
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Shymkent, Kazakhstan
1. Tarbagatai National Park
Offers diverse landscapes including mountains, steppes, and forests, making it a great destination for hiking.
- Rich Wildlife: Home to over 200 species of birds and many large mammals like the wild boar and wolf.
- Petroglyphs and Ancient Sites: Features numerous petroglyphs and ancient sites, providing a glimpse into the past.
- Hiking Trails for All Levels: Offers hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
2. Burabay National Park
Known for its picturesque lakes and diverse flora and fauna, offering a scenic hiking experience.
- Variety of Ecosystems: Includes various ecosystems such as forests, meadows, and wetlands.
- Historical Sites: Boasts historical sites like the ancient city of Bebei and the ruins of Almaty Fortress.
- Water Activities Alongside Hiking: Allows for water activities such as boating and fishing alongside hiking.
3. Kolsai Lakes
A series of three pristine alpine lakes surrounded by towering mountains, providing a stunning hiking experience.
- Alpine Flora and Fauna: Home to unique alpine flora and fauna such as the Siberian ibex and snow leopard.
- Glaciers and Waterfalls: Features glaciers and waterfalls, adding to the breathtaking scenery.
- Camping Opportunities: Offers camping opportunities near the lakes for a truly immersive experience.
4. Kazakh Uzbek National Park
A unique blend of Kazakh and Uzbek cultures, offering hiking trails through diverse landscapes.
- Historical Sites: Features historical sites like the Aksu-Zabagly Nature Reserve and the ancient city of Otyrar.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides a unique opportunity to immerse in both Kazakh and Uzbek cultures.
- Hiking Trails for All Levels: Offers hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
5. Borovoe National Park
Known for its stunning landscapes, including the Singing Dune, offering a memorable hiking experience.
- Singing Dune: Features the unique Singing Dune, which makes sounds when wind blows over it.
- Medieval Architecture: Boasts medieval architecture such as the medieval fortress and the Ascension Cathedral.
- Spas and Resorts: Offers spas and resorts for relaxation after a day of hiking.
6. Kok-Tobe Hill
A popular destination offering a cable car ride and hiking trails with panoramic views of the city.
- Panoramic City Views: Provides stunning panoramic views of Shymkent from the top.
- Cable Car Ride: Offers a cable car ride to reach the hill, making it accessible for all ages.
- Restaurants and Attractions: Features restaurants and attractions like a zoo and amusement park.
7. Kolsai Lakes 2
A less crowded alternative to the Kolsai Lakes, offering a peaceful hiking experience.
- Less Crowded: Is less crowded than the main Kolsai Lakes, providing a quieter experience.
- Glaciers and Waterfalls: Features glaciers and waterfalls, adding to the breathtaking scenery.
- Camping Opportunities: Offers camping opportunities near the lakes for a truly immersive experience.
8. Burabay-Sungiro Gorges
Offers challenging hiking trails through deep gorges and forests.
- Challenging Trails: Provides challenging hiking trails suitable for experienced hikers.
- Burabay Lake: Leads to the beautiful Burabay Lake, offering a rewarding destination.
- Rare Flora and Fauna: Is home to rare flora and fauna found only in this region.
9. Kolsai Lakes 3
The most secluded of the Kolsai Lakes, offering a remote and peaceful hiking experience.
- Remote Location: Is located in a remote area, providing a sense of isolation.
- Glaciers and Waterfalls: Features glaciers and waterfalls, adding to the breathtaking scenery.
- Camping Opportunities: Offers camping opportunities near the lake for a truly immersive experience.
10. Borovoe National Park - Chilik Valley
Hiking trails through the beautiful Chilik Valley, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning scenic views of the Chilik Valley.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including the Siberian ibex and snow leopard.
- Hiking Trails for All Levels: Offers hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
11. Borovoe National Park - Karakol-Aul
Hiking trails through the Karakol-Aul area, offering scenic views and opportunities for cultural immersion.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning scenic views of the Borovoe National Park.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers opportunities for cultural immersion, including traditional villages and local customs.
- Hiking Trails for All Levels: Offers hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
12. Kazakh Uzbek National Park - Sairam-Tobe Gorge
Hiking trails through the beautiful Sairam-Tobe Gorge, offering scenic views and opportunities for cultural immersion.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning scenic views of the Sairam-Tobe Gorge.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers opportunities for cultural immersion, including ancient petroglyphs and local villages.
- Hiking Trails for All Levels: Offers hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
13. Tarbagatai National Park - Kok-Zhailau
Hiking trails through the beautiful Kok-Zhailau, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning scenic views of the Tarbagatai National Park.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including the Siberian ibex and snow leopard.
- Hiking Trails for All Levels: Offers hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
14. Tarbagatai National Park - Kapchagay Reservoir
Hiking trails around the picturesque Kapchagay Reservoir, offering scenic views and opportunities for water activities.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning scenic views of the Kapchagay Reservoir.
- Water Activities: Offers opportunities for water activities like boating and fishing.
- Hiking Trails for All Levels: Offers hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
15. Kazakh Uzbek National Park - Aksu-Zabagly Nature Reserve
Hiking trails through the beautiful Aksu-Zabagly Nature Reserve, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning scenic views of the Aksu-Zabagly Nature Reserve.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including rare species like the snow leopard and Tibetan argali.
- Hiking Trails for All Levels: Offers hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.