Experience the untouched beauty of Kazakhstan hiking and join the select few international travelers who have explored this remarkable country on foot. From pristine landscapes to rare wildlife and a rich cultural heritage, Kazakhstan offers an unforgettable adventure off the beaten path. Our expert local partners know the region inside and out and can craft a custom itinerary tailored to your interests, with as much hiking as you’d like. Get in touch today to discover what your Central Asian journey could look like.
Hiking in Kazakhstan
|Kazakhstan is one of the largest countries in the world and one of its least populated. Vast areas of steppe and impressive mountains abound, and travelling here feels like a real adventure. Beyond the cities, people are in short supply, so visitors are of great interest and generally receive a warm and inquisitive welcome. The immense and ever-changing landscapes of Kazakhstan are ripe for exploration, and there are numerous areas where a burgeoning trekking infrastructure is opening up these landscapes to hikers. The country’s national parks offer important protection to endangered native species, such as snow leopards, wild horses, lynx and brown bears, as well as to the country’s pristine landscapes. Responsible Kazakhstan hiking helps support efforts to preserve these precious landscapes.
Mountains, lakes, canyons and grassy plains await the adventurous visitor, and it’s easy to combine a few days hiking in Kazakhstan with some sightseeing in the major towns and cities. This was an important territory on the Silk Road route through Central Asia, so ancient trails crisscross the country and are dotted with crumbling fortresses and evocative ruins. Read our beginner’s guide to Kazakhstan hiking experiences.
When to go hiking in Kazakhstan?
The trekking season in Kazakhstan is dependent to some extent on the location. Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth largest country and spans a variety of climatic and geographic zones. The seasons here are satisfyingly extreme, with hot summers and plunging winter temperatures. This means that most people tend to visit in spring and autumn for milder temperatures that would generally better suit a hiking trip.
The southern regions are snowbound for a shorter period and are suitable for trekking from approximately late March or April, while in more northerly areas the snow sticks around for longer and the trekking season doesn’t really get underway until May. Keen mountaineers looking to reach some of Kazakhstan’s highest peaks should aim for June to August.
Hiking in Kazakhstan
Here is a brief guide to some of Kazakhstan’s best destinations for hiking. Our local experts will be pleased to talk you through the best routes and tailor a hiking trip to suit your group.
1. Tien Shan Mountains
These iconic “celestial” mountains span the borders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and China, stretching an impressive 1,860 miles from east to west. They’re home to Kazakhstan’s highest peak, Khan Tengri, which rises to a staggering 22,999ft along the Kyrgyz border, a summit suited only for the most experienced climbers.
Hiking in the Kazakh Tien Shan is an incredibly life-affirming experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in nature with almost no visible signs of human activity as you travel from one breathtaking location to the next. Don’t expect to see other tourists, chances are, the only people you’ll meet are local nomadic herders who graze their livestock in the mountain meadows.
Trekking options in the region range from gentle valley walks to more technical high-altitude hikes, often crossing through a variety of vegetation zones and showcasing the area’s unique plant and animal life. Highlights include stunning alpine lakes and rivers, dramatic mountain vistas, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable encounters with the region’s nomadic communities.
2. The birthplace of the tulip
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is one of Kazakhstan’s hidden gems, especially in April and May when the legendary tulips of Red Hill burst into bloom. Widely believed to be the original home of the tulip, this area holds a fascinating floral history, one tied to tales of beauty, trade, and fortunes gained and lost.
Though well known among Kazakhs and popular with domestic visitors during tulip season, the reserve remains relatively unknown outside the country. Located about a two-hour drive from the southern city of Shymkent, Aksu-Zhabagly was established to protect a vast and diverse stretch of wilderness. The landscape spans steppe, alpine meadows, forests, soaring peaks, and even glaciers. Hiking here often includes an overnight camping trip, giving you a chance to fully experience the remote terrain and summit a mountain or two.
Aksu Canyon is another top hiking destination, offering dramatic routes both through and along the canyon’s edge. These untamed landscapes are home to bears, ibex, lynx, and wolves, so keep your eyes open for a glimpse of the region’s elusive wildlife.
3. Altyn-Emel National Park
One reason Altyn-Emel National Park draws a steady number of Kazakh visitors is its convenient location near Almaty. Spanning vast plains, desert, and mountain terrain in southeastern Kazakhstan, the park’s diverse landscapes make it a prime destination for both photographers and outdoor enthusiasts interested in Kazakhstan hiking adventures.
Another factor in the park’s popularity is its well-developed tourist infrastructure. Visitors can stay overnight in on-site bunkhouses, and local guides and drivers are readily available to help you explore. Hiking trails highlight the park’s most scenic areas, with the colorful banded formations of the Aktau Mountains being a standout attraction.
While the plains may lack formal paths, they offer some of the best opportunities to spot rare wildlife, including Bukhara deer and goitered gazelle. The park is also working to reintroduce the native Kazakh population of Przewalski’s horse; keep your eyes open for these iconic animals. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to love in Altyn-Emel, with species such as the endangered imperial eagle and black stork making appearances throughout the park.
4. Left Talgar Valley
Also, a short distance from Almaty, the gorgeous Left Talgar Valley is a prime hiking area in Kazakhstan. Its monumental landscape is characterized by soaring mountains and deep gorges. Here you can amble across gentle Alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers before taking on more challenging trails to high mountain passes that reach up to 3100m above sea level. This is a land of snowy peaks, rushing rivers and glaciers, so it’s very much a summer hiking destination. There are day hikes to enjoy, but for the ultimate experience of getting away from it all, a two- to three-day hike gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the landscape and to sleep under the stars.
5. Charyn Canyon National Park
For a very different landscape, the arid realms of the Charyn Canyon National Park are spectacular. Although it’s quite a bit smaller, Charyn has been compared to the USA’s Grand Canyon. Red columns of sandstone rise from the valley floor creating an impressive network of corridors and crevices, aptly named the Valley of Castles. There are five canyons in total with well-marked walking routes and outstanding views, especially at sunrise and sunset when the golden light of the sun illuminates the sandstone in a fiery glow. Pull your gaze away from the amazing rock formations and you could well see a golden eagle or hawk wheeling overhead.
