Eastern Kazakhstan
Eastern Kazakhstan consists of East Kazakhstani Oblast. This region is located at the intesection of the boundaries of China, Mongolia and Russia. The greater part of this territory is occupied by the mountain ranges of the Ore and Southern Altai, Kalba, Saur-Tarbagatay. The altitude of the mountains is from 800 to 1,500 m, although in the most easterly part of the Altai it is up to 3,000-4,000 m (Mount Beluha, 4506 m).
The main rivers are the Irtish and its tributaries: the Ulba, the Uba, and the Buhtorma. The largest lakes are Markakol, Zaisan, Rahmanovskoye, Sasikkol, Alakol, and Maralye. The climate is extremely continental, with large diurnal and annual amplitudes of temperature.
Eastern Kazakhstan is characterised by a great variety of natural-climatic zones.
The nature of Eastern Kazakhstan is surprising, the steppes and semi-deserts of Asia meet the mountain taiga of Siberia, giving birth to the unique landscape variety: deserts, steppes, taiga, and mountains with sparkling eternal glaciers, rivers and lakes.
Mount Beluha
Mount Beluha is in the north-east, with a snow-white peak – the highest in Siberia and Altai. This is the kingdom of snow, ice, roaring avalanches and sparkling waterfalls. Its neighbour Mount Berkutaul (Eagle’s Dwelling), altitude 3.373 m., is the second popular peak of Southern Altai.
Markakol Reserve
Eastern Kazakhstan shelters one of the most surprising corners of Kazakhstan - Markakol National Reserve. Lake Markakol is justly called the pearl of this area. It lies in a cavity, blocked by the Kuchum Ridge in the north and by the Azutau Ridge in the south. The lake is 38 km long, 19 km wide and 27 m deep. It is fed by 27 rivers, but only the Kalzhir River flows out of the lake. The water in Markakol is fresh and very soft, but its main wealth is uskuch - from the salmon fish species. Lake Markakol is the only habitat of this fish in Kazakhstan. The picturesque rocky slopes of the mountains are covered predominantly by the larch and less frequently by the silver fir forests. The sub Alpine meadows are rich in herbs, with rare medicinal plants (golden and maral root, hedysarum, bergenia and others). The fauna of the reserve is rich and diverse. Forests abound with brown bear, elk, fox, lynx, maral (Siberian deer), glutton, sable, weasel, falcon, blackcock, rare red wolf, black stork, silvery seagull and many other species.
Alakol Lake
Alakol (the Colourful Lake) is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan. This saltwater lake, situated at the north eastern end of the Jungar Alatau, is rich in hydrogen – sulphur mud and mineral salts. You can watch flocks of flamingos and 40 other kinds of bird on the uninhabited Bird Island, which stretches across the lake for 35 km.
Rakhmanov Hot Springs
The underground rivers of this place reputedlu contain a curative radon – a product of disintegration of radioelements from very rare minerals of granite. The thermal waters are used for the treatment of joint, backbone, nervous system and skin diseases. Peasant Rahmanov discovered the hot springs in 1763. According to the legend, he wounded a maral and losing strength, the wounded animal entered the springs and left them safe and sound.
Kiin-Kirish
Among the vast valleys, the walls and turrets of ancient towns and castles rise into the sky … It is not a mirage, it is Kiin-Kerish (Proud Beauty), natural Aeolian town also called ‘Town of Spirits’. Built by tertiary clays, an unimaginably beautiful place with unique red, white and orange buildings. In the distance the bright clay cliffs and abysses of Kiin-Kerish resemble a flame waving in the wind. Therefore these cliffs are called ‘Glowing Rocks’. The main treasure of Kiin-Kerish is small layers of clay and sand with spots of vegetation from the tropical past of this place (palms, magnolias, araucaria, and others) and remnants of vertebrates (rhinoceros, crocodiles, turtles and salamanders).
Lake Buhtarma
The nature of this region is wonderful. The emerald waters of Lake Buhtarma are well-known for picturesque views and excellent fishing. Many rivers and springs run down the slopes of the mountains and flow into the lake, forming here and there very beautiful waterfalls. Only Shandage-Bulak flows out of the lake.
Kozi-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu Mausoleum
One of the most interesting historical monuments situated on the bank of the Ayaguz River. It is Kozi-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu Mausoleum (X - XI centuries). The image of these heroes of the national epos is a symbol of eternal love between the lad and the lady, like Kazakh Romeo and Juliet.
For additional information, please see www.ecotourism.kz