When are the roads in Katon-Karagay park open -
Jeep tour from Almaty to Bukhtarma lake -
The road from Uryl and Arshaty villages to Bukhtarma lake is a real adventure for lovers of active recreation and beautiful mountain landscapes. This route runs through the picturesque territory of Katon-Karagay national park and is suitable only for off-road vehicles (4x4 jeeps). The road is open in the summer season - in June, July and August, when the weather conditions allow safe travel.
The route is a narrow country road without asphalt. Here you will find sharp turns, sharp climbs and descents, as well as rocky areas. Along the way, you will have to cross the Bukhtarma river on wooden bridges, and in rainy weather the road becomes more difficult due to washed-out pavement and deep puddles. The road goes along the Bukhtarma River valley to the village of Berel, famous for its Berel burial mounds and archaeological finds. After Berel, you need to turn to the village of Arshaty, from where the path leads up to Lake Bukhtarma, surrounded by majestic mountains and dense forests.
Do not confuse this lake with the Bukhtarma Reservoir! Lake Bukhtarma is a natural pearl hidden in the mountains of Kazakhstan's Altai. Near the lake there are comfortable places to relax: wooden gazebos, benches and equipped camping sites. Here you can stay overnight, enjoying the silence, the starry sky and fresh mountain air.
For lovers of hiking, trails leading to picturesque corners of nature begin near the lake. You can explore gorges, waterfalls and even climb observation peaks, from where stunning views of the Kazakh Altai open up.
It is important to remember that this territory is close to the state border, so there is a border outpost near the lake. You may need identification documents to visit.
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