Katon Karagai National Park
Katon Karagai National Park is a protected natural area located in the East Kazakhstan Region of Kazakhstan. The park is known for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, rivers, and unique rock formations.
Katon-Karagai National Park: Kazakhstan’s Untouched Alpine Wilderness
Altai Mountains: The park is known for its location in the Altai Mountains, a range that spans across Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia, and China. The Altai Mountains are characterized by their rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and pristine landscapes.
Scenic Beauty: The park is celebrated for its natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes that include lakes, rivers, and forests. The Katun River, one of the region's major rivers, flows through the park, providing opportunities for rafting and other water-related activities.
Biodiversity: Katon Karagai National Park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The area's biodiversity includes rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard, lynx, and Altai argali sheep.
Cultural and Historical Significance: In addition to its natural beauty, the park has historical and cultural importance. It is home to several ethnic groups, including the Kazakhs and Altai people, who have unique traditions and ways of life.
Access: Katon Karagai National Park is accessible by road from the city of Uskeme, which is the closest major city in the region. Visitors can reach the park by car and arrange guided tours for a more in-depth exploration.
Katon Karagai National Park is a destination for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and those seeking to experience the serene and pristine landscapes of the Altai Mountains. It is a testament to the natural beauty and biodiversity of Kazakhstan's eastern region.
Katon-Karagai National Park – The Crown Jewel of Kazakhstan’s Wilderness
Nestled in the Altai Mountains of eastern Kazakhstan, Katon-Karagai National Park (Kazakh: Катонқарағай ұлттық паркі) is the country’s largest national park and one of its most breathtakingly diverse natural areas. Spanning over 640,000 hectares, it features soaring peaks, dense taiga forests, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and rushing rivers — forming a rare ecological mosaic in Central Asia.
Part of a UNESCO transboundary biosphere reserve, the park borders Russia, China, and Mongolia, making it a vital crossroads for wildlife, climate, and culture.
📍 Location & Geography
Region: East Kazakhstan (Altai District)
Nearest Town: Katon-Karagai village
Borders: Russia, China, and Mongolia
Coordinates: Approx. 49°N, 86°E
Elevation: Ranges from 850 to 4,506 meters
Notable Peaks: Belukha Mountain (Kazakhstan’s highest point – 4,506 m)
🌿 Biodiversity & Ecosystems
Katon-Karagai National Park is a biodiversity hotspot with five distinct ecosystems, including alpine tundra, taiga, steppe, meadow, and wetland zones.
🌲 Flora:
Siberian larch, cedar, and spruce forests
Wild herbs and alpine flowers
Rare plants like Rhodiola rosea and edelweiss
Mushrooms and berries flourish in summer
🐻 Fauna:
Brown bears, lynx, elk, and maral (Altai red deer)
Siberian ibex, marmots, and wolves
Birds of prey: golden eagles, bearded vultures
Endangered species like the snow leopard and Altai argali sheep
🏞️ Attractions & Natural Landmarks
Katon-Karagai is known for its breathtaking, raw landscapes, including:
🏔 Belukha Mountain – Kazakhstan’s tallest peak; sacred to locals and difficult to access
💧 Rakhmanov Springs (Rakhmanovskie Klyuchi) – Natural hot springs near a mountain lake, known for healing properties
🌄 Lake Yazevoye – A serene alpine lake surrounded by pristine forest
🏕 Berel Valley – Archaeological site with Scythian burial mounds and ancient petroglyphs
⛰ Kiin-Kerish Canyon – Colorful clay cliffs and geological formations
🥾 Outdoor Activities
Whether you’re an adventurer, hiker, or photographer, the park offers plenty of unforgettable experiences:
Hiking & trekking along scenic alpine routes
Horseback riding through meadows and forest trails
Wildlife watching and bird photography
Camping and eco-tourism in remote yurts and forest lodges
Bathing in hot springs at Rakhmanov Lake
Fishing in mountain rivers and lakes
📚 Cultural & Historical Significance
Katon-Karagai is rich in Kazakh nomadic culture and archaeological heritage, with ancient burial sites, Scythian kurgans, and rock carvings dating back thousands of years.
The park is also deeply spiritual — particularly Mount Belukha, which is considered sacred in Tengriism, Buddhism, and Russian Old Believer traditions.
🚗 How to Get There
By Road:
From Ust-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen): ~450 km (9–10 hours by car)
Roads can be rough — 4x4 vehicles recommended
Best access points: Katon-Karagai village, Uryl, Rakhmanov Springs area
Closest Airports:
Ust-Kamenogorsk Airport (domestic flights from Almaty, Astana)
Best Time to Visit:
Summer (June–August): Best for trekking, wildflowers, and wildlife
Autumn (September): Stunning fall colors
Winter: Harsh and remote, but possible for snow trekking and hot springs visits
🛖 Where to Stay
Eco-lodges and family guesthouses in Katon-Karagai and Uryl
Yurt camps and mountain huts in the park interior
Some health resorts and sanatoriums at Rakhmanov Springs
🌍 Conservation Status
Katon-Karagai is part of the UNESCO Katon-Karagay Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, established in cooperation with Russia’s Altai Reserve. It plays a vital role in:
Snow leopard conservation
Climate and glacier studies
Sustainable tourism development
Preservation of indigenous knowledge
✨ Why Visit Katon-Karagai National Park?
Katon-Karagai offers one of the last great wild frontiers of Eurasia. It is a place where:
Towering mountains meet tranquil forests
Wildlife roams freely under starlit skies
Nature, culture, and silence converge in perfect harmony
It’s Kazakhstan at its wildest and most beautiful — a true hidden gem for eco-tourism, nature lovers, and explorers seeking the road less traveled.