Unveiling Kazakhstan's Hidden Natural Wonders: One Adventure Outside of Almaty and Astana

Kazakhstan natural wonders is mostly famous for such cosmopolitan cities as Almaty and Astana, also known as Nur-Sultan; however, today one shall discover many breathtaking and still rather undocumented natural landscapes in Kazakhstan. There are many places that are yet to be explored in Kazakhstan from the great valleys and mountains up to the lakes and forest that date many centuries back. Here, amazing things are not limited to sights that are a must-visit for every traveler, and for those who like extreme and unknown but interesting places, here are some guide to places to see Kazakhstan

1. Charyn Canyon: A miniature version of the Grand Canyon :

Location: Located about 200 km east of Almaty, Chloride canyon can be considered not as famous as other canyons, however the Beaufy is astonishing.
Secret Wonder: Valley of Castles is exscarp of Charyn Canyon and this area is named so due to numerous sharp rock pillars resembling the castles. These natural sculptures together with the reddish and orange coloured wall of the canyon make the scenery of the area as beautiful as any grand canyon.
Why Visit: Beautiful valley of castles can be a great inaugural surprise for people who are expecting the savanna-like desert of Kazakhstan. Of course, its form and color contrast are exceptional which make it even more special to adventurers and photographers to explore.

2. The Mystical Singing Dunes of Altyn Emel :

Location: Located approximately 250 kilometers north-east of Almaty, Altyn Emel National Park as at presents a haven of natural endowment of Kazakhstan.
Secret Wonder: The singing dunes are considered one of the park’s mysteries as for tourists and visitors they are visible but cannot be touched and explored. These giant sand formations make beautiful sounds that humans can hear when wind blows through them and this has left many visitors fascinated for long. The melodic sound is generated through the relative motion of sand particles and exudes the feel that is exclusively associated with desert terrain making this place unique.
Why Visit: Beautiful desert views and the unique feature – singing sand dunes: this is what the visitors can enjoy. While climbing up the dunes, this kind of music gives quite an ethereal touch to the panoramic views of the surrounding steppe and mountains.

3.Aktau and Katutau Mountains :

Location: About 200 km to the east of Almaty there’s the Charyn Canyon which may not be as popular as for example the nearby Big Almaty or Kalkan, but definitely as magnificent.
Secret Wonder: The Valley of Castles is the picturesque part of the Charyn Canyon where the rock formations reminding of ancient castles can be seen. These self-created statues in the company of those red and orange walls of the canyon are simply breathtaking that, there can be no other grand canyon to compete with this one.
Why Visit: Vallei of Castles looks very different from most of Kazakhstan where one expects to see vast desert expanses. The slopes owe their formation to geological factors and are painted in dramatic warm earth tones that make it a great place for a photo hunter and explorer.

4. The Enigmatic Black Canyon :

Location: Black Canyon lies also in the territory of the National park Altyn Emel but it is not CUSS used by many attractios are equal stunning.
Secret Wonder: The Black Canyon is well characterized by dark and towering rock walls and extremely rugged landform. This is due to the fact that the existing environment is deep, it has steep cliff walls and generally seems mysterious and grandiose.
Why Visit: For those that enjoy the sublime, unspoilt wilderness, then the Black Canyon is perfect. This track consists of some of the most difficult trails and steep slopes spiraling in dramatic terrains that makes this an invigorating avenue for the hiker and nature lover.

4. Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi :

Location: The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is one of the cultural and historical sites in the city of Turkistan which is located approximately 700 kilometers southwest of Almaty.
Secret Wonder: This may not be a natural marvel but visiting this site is worthwhile as it holds the UNESCO World Heritage status, and the architectural beauty of the building is a bonus for the beautiful country that is Kazakhstan. Wonderful tiling, domes and courtyards of the mausoleum can give an idea about the history and architectural ability of the region.
Why Visit: The way a travel to the Mausoleum can be linked with the exploration of the landscapes in its vicinity presents people with rather diverse perceiving of the world. Experience shows that cultural and nature tourism contribute positively to the improvement of any journey across Kazakhstan.

Tips for Exploring Kazakhstan’s Hidden Natural Wonders :

Travel logistics: Some remote areas require private transportation or guided tours. Planning and coordinating with a local guide will help you enjoy your experience and make the most of your visit.
Pack accordingly: Kazakhstan’s diverse landscapes mean you’ll need to pack a lot. Bring the right hiking gear, layers of clothing suitable for different climates, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Respect nature: To keep Kazakhstan’s environment clean, follow the Leave No Trace principle and comply with local regulations. This will help preserve the wonders of nature for future travelers.