Alakol Nature Reserve
Established in 1998, the Alakol Nature Reserve encompasses three islands on Lake Alakol (Ulken Araltobe, Kishkene Araltobe, and Belkudyk) along with the area near Lake Syssykkol.
The Alakol Nature Reserve plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of many bird species that rely on these sites during their migratory journeys. Special emphasis is placed on protecting endangered relict gulls characterized by a distinctive black head, light gray plumage, and a white tail.
Among other endangered species is the demoiselle crane, the smallest among all crane species. Additionally, the short-toed snake eagle is another bird facing the threat of endangerment. The reserve is also home to Dalmatian and pink pelicans, bitterns, sternas, swans, herons, great cormorants, common spoonbills, etc. The reserve’s diverse avifauna comprises approximately 324 bird species.
Beyond its avian inhabitants, the Alakol Nature Reserve boasts a diverse terrestrial fauna, including roe deer, wild boars, ermines, otters, and foxes. It is also home to notable endemics like Schizothorax (a genus of cyprinid fish) and the Balkhash perch. The rare Tuvan toad-headed agama and the Central Asian toad also find refuge in this region.
The rich flora of the Alakol Nature Reserve includes a variety of trees, shrubs, and medicinal plants, such as honeysuckle, poplar, willow, lesser bulrush, sea clubrush, broad-leaved pondweed, blackberry, barberry, and white waterlily.
In recognition of its ecological significance, the Alakol Nature Reserve earned the prestigious title of UNESCO Bioreserve under the "Man and the Biosphere" program in 2013. Renowned among ornithologists and birdwatchers, the reserve attracts enthusiasts not only from Kazakhstan but also from around the world.
How to get there?
To reach the Alakol Nature Reserve from Almaty, you have multiple transportation options. You can access the reserve via highways A-350 and A-355, or alternatively, take routes P-130 and R-127. A railway runs parallel to the southwestern shore of Lake Alakol, providing a convenient train option for transportation. For those preferring air travel, a helipad is available on the southwestern shore of the lake in the village of Talapker, and a small airport can be found in the village of Usharal.
If you're coming from Astana, Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Ridder, or other cities, there are accessible routes along the northeastern shore of Lake Alakol. These include roads A-8, A-17, A-345, A-356, A-357, and R-138.
Other tourist attractions near the Alakol Nature Reserve:
- Dzungarian Alatau Mountains
- South Shore of Lake Balkhash
- Tarbagatai Nature Reserve
- Ancient Settlement of Koilyk
- The Village of Lepsi
- The Village of Cherkassk
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