Natural attractions of Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve -
Travel from Almaty to Turkestan Region -
Aksu Canyon is a grandiose creation and miracle of nature, where over millions of years water and wind have carved a deep rift in the rocks with steep walls up to 500 meters high. The Aksu River, whose name translates as "white water", boils at the bottom of the gorge, creating a stunning contrast with the reddish rocks. This place amazes with its scale – the canyon is quite long, it is over 35 kilometers, and in the narrowest places the distance between the walls does not exceed 650 meters. The Aksu canyon and the Aksu River are part of the Aksu-Zhabagly State Nature Reserve and are located at altitudes from 900 to 1500 meters above sea level in the Talas Alatau Mountains. This reserve is the oldest in Central Asia - it was founded in 1926. This territory is unique not only for its landscapes, but also for its rich flora and fauna. In the rock niches you can see the nests of rare birds, including the black stork and the bearded vulture, and if you are lucky in the upper reaches of the gorge - you can notice the tracks of a snow leopard or the snow leopard itself. In spring, the slopes of the canyon are covered with a carpet of Greig's tulips and other endemic and rare plants.
How to get there and visit -
Aksu Canyon (Aksu River Canyon) is located on the territory of the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, Turkestan Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 42°19'38"N 70°22'29"E
Information -
The best way to get to the Aksu canyon is from the city of Shymkent or the city of Taraz - the road will take about 3-4 hours. A visit requires a special permit from the administration of the reserve, as this is a protected area. The best time to visit is from May to October, when there are no snowdrifts and you can fully appreciate the beauty of this place. The descent into the canyon is quite dangerous - the paths are steep and washed out in places, so without an experienced guide it is better not to risk it. The canyon is especially impressive at dawn or sunset, when the sun's rays paint the rocks in golden and crimson tones. Below, in a narrow gorge, there is always twilight, and the roar of the river is repeatedly amplified by the rocky walls, creating an atmosphere of an ancient, untouched world. This place seems to take you back to the dinosaur era – so pristine and powerful is the nature here. For lovers of extreme experiences, there is an opportunity to go down special routes to the Aksu River itself, where you can see bizarre stone formations and small waterfalls. But you need to be prepared for a difficult transition – in some places you literally have to climb over stones. Those who overcome this path will be rewarded with absolutely fantastic views and a feeling of unity with wild nature, which is difficult to experience anywhere else.
Aksu Canyon is not just a beautiful place, but a real natural cathedral, where time flows according to different laws. Here you especially acutely feel the power of geological processes that have shaped our planet for millions of years. And although it is not easy to get here, those who have visited this canyon will never forget its harsh and majestic beauty.
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