Pribalkhashsky Nature Reserve
Pribalkhashsky Nature Reserve is located in the Almaty Region, where the Ili River flows into Lake Balkhash. At its mouth, the river divides into many branches, covering a vast area. The reserve spans 503 thousand hectares, roughly the size of Luxembourg. It is a protected nesting site for various aquatic bird species.
The reserve's landscape is divided into desert and marshy areas. In the desert part, you can find Calligonum, sand acacia, and white saxaul. Closer to the water, there are dense thickets of reeds and bulrushes. The reserve is also home to rare plants that can only be found in Kazakhstan, such as Balkhash milkvetch, Behm's tulip, Megacarpaea iliensis, Artemisia albicerata, and Kalidium schrenkianum.
The main protected species in the reserve include 150 species of water birds, as well as goitered gazelles, muskrats, and wild boars. Notable bird species that nest in the Ili River delta include pink pelicans, spoonbills, black storks, whooper swans, steppe eagles, gray cranes, and bustards.
How to get there?
The M-36 highway, connecting Almaty with Karaganda and Astana, runs near the reserve's border.
Tourist attractions near the reserve:
- The Southern Shore of Lake Balkhash
- The Northern Shore of Lake Balkhash
- Ile-Balkhash Nature Reserve
- The Chu-Ili Mountains
- Moiynkum Desert
Recommended tours:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Altyn-Emel National Park 2-Day Tour")
Visit the stunning Altyn-Emel National Park in Kazakhstan, established to protect endangered species of plants and animals. Witness breathtaking landscapes and wildlife during your visit.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Golden Ring of Jetysu 5-Day Tour")
Embark on a distinctive travel itinerary in the Almaty Region, featuring highlights such as Altyn-Emel National Park, Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes, Lake Kaindy, Tamgaly Tas Petroglyph Site, and numerous other captivating attractions.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Altyn-Emel National Park Off-Road Tour")
On request
Off-road journey to Altyn Emel State Natural Park will allow you to make new discoveries and get the unforgettable experiences!
-2_420x650_4ab.jpg "Kolsay Lakes and Charyn Canyon 2-Day Group Tour")
Experience an unforgettable 2-day journey to the Almaty Region's most iconic landmarks: Kolsay Lakes and Charyn Canyon. Discover stunning mountain scenery and otherworldly landscapes. Spend a night in a village nestled among the mountains.