Ile-Alatau National Park
Established in 1931 under the name Almaty State Reserve, the Ile-Alatau National Park graces the slopes of the Ile Alatau Mountains, to the south of Almaty. A portion of this national park extends within the very bounds of Almaty itself.
Initiated by zoologists, botanists, and academicians hailing from the USSR's Academy of Sciences, the park's inception aimed at safeguarding precious rarities, including the Tien Shan spruce, the Sievers apple tree, and the wild apricot.
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As time evolved, a surge in tourist footfall occurred within this region, intensifying the urgency of conserving the biological diversity, glaciers, rivers, and lakes that compose the essence of the Ile-Alatau Park. The park shelters the following noteworthy landmarks:
- Aksai Skete
- Big Almaty Lake
- Big Almaty Peak
- Bogdanovich Glacier
- Butakov Waterfalls
- Cosmostation
- Furmanov Peak
- Gorelnik Gorge
- Issyk Trout Farm
- Kaskelen Gorge
- Kok Jailau Plateau
- Lake Issyk
- Manshuk Mametova Lake
- Molodezhny Peak
- Talgar Peak
- Titov Peak
- Tuyuk-Su Alpine Camp
- Turgen Gorge, and more.
The park features a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Among the plant realm, the Tien Shan rowan, Siberian juniper, ziziphora, oregano, foxtail lily, and rhodiola thrive. Meanwhile, the park teems with an assortment of remarkable fauna, including wapitis, Himalayan vultures, Xinjiang toads, Turkestan lynxes, Eurasian common shrews, beech martens, Siberian roe deer, Altai argalis, Turkestan red pikas, and forest dormice, among others. Avian enthusiasts will delight in glimpsing Eurasian hoopoes, European rollers, goldcrests, and spotted nutcrackers.
How to get there?
The national park encompasses a vast territory to the south and southeast of Almaty. One of the easiest ways to reach the park is to take buses #28 (to Alma-Arasan Street), 211 (to the Alma-Arasan Resort or Ayusai Gorge), or 12 (to the Medeu Skating Rink).
The main office of the park is located at 1 Zhandosova St. (Tausamaly microdistrict). Opening hours: Mon-Fri from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Recommended tours:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "The Best of Almaty Tour: Mountains")
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain landscapes just a stone's throw away from the center of Almaty! Explore the awe-inspiring wonders nestled in the Ile-Alatau Mountains and ascend to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Lake Issyk One-Day Tour")
Welcome to Lake Issyk, one of the most picturesque lakes near Almaty. This tour also offers insights into archaeological finds within Scythian burial mounds.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Butakov Waterfalls Trekking Tour")
On request
Butakov Waterfalls can be found in the Ile Alatau Mountains near Almaty. The breathtaking scenery, pristine air, and refreshing coolness have been drawing tourists to this location for quite some time.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Bogdanovich Glacier Trekking Tour")
On request
Embark on a trek to the Bogdanovich Glacier, the closest glacier to the city of Almaty. Enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks from the glacier's observation point.
On request
Situated at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, this frigid and desolate lake boasts a depth of 30 meters. The lake is encompassed by stunning mountain peaks, creating an exceptionally beautiful panorama from all directions.
On request
An easy trekking route suitable for all, including adults and children. Discover Shukur waterfalls and Big Almaty Lake, nestled amid towering mountains and coniferous forests.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Boukreev Peak Trekking Tour")
On request
An easy circular trekking route leading to Boukreev Peak in the Ile Alatau Mountains. Spanning 17 kilometers and designed for a one-day adventure, this trail begins at the Almatau tourist base in the Kotyrbulak gorge.
On request
Standing at 3680 meters, the Big Almaty Peak might give the false impression of being a formidable and challenging climb. However, ascending to the summit doesn't necessitate specialized mountaineering skills.
On request
Kim-Asar Gorge is very popular among Almaty townspeople. The main reason is that it can be easily reached by bus or by car, and a slight steep ascent allows even unprepared tourists to pass it. In addition, the route is available for walking almost any time of year.