Zhongar-Alatau National Park
Zhongar-Alatau National Park is located in the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains in southeast Kazakhstan. Covering an area of 3,560 square kilometers, it is the second largest national park in Kazakhstan after Katon-Karagai. The park was established to preserve the unique Sievers apple tree. The park employees call this species "Eve", as it is believed to be the progenitor of all apple varieties on Earth. To protect this species, thousands of seedlings are planted in the park each year.
The park is home to several endangered animal species, including the Turkistan lynx, Pallas's cat, snow leopard, stone marten, Tien Shan bear, and argali. It also hosts 170 bird species, such as the black stork, golden eagle, hawk owl, and grouse. The flora of the park is incredibly diverse, with rare plants like Niedzwetzky's apple, Vitali’s columbine (Aquilegia vitalii), the Alatau crocus (Crocus alatavicus), and Astragalus ornithorrhynchus among others. There are 76 endemic plant species that can only be found in this region.
Zhongar-Alatau National Park features some of Kazakhstan's most stunning sights, including the high-mountain Lake Jasylkol and the Dzungarian Gate, an ancient pass through which the Silk Road once traversed. The park also boasts the Semenov-Tyan-Shansky peak (4,622 meters/15164 ft), the highest point in the Dzungarian Alatau.
Visitors can explore the park via 13 tourist routes and two ecological trails, available from May to October, by purchasing a ticket.
How to get there?
The park’s office is located at the following address: Jetysu region, the town of Sarkand, 74 Venediktov St. (or 74 Arychnaya St). The distance from Almaty to Sarkand is about 400 km (250 mi); from Taldykorgan to Sarkand – about 160 km (100 mi).
Other tourist attractions near the national park:
- Southwestern shore of Lake Alakol
- The Village of Lepsi
- Ancient Settlement of Koilyk
- Bayan-Jurek Ridge
- The Town of Tekeli
- The Aulietas Stone
Recommended tours:
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On request
Not difficult for Dzhungar Alatau horseback trek. Suitable for those who have confident level of horse riding, love wild nature, tough trails and who are ready to overcome long distances on horseback and who have not so much time for adventures.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Untamed Dzungaria Off-Road Tour")
On request
Discover the mysterious Dzungaria, where encounters with other tourists are rare. Brace yourself for challenging off-road routes, breathtaking alpine meadows, expansive plateaus, and historic ancient settlements.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Golden Ring of Dzungaria Tour")
On request
Embark on a route through the less-explored trails of the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains. This expedition promises encounters with Kazakhstan's tallest waterfall, ancient petroglyphs, the remnants of bygone settlements, an azure mountain lake, and various other natural landscapes!
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Trekking to Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall")
On request
Let's discover the mountainous land of Dzungaria, home to Kazakhstan's highest waterfall – Burkhan-Bulak. The trekking route will go through alpine meadows, highland plateaus, picturesque gorges, and other amazing natural wonders.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Saldyrtas Glacier Hiking Tour")
On request
Embark on a five-day trek through the mesmerizing Dzungarian Alatau Mountains, traversing Kora Gorge, the ancient Saldyrtas Glacier, and the breathtaking Tyuite Pass.
On request
Embark on a trek to the foothills of Dzungarian Alatau's highest peak, named in honor of Pyotr Semenov-Tien-Shansky, the pioneering explorer of Dzungaria. Explore some of the area's most picturesque glaciers, valleys, and rivers.