2025 Kerbulak District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#postandearn 📍 Address: Zhetysu Region, southeastern Kazakhstan — administrative centre: Taldykorgan. Stretching from Almaty’s eastern foothills to the Chinese border, it spans desert, steppe, mountains, and lakes. A diverse tapestry of landscapes, Zhetysu ranges from sparkling Lake Alakol and Balkhash to the Singing Sands of Altyn‑Emel, from snow‑capped Tien Shan ridges to heritage‑rich steppe. It’s known as the Golden Cradle of Kazakhstan, offering everything from wildflower valleys to apple‑tree groves—the ancestors of all modern apples grow here. ✨ Tips: • Best seasons: Spring and summer bring bloom, green hills, and wildlife; autumn shows golden steppe hues; winter is cold and quiet. • Must‑visit spots: • Altyn‑Emel National Park for the haunting “Singing Dune” and vibrant Aktau & Katutau ridges. • Kolsay & Kaindy Lakes for forested alpine scenery and mirror‑calm waters. • Charyn Canyon (“Central Asia’s Grand Canyon”) for dramatic rock formations. • Mountains of the Dzungarian Alatau, home to wild apples, snow leopards, waterfalls, and spring-fed gorges. • Cultural highlights: Visit Taldykorgan’s regional museum (archaeology, local arts) and soak in centuries of nomadic‑Silk Road history. • Stay & travel: Rent a car or join guided multi‑day treks; plan ample time for scenic driving, trekking, and lakeside camping. • Health & eco‑tourism: Thermal lakes, healing waters, and emerging wellness centres make it ideal for rejuvenation. #Zhetysu #Jetysu #SevenRivers #GoldenRingKazakhstan #AltynEmel #KolsayLakes #CharynCanyon #LakeAlakol #WildKazakhstan #CentralAsia#localguides #familytrip #trip

When searching for Almaty day trip notes, the most mentioned spots are the Two Lakes and One Canyon or Big Almaty Lake. Few people mention the Altyn-Emel National Park, located over 200 km from Almaty. This national park mainly has two routes: 1. Singing Dune - 100 km round trip on rough roads The Singing Dune consists of two sand dunes, large and small. If you've seen many deserts, this might be skippable (P16-P18). 2. Aktau Mountain (Aktau Canyon) - 150 km round trip on rough roads This is the highlight of the entire national park. After 75 km of bumpy roads, the parking lot marks the starting point for the canyon hike. A 3 km walk along the riverbed leads to the White Canyon and Red Canyon. The entire canyon is filled with sparkling gypsum crystals, with well-preserved Danxia landforms and many Mars-like landscapes. Perhaps due to the extremely poor road conditions in the park, visitor numbers are low. On the day we visited, we were the only ones in Aktau Canyon. ‼️ Self-drivers must be mentally prepared: The sandy, rough roads are truly terrible. The washboard roads will make you question your life choices. Even at 60+ km/h in a 4WD, you may still skid or get stuck. Don't ask why we didn't drive at 20-30 km/h - slowing down makes the bumps even worse. After 250 km of washboard roads, even the fridge and microwave in our RV had shifted from their mounts. ‼️ Don't rush to the park entrance to buy tickets: There's no ticket office at the entrance, only a checkpoint. First navigate to Basshi village and purchase tickets at the Kassa Office. For 2 people, 2 days, 1 night + RV camping inside the park, the total cost was 7,550 KZT. ‼️ Before entering the park: - Fill up your gas tank - Bring enough drinking water and food There are no gas stations, no phone signal, and no supply points along the way. Designated camping spots are available.

#mountainhike Is this the most unique mountain range in the world? The Aktau Mountains in in Aktau National Park are a breathtaking natural wonder that YOU should visit! This place is known for its red soil, and its unique, colorful rock formations. These mountains are a feast for the eyes. 😍 The landscape looks like the volcanoes in Mars, almost otherworldly, with layers of white, gray, and reddish hues and they even change with the sunlight! Hiking in the Aktau Mountains is an exciting adventure. The trails could be quite long and quiet but are well-marked, so they are accessible for both beginners and seasoned hikers to explore. As you trek, you’ll discover stunning views of the surrounding valleys and canyons. As I have said, this is the most unique mountain range ever, so do not forget your camera! this place is incredibly photogenic! If you want to relax in nature, the Aktau Mountains offer a fantastic escape into the beauty of Kazakhstan.

#hiddengems The surface of Mars here doesn't look like a simulation! The urban area of Alashutu is second only to the largest city in terms of historical tradition. Not only does the city enjoy exploring the surrounding natural wonders, but the stunning scenery of Alcim, especially the Mars like scenery in the Chener Desert National Park, is really not a performance!! Before departing from the following attractions, it is necessary to bring snacks in the wilderness. Finding a restaurant in the wilderness is much easier than finding a restroom!! Be sure to bring cash and do not swipe your card throughout the entire process. Altyn Emel National Park O is the most important nature reserve in Kazakhstan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Being a part of this site will not compromise the scenery! The rock layers from billions of years ago give this area an alien like appearance,

Its a nice trip in almaty lazahktan. In mountains three brothers. Enjoying the breathtaking views. Incredibly beautiful! From the road to Medeu it took us about 7~8 hours to get to the top and back. The path is well signed, you won't get lost if you don't want to. The ascending to kok zhaylau is quite crowded as it seems to be popular for teenagers to camp there (unfortunately not all of them take their waste back down again). But from kok zhaylau the fun part starts and you won't probably see any people for several hours.

Interesting place to visit if you’re in Kazakhstan, about 2hrs from Almaty. The dunes do “sing” in a low sound when the wind blows especially when the sand is dry, or when you slide down the dunes. A fun place with beautiful landscape overlooking the Ili river

Altyn Emel National Park, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, is a vast protected area known for its diverse landscapes, including the stunning singing sand dunes, the Aktau Mountains, and the Ili River. The park, established in 1996, is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Bukhara deer. The unique phenomenon of the "singing dunes" draws visitors, as the shifting sands emit a melodic sound. The Aktau Mountains showcase colorful rock formations, adding to the park's geological allure. Altyn Emel National Park provides a glimpse into the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Central Asian steppes, making it a significant destination for eco-tourism and conservation efforts in Kazakhstan. #Tripstars

The Singing Dune, located near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, is a natural marvel renowned for emitting melodic sounds when the wind sweeps across its sands. Rising up to 150 meters, this phenomenon occurs due to the movement of sand grains, creating a unique auditory experience. Visitors are captivated not only by the panoramic views from the dune's summit but also by the ethereal hum that accompanies the wind. Amidst this natural wonder, one can also partake in a local tradition – sipping fresh camel milk. This cultural experience adds a delightful touch, offering a taste of Kazakhstan's nomadic heritage against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Singing Dune. #tripstars