Incredible places of Kazakhstan

Ranked as the ninth largest country in the world as well as the world's largest landlocked country, Kazakhstan stretches from Siberia to the deserts of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and from China to the Caspian Sea. Bordered by Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and China. Kazakhstan is divided into 14 provinces. The cities of Almaty and Astana cities have the status of State importance and do not relate to any province.

Drive just 15km above Almaty, you will find a picturesque valley, called Medeo. It has one of the largest and unique speed skating rinks in the world, situated at 1,700m above sea level. The Olympic sized ice stadium of Medeo is the biggest ice stadium which can accommodate 32,000 spectators at a time. Medeo:

Chimbulak is skiing resort in Almaty situated 2,230m above sea level. Skiers can reach the Talgar Pass (3,163m above sea level) and a 3,000m-long downhill piste by a cable car. Chimbulak

Charyn canyon An 80 km Canyon located on the Charyn River, Charyn Canyon is also popular as the little brother of the Grand Canyon. It is the second largest canyon in the world. One part of the Canyon is covered with unusual rock formations and is known as the Valley of Castles.

Located to the south-west side of Astana, the Korgalzhin National Park is the biggest reserve zone in Kazakhstan. Covered by feather grass steppe, the preserve has got two big lakes, Tengiz and Korgalzhin. There are about 350 kinds of plants and around 82 kinds of birds inside the park. The Korgalzhyn National Park:

Aksu-Zhabagly state natural reserve: The fantastic Aksu-Zhabagly state natural reserve is situated 1000 to 4000m (3280 to 3120ft) above sea level. This scenic 750 sq. km area of hills is listed in UNESCO biosphere. It is home for 1679 species of vascular and primitive plants and around 1274 species of 470 kinds and 70 families are registered under the Vascular plants group. The place is full of juniper woods and different types of tree species. These mountain woods have not been cut since a period of about 70 years. It also offers shelter for 238 species of birds, 42 species of animals.

Naurzum Located in northern Kazakhstan, the fantastic natural preserve Naurzum has a rich landscape of geographical contrasts - salt lakes ringed by forests. Also, the rare animals like white herons, jack-bustards, hisser swans and grave eagles are found in this preserve.

Burabay (Borovoe) National Nature Park: Famous as the pearl of Kazakhstan, Burabay (Borovoe) National Nature Park is situated in the north of Akmola region. The park has 14 big lakes each of which has an area of more than 1 km and several small lakes. The largest lakes include Bolshoye Chebachye and Maloye Chebachye, Shchuchye and Borovoye. It is a home for 800 flora species and about 305 vertebrate animal species. The park offers picturesque beauty and a rare harmonic combination of mountains, forests, lakes, flora and fauna.

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