to the 17 th century, with rugged hills and peaceful river views.

10. Kolsai Lakes

The Kolsai Lakes are also known as the pearls of the Northern Tien Shan and are three alpine lakes which are located between pine forests and mountain ridges. These lakes are found on the border of Kyrgyz and they are renowned trekking, horseback riding, and camping sites. The lower lakes Lake Kolsai-1 can be reached by car, and the upper lakes are reached by trek. It is a place to visit when you want to enter the fairytale, particularly in late spring and early autumn.

Conclusion

The natural beauty of Kazakhstan is as rich as it is intriguing. Whether it is canyons that are comparable to Grand Canyon, singing dunes that are the subject of myth or mystical lakes, each nook and cranny of this immense nation is an exclusive show. To have the best experience of your trip to Kazakhstan, you should be well informed about the process of getting the Kazakhstan tourist visa, the kinds of visas it offers, documents needed, and the time it takes to process the visa.

Remember to do some research on handy tips for travel visas in Kazakhstan such as applying early enough, ensuring that there is no travel ban on the region and having printed copies of your approved visa. With the correct information and the spirit of adventure, you are ready to discover the unbelievable landscapes of Kazakhstan. Be it the trekking of Kolsai Lakes or admiring petroglyphs of Tamgaly Tas, this Central Asian country will take you on a journey like no other.