Biosphere Reserves and National Parks of the Republic of Kazakhstan -
Tours and excursions to the reserves of the Almaty region -
Almaty Nature Reserve - located in Kazakhstan, is one of the oldest and most picturesque reserves. Founded in 1931, it has become an important object of nature conservation, preserving unique ecosystems, rare species of animals and plants. The reserve is located in the Almaty region both in the flat part and in the mountainous area, in the flat part the reserve extends to the territory of the Altyn-Emel Park, where famous natural attractions such as the Singing Dune (Singing Sand Mountain) and the Ili River are located. In the mountainous area, the reserve is located on the territory of the Ile-Alatau Park and consists of two mountain gorges. The first is the Big Almaty Gorge, where the Big Almaty Lake is located and the second is the Small Almaty Gorge, where the Medeo sports complex and the Shymbulak high-mountain base are located. Both mountain gorges are located within the city of Almaty. The reserve also includes the Turgen gorge with its famous plateau, Assy (Asy), to which a picturesque mountain road leads. The highest point in the reserve is the Talgar peak, which reaches 5,000 meters above sea level. There are many tourist routes on the territory of the reserve, which are accessible both by car and on foot along mountain trails.
How to get there and visit -
The Almaty Nature Reserve is located within the city of Almaty and in the Almaty region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°06'46"N 76°54'31"E
History and information -
The Almaty Nature Reserve was founded in 1931, during the era of active development of environmental activities in Kazakhstan. At that time, the issue of protecting the unique ecosystems of the Zailiysky Alatau, threatened by growing agriculture and deforestation, became acute. The purpose of creating the reserve was to preserve forests, populations of Tien Shan spruce, rare species of animals such as snow leopard and maral, as well as mountain ecosystems. During the Soviet period, the Almaty Reserve served as an important scientific base for studying mountain landscapes and the biodiversity of the Tien Shan. Researchers conducted experiments on forest restoration and monitored climate change. Today, the reserve is recognized as the most important natural site of Kazakhstan, being a place where scientists and tourists can study rare flora and fauna. Today, the reserve is recognized as an object of national importance and is under strict protection. The Almaty Nature Reserve is not only a natural treasure, but also an important element of the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. It is associated with the history of the Saka tribes, ancient trade routes and legends about mountain spirits that are passed down from generation to generation. This is a unique place where natural splendor combines with history and culture. By visiting the reserve, you can immerse yourself in the world of pristine nature, enjoy the grandeur of the mountain landscapes and discover the rich flora and fauna of Kazakhstan.
Climate, flora and fauna -
The Almaty Reserve covers an area of about 733 km², including mountain ranges, glaciers, gorges and valleys. The climate of the reserve is sharply continental: summers are cool and winters are snowy. In the summer months, the temperature varies from +10°C to +20°C, in winter it can drop to -15°C. More than 1,500 plant species grow on its territory, of which more than 30 are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. Among them, we can highlight the Tien Shan spruce, juniper, alpine flowers and rare species of grass. The forests of the reserve are rich in nut trees, berries and mushrooms. The reserve is home to about 200 species of vertebrates, including such rare species as the snow leopard, Siberian roe deer, argali and brown bear. Birds include eagles, golden eagles, mountain snowcocks, falcons and owls.
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