Tourism and travel organization in Altai in Kazakhstan -
Ecological tourism in the East Kazakhstan region -
Kazakhstan Altai, or simply Altai, also known as the Altai Mountains, is a unique place that awakens the most vivid emotions and is associated with the romance of wild nature. This is a corner of Kazakhstan, where writers and philosophers place their utopian dreams, and travelers such as Alexander von Humboldt encountered unbridled nature at every turn of the trail. The remoteness and inaccessibility of this region creates a special atmosphere that attracts seekers of spirituality and harmony with nature. Altai has been considered a place of power since ancient times: from the Scythians to the present day, they talk about the "fluids" that permeate this place.
Lake paradise Markakol -
The valley of Lake Markakol is a place where nature impresses with its pristine beauty. The Old Believers who once hid in these valleys have long gone, and their place has been taken by yogis who dream of touching the mythical Shambhala, and New Age followers seeking the wisdom of Altai shamans. Markakol also attracts scientists and naturalists, because rare species of animals listed in the Red Book live here.
How to get to Altai -
This region is famous for the variety of its landscapes. From the sultry steppes and desert plains to the east, the transition begins to the hills covered with endless fields of sunflower. Closer to the mountain ranges, dense forests and mirror-clear lakes appear, reflecting the sky. The snow-capped peaks of Altai, piercing the clouds, complete this picturesque spectrum. Altai remains an attractive destination for researchers, fans of extreme tourism and those who seek inspiration in unspoilt nature. Spring is short here, but it strikes with a riot of colors and the awakening of life.
Ust-Kamenogorsk and Ridder: cities of the Kazakh Altai -
Ust-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen) is the main entrance to the Altai. Despite its industrial character, the city is interesting for those who are passionate about industrial history. A 1.5–hour drive north is Ridder, a small mountain settlement surrounded by picturesque ridges. In winter, it turns into a real paradise for lovers of skiing. The Ridder is also the gateway to the West Altai Nature Reserve - a place where you can plunge into the wild world of nature. For those who are looking for privacy, accommodation in the village of Transverse, located surrounded by mountains, is ideal.
Katon-Karagai: Valley of honey and legends -
The road along the Bukhtarma reservoir leads to the fertile Katon-Karagai plateau. This region is famous for its high-quality honey, fish and unique archaeological sites such as the Scythian mounds in the Valley of the Kings.
Belukha: the mystical peak of Altai -
Belukha Mountain, the highest mountain in Altai, is surrounded by legends. Its foot is the end point of many tourist routes. It is here that the Rakhmanov Hot Springs resort is located, offering vacationers a unique combination of healing waters and stunning landscapes. Lake Rakhmanovskoye is also located here, which impresses with its beauty at any time of the year, next to the lake there is the Rakhmanovsky waterfall and the Joyous pass to which the mountain route leads.
Markakol and other pearls of the Kazakh Altai -
The southern road from Ust-Kamenogorsk opens the way to Lake Markakol, which attracts with its beauty and rare fauna. This place is ideal for fans of winter fishing and wildlife watching.
Tours and events in Altai -
Various types of recreation are available in Altai: trekking, horse riding, bird watching, ethnographic excursions, photo safaris and botanical tours. Local guides will help you organize routes to the most picturesque and unique places in the region.
Permits to visit border areas -
Previously, special permits were required to visit some parts of the Kazakh Altai, but now they are not required if you do not plan to come close to the border (for example, at Mount Belukha).
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