What is interesting in Zhetysu region -
Horseback tours and walks in nature reserves of Kazakhstan -
The Zhongar Alatau National Nature Park, established in 2010, covers about 356,000 hectares and is located on the northern slope of the Dzungarian (Semirechensk) Alatau, covering Aksu, Sarqand and Alakol districts of the Zhetysu region. It is the second largest protected natural area of Kazakhstan, created to preserve the unique nature and cultural heritage of the country. The uniqueness of the park lies in the fact that the ancestor of all apple trees on Earth grows on its territory – the wild Sievers apple tree ("Eva"), a unique species listed in the Red Book and protected by law. About 1% of its global populations have been preserved here alone. In addition, the park preserves unique endemic plants such as the Niedzwiecki apple tree, Alatau saffron, adonis, and astragalus – a total of more than 76 species found only here. The main natural attractions of the park are: the beautiful high-altitude lake Zhasylkol, the mountain peak of Semenov-Tien-Shan, whose height is 4622 meters above sea level and which is the highest point of the Dzungarian Alatau, and the Dzungarian Gate Mountain pass, along which the route of the Great Silk Road passed in ancient times.
How to get there and visit -
Zhongar Alatau Nature Park is located 400 kilometers from the city of Almaty, 160 kilometers from the city of Taldykorgan, Aksu district, Alakol district, Zhetysu region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
Park administration is located in the city of Sarkand, Venediktova Street (Arychnaya) 74.
GPS coordinates: 45°00'16"N 79°59'54"E
Geography and landscapes -
Zhongar Alatau Nature Park is not a flat park, but a mountain park, its entire territory is located in the mountains of the Dzungarian Alatau and in its foothills. These are ancient and powerful mountains that form a natural barrier between Kazakhstan and China. They are characterized by soft outlines, wide valleys and slopes covered with dense forests. Landscapes typical of Central Asia can be found in the park: subalpine and alpine belts, moss-lichen tundra, meadows, larch and spruce-fir forests, as well as lowland steppes. The highest point of the ridge is Semenov-Tien-Shan Peak (4622 m), which offers unforgettable panoramas of the vast expanses of Eastern Kazakhstan.
Flora -
More than 2,200 species of higher vascular plants grow in the park, and many of them are endemic, found only in this region. The floral elements of Siberia, Central Asia and Eastern Kazakhstan intersect here, which makes the park a real botanical treasure trove. The plains and foothill areas are dominated by sagebrush-grass steppes and thickets of juzgun, saxaul and solyanok, typical of dry continental territories. Shrubby thickets of sea buckthorn, meadowsweet, rosehip, barberry and bird cherry grow along the gorges and floodplains of the rivers. Wild fruit forests are of particular value: the Sivers apple tree (Malus sieversii), the ancestor of all cultivated apples, and the wild pear, as well as apricots, plums, almonds and cherries, have been preserved here. These forests are key genetic reservoirs for future breeding. At medium altitudes, spruce-fir, larch and birch forests are spread out, in which carpets of anemones, lumbago, irises, geraniums, buttercups, bluebells and tulips bloom in spring and summer. There are orchids, lilies, candice, edelweiss, as well as rare gentians and crocuses. In the subalpine and alpine zones there are lush meadows where Albert, Kaufman, Greig tulips, endemic cornflowers and poppies bloom in summer, creating picturesque panoramas at the foot of the cliffs and peaks.
Fauna -
The wildlife of the park is rich and diverse: more than 80 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles, 5 species of amphibians and several thousand species of insects are registered here. Among large mammals, the snow leopard (snow leopard) is a rare and secretive predator that is protected internationally. The mountains are also home to: maral and roe deer, Siberian ibex (teke), musk deer, lynx, wolf, fox, badger, brown bear and Himalayan bear, tolai hare, marmots, pipits, voles and other small mammals.
Birds here include golden eagles, steppe eagles, peregrine falcons, Saker falcons, bearded cranes, black storks, pelicans, gray geese, owls, woodpeckers, chickadees, thrushes, wagtails, goldfinches, orioles, cuckoos, and thousands of migratory birds fly through the park in spring and autumn.
Among the reptiles and amphibians found here: yellow-bellied skimmer, sand eph, cottonmouth, common toad, green toad, Central Asian frog.
The insect world is amazing in its diversity. Summer meadows are full of butterflies, dragonflies, ground beetles, bees, wasps, ants, and rare praying mantises and racehorses can be seen next to streams.
History and archeology -
The history of the territory of the Zhongar-Alatau National Park goes back to ancient times. These lands contain traces of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age. Caves, parking lots and burials found in the mountains and foothills indicate that people inhabited these places tens of thousands of years ago. In the valleys of the Karatal, Koksu and Lepsi rivers, archaeologists find stone tools, remains of dwellings and ancient hearths. One of the most interesting archaeological sites are the burial mounds of the Saka era, scattered at the foot of the mountains. These burials attest to the existence of advanced nomadic cultures that possessed iron, gold, and a complex worldview. Gold items, bronze weapons, jewelry, and tableware were found inside some of the mounds. The Saka chieftains were buried with horses and luxury goods, which indicates a high level of social organization and a special cult of ancestors.
Petroglyphs, ancient rock carvings, have been preserved in the gorges and rock outcrops of the Zhongarsky Alatau. These drawings, which are up to 2-3 thousand years old, depict hunting scenes, animals, horsemen, as well as symbolic signs and ritual scenes. The images of argali, bulls, wolves and shamanic figures are particularly interesting, which allows researchers to judge the religious beliefs and way of life of ancient tribes. Some petroglyphs are located in inaccessible gorges, hidden from the eyes of a casual traveler, and therefore have been preserved in good condition.
In the Middle Ages, important trade and nomadic routes passed through these lands, connecting the Ili River valley with Semirechye, Tarbagatai and further with East Turkestan and China. The remains of caravanserais, defensive towers, guard posts and ancient settlements are still under study. Scientists believe that some of the gorges could have been seasonal camps for traders and nomads moving between Lakes Balkhash and Alakol. A special place in the history of these places is occupied by the era of the Dzungarian Khanate (XVII–XVIII centuries). The mountains served as a natural barrier and shelter for the Dzungarian tribes, and some passes were used for military movements and strategic control. After the fall of the Khanate, many tribal groups of Kazakhs began to actively explore the foothills and high-altitude pastures, passing this knowledge from generation to generation.
There are also sacred sites and deified peaks in the park area, which the locals still respect today. Some springs, rocks, trees, and caves are considered "mazar"- places of power where the villages of elders, Sufis, fortune tellers, and healers lived.
The Zhongar-Alatau National Park is not only a natural, but also an archaeological and historical pearl of Kazakhstan. It combines wildlife landscapes, unique flora and fauna with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage that awaits new discoveries.
Tourism and travel -
Zhongar-Alatau Park is not overloaded with tourists yet, which makes it especially attractive for lovers of wild tourism and real nature. There are several ecological trails and trails for hiking, horseback riding and cycling. Popular destinations: gorges of Kora and Arasan, Karatal pass, lakes Balkashkol and Karakel, mineral springs Kapal-Arasan. In summer, you can set up tent camps here, observe animals and birds, collect medicinal herbs, swim in icy mountain streams and enjoy the silence.
Zhongar-Alatau National Park is an amazing place where wildlife has been preserved almost in its original form. This is an ideal destination for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, feel the breath of ancient mountains, see rare species of animals and be inspired by the beauty of Kazakhstan's nature.
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