Activities and Destinations

Aksu-Jabagly Nature Reserve

Established in 1926, the Aksu-Jabagly state nature reserve is the oldest nature reserve of Central Asia. Located in the north western part of the Tien Shan range at elevations from 1100 to 4236 meters, it is one of the richest populated nature reserves in the world. You will find there luxuriant mountain fields and steppes, magnificent juniper forest, springs, rivers, and rocks. In spring the landscape is covered by rare flowers, wild tulips (Greig’s giant tulips and Kaufmann’s tulips) in particular. When in May its alpine meadows are dotted with the wild bright red tulips, a traveler can enjoy the spectacular and unforgettable view – a cover of giant flowers spreading across emerald green fields. By the way, the tulips of Holland originated from this region!

Read more in Aksu-Jabagly Nature Reserve.

Rock carvings in the Aksu-Jabagly nature reserve

The main part of the nature reserve is located in the Tien Shan mountain range. Ancient rock carvings can be found in the mountains near the village Kaskabulak. These rock carvings are considered to be made by Kaskabulak people who lived here approximately 2500 years ago.

This area is a part of the nature reserve, so you must pay an admittance fee and to be accompanied by a ranger or guide to enter the place. The location is reachable but expect encountering difficulties on the way. When snow is gone in spring you can go there but plan before 2 days to reach the place and return to Jabagly village.

Caves in the Karatau mountain range

A few kilometers to the north of Aksu-Jabagly the Karatau mountain range begins and stretches for about 500 to the northwest. The Karatau mountain range has many caves, and in some of them you can find remnants of ancient people that used to live there thousands years ago. Although this cave does not contain any prehistoric drawings, it is an interesting place to visit.

The cave system consists of several rooms, some only accessible by children. In the main room there is a stalactitic-stalagmitic cave that should make your wishes come out when touched. one of the One of the caves leads to the subterranean lake. No admittance fee to enter the caves.

Turkistan

Turkistan is a place of particular significance for the whole Central Asian region. Turkistan was an important trade center standing on the Great Silk Road. The first great Turkic Muslim holy man brought religious glory to the town. The mausoleum in his honor was built on a grand scale by Timur in the late 14th century. Today this one of the largest, outstanding and best-preserved constructions of the Timurid period, considered to be Kazakhstan’s greatest building and the most important site of Muslim pilgrimage in Central Asia.

Turkistan was so important that it gave its name to almost the whole Central Asian region until the Great October revolution in 1917. At that time the region was divided into two parts called Eastern Turkistan and Western Turkistan. Read more in Turkistan and Otrar.

Sary-Agash Spas

Southern Kazakhstan is a recognized region of mineral spas which can be found to the south of the region in Sary-Agash. Aerated and non-aerated bottled water from Sary-Agash can be spotted throughout Kazakhstan while the popular Central Asian Sary-Agash spa is situated in the south of Southern Kazakhstan.

Mashat Gorge

Mashat Gorge (30 km to the northeast of Shymkent) is a very picturesque and lovely site for those who like unorganized touring. Go go out to the countryside on a hot summer day to enjoy beautiful nature, fresh air, and rest alongside mountainous springs! Those who prefer organized tours at tourist centers are welcome to “Burgulyuk” and “Kyryk-kyz” rest homes located nearby captivating Burgulyuk Gorge, 70 km off Shymkent.

Another place to see for those loving mysteries in nature is the Crying Cave in Kelte-Mashat Gorge. You can get to the place by horse or jeep. Have never tried horse-riding? Traveling to Southern Kazakhstan will offer you numerous possibilities to do that!

Water Reservoir

Should you prefer relaxing on a lake shore shed by sun and swimming in warm waters of Shardara reservoir go to the south of the region (see the map). Also, you can get permission for fishing and rent a boat over there.