Ile-Alatau National Park

Ile-Alatau National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan. It is located in the elevation range between 600 and 4540 m above sea level in the Trans Ile-Alatau mountain range in the south-eastern part of the country. The National Park was established in 1996 and covers an area of approximately 2,020 square kilometres (780 square miles).

The park encompasses a wide range of landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, lush forests and crystal clear lakes. The highest point in the park is Talgar Peak, which stands at 4,979 metres (16,335 feet) above sea level. In total, Trans Ile- Alatau has 265 large and small glaciers, including the famous Tuyuk Su Glacier, which is one of the longest glaciers in Kazakhstan.

The Ile Alatau National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the endangered snow leopard, Tien Shan brown bear, and golden eagle. The park also provides a habitat for numerous bird species, including the Himalayan snowcock, chukar partridge, and cinereous vulture.

The climate in the National Park is varied and differentiated by altitude climatic zones. Summers are warm, winters are mild due to a pronounced air temperature inversion. In the foothills the average temperature in January is -7.4°C and in July 23°C. The duration of the frost-free period is 181 days and the annual rainfall is 560 mm.

In addition to its natural beauty and biodiversity, the Ile Alatau National Park is also rich in cultural heritage. The park is home to several historical and archaeological sites, including ancient petroglyphs, burial mounds and the ruins of medieval settlements. The park also has strong links with the traditional customs and practices of the local Kazakh people.

Overall, Ile Alatau National Park is a unique and captivating destination that offers a diverse range of natural wonders, cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventurer or history buff, the park has something for everyone.

Ile-Alatau National park is home for the Tien Shan shrew, the rock white-toothed shrew, the red creeper, the grey marmot, the Tien Shan birch mouse, the silver vole, the stone marten, the snow leopard and the mountain goat. Here you can see the wolf, fox, bear, deer, red deer, wild boar, Tolai hare and others. The Red Book group consists of 7 species: Tien Shan brown bear, snow leopard, marten. Central Asian Otter, Manul, Turkestan Lynx and Indian Porcupine.

In the territory of the park there are well-preserved medieval towns of Talhiz and Turgay, Early Iron Age burial mounds on the Assy plateau and in the Turgen gorge, Sak burial mounds on the banks of the Issyk River.

Almaty Expeditions team offers you a variety of best planned tour to Ile-Alatau National Park with a local experienced guide. The tour is based to see the most beautiful spots of the National Park and enjoy the best activities such as hiking or horse trekking.

Please feel free to contact us to choose one of the best planned expeditions or create your own.