Nature Reserves
Explore Kazakhstan's oldest and most pristine protected areas — from ancient forests to steppe oases.
Turkestan Region, Southern Kazakhstan
Nature Reserves
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve — Central Asia's Oldest Protected Area
Established in 1926, Aksu-Zhabagly is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia and one of Kazakhstan's most important conservation areas. Located in the western Tian Shan mountains near the border wi
April to May for tulips; June to September for hiking; year-round for wildlife
Pavlodar Region, Central-Northeast Kazakhstan
Nature Reserves
Bayanaul National Park — Oasis of the Steppe
Bayanaul National Park, established in 1985 as Kazakhstan's first national park, is an unexpected oasis of forested mountains, rocky outcrops, and clear freshwater lakes rising from the endless flat s
May to September (June-August for swimming; May and September for hiking without crowds)
Almaty Region, Southeast Kazakhstan
Nature Reserves
Ile-Alatau National Park — Almaty's Mountain Playground
Ile-Alatau National Park stretches along the northern slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau range directly behind Almaty, making it one of the most accessible mountain wilderness areas of any major city in t
May to October (June-September for hiking; winter for ski touring)