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Nature & wildlife · Shymkent

Top 5 nature & wildlife things to do in Shymkent

Wildlife, forests, gardens, and the green pockets of Shymkent that make it bearable in monsoon and beautiful by November. Day trips and short drives where the landscape is the point.

  1. Trekking in Sayram-Ugam national park & Aksu canyon (2 days), Shymkent1

    1. Trekking in Sayram-Ugam national park & Aksu canyon (2 days)

    · 2 days

    Sayram-Ugam National park is located 70 km from Shymkent. The park is a part of the Western Tian-Shan mountain system. Also, it is included in the list of the UNESCO of World heritage sites. Sayram-Ugam is full of wild gorges and canyons, mountain lakes and rivers, peaks and glaciers. If you are lucky, you can meet a snow leopard, a bear, mountain goats and gazelles, a lot of very rare and endangered birds and amphibians. Most noteworthy – breathtaking landscapes, the availability of different trekking and horseriding options and relatively easy access makes this area a popular destination not only among locals but also foreign guests. In this national park, there are many different routes, but the most colorful is the area around the foothills of peak Sayram-Su. Mountain forests regulate water flow, enrich the air with oxygen and phytoncides. They protect against rain and spring floods, slow the melting of snows.

  2. Private Romantic tour in Shymkent, Shymkent2

    2. Private Romantic tour in Shymkent

    · 2 hours

    Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. How does a lovely stroll in a Central Park of Shymkent sound like? You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. What romantic tales are hiding behind the statues of Ken Baba park? Join us and find out! This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

  3. Trekking Adventure in Western Tian Shan Mountains, Shymkent3

    3. Trekking Adventure in Western Tian Shan Mountains

    · 8 hours

    Most tours stick to the crowded paths, but this trek takes you deep into the quieter parts of the Western Tian Shan. You'll be exploring the Sairam-Ugam Nature Park with a local guide who knows these mountains inside out. Expect to walk among rare, centuries-old juniper trees and drink from ice-cold mountain streams without another tourist in sight. It's a real, raw piece of Central Asian nature

  1. Trekking in Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve (2 days), Shymkent4

    4. Trekking in Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve (2 days)

    5.0· 1 reviews· 2 days

    Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve – is the oldest and most famous nature reserve in Central Asia. Year of the establishment is 1926. Its aim was to preserve endangered wild animals and abundant flora and fauna of the reserve. The nature reserve is located in the spurs of the Western Tien Shan at an altitude of 1000 to 4280 meters above sea level. In 2016 the nature reserve was included in the UNESCO list of the World Biosphere Reserves. The highest peak is Sairam Peak, its height is 4238 meters. The name Aksu-Zhabagly contains names of two main rivers Aksu and Zhabagly. These rivers flow through the reserve. Aksu is the longest river, covering 120 kilometers. In the spring the Aksu River is blue. However, in the summer months, it turns to a color of milk. Hence, its name comes – Ak – meaning “white” and Su meaning “water”. Aksu canyon, carved by the mighty Aksu river, is one the deepest canyons in Central Asia. The depth of canyon fluctuates from 300m to 500 meters, the length is 30 km.

  2. Karatau Mountains Adventure Caves and Waterfalls, Shymkent5

    5. Karatau Mountains Adventure Caves and Waterfalls

    5.0· 1 reviews

    Explore the majestic Karatau mountains on an unforgettable journey blending history, nature, and adventure. Depart from Shymkent and discover the medieval village of Terekty with its sacred spring before marveling at ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks. Hike through breathtaking landscapes to reach a hidden waterfall and enjoy a picnic in a serene canyon. Step into the enchanting Holy White Mosque cave and uncover Kazakhstan’s rich history at ancient monasteries. End the day camping under the stars by the Borday River, creating lasting memories in the heart of nature. • One day adventure through the Karatau mountains, departing from Shymkent • Visit ancient petroglyphs, sacred springs, and centuries-old Sufi monasteries • Hike to a hidden waterfall and picnic in a stunning canyon

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