https://nz.trip.com/moments/detail/kerbulak-district-1916109-135755020?locale=en-NZ
Alina555
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How to crush 2 days

How to crush 2 days exploring Kazakhstan’s hidden natural wonders around Almaty 🌄✨ Day 1 - Charyn Canyon National Park + Lake Kaindy 🚗 Start early from Almaty by car or hop on a group tour bus! First stop: Charyn Canyon National Park (Uygur, Enbekshikazakh and Raiymbek district, just 7km from Shonzhy village, open all day). This place is wild – think Grand Canyon vibes, minus the crowds. Trek down into the Valley of Castles for insane photo ops. Bring good shoes and cash for the entrance. After the canyon, head next to Lake Kaindy (Almaty region, Raiymbek, Saty str. Ultarakova 38, open all day), famous for its submerged trees poking out of the crystal blue water. It’s surreal! Pack some snacks – options are limited in the area. Day 2 - Altyn Emel National Park 🏜️ Reset and roll out to Kerbulak District for Altyn Emel National Park (Науаи көшесі 208/2, Алматы, open all day). This is where you’ll find the Singing Dunes and wild horse herds racing across endless steppe. Grab a local guide if you want to cover more ground and hear the dunes “sing”. Travel hacks & tips: – The whole loop is doable by car or bus tour — self-driving means more freedom, but buses are fuss-free for first-timers. – Cell signal can be spotty, so pre-download maps & translations. – Entry fees: carry some cash, not all parks take cards. – Weather: pack for sun and wind, especially out in the canyon and dunes! Food: Stock up in Almaty, but small villages along the way may offer basic eats (try local samsa for cheap on the go). #kazakhstannature #almatyexplore #charyncanyon #lakekaindy #tripdotcom
Posted: Sep 10, 2025
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Altyn Emel National Park

5/52 reviews | Natural scenery
Kerbulak District
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Pine-Fresh Tranquility at Lake Kaindy 🌲💧✨ Tucked away in the Almaty region near Kegen, Lake Kaindy is a surreal mountain gem, famous for its mystical pine trees rising dramatically out of crystal-blue waters and surrounded by thick forests. If you’re chasing nature’s purest calm and those fantasy forest vibes, this place totally delivers. Start your adventure from Kegen, winding up scenic mountain roads blanketed by aromatic pine woods—truly a breath of fresh air! Once at the lake (Almaty region, Raiymbek district, Saty str. Ultarakova 38, open 24/7), stroll the tranquil shoreline to discover hauntingly beautiful tree trunks half-submerged in turquoise waters. Must-do: rent a rowboat for that up-close view or hike the forest trails to catch hidden perspectives. Top photo spots: snap from the east bank in early morning for misty reflections and frame the skeletal pines popping out of the water for that “enchanted forest” Instagram gold. Bring a wide-angle lens—the mountain + lake combo is unmissable. Practical tips: The lake is open year-round, but best visited from May to October when roads are clear. The mountain air is fresh but unpredictable—layer up and pack a rain jacket. Bring sturdy shoes for rocky paths and a snack since amenities are limited. Precautions: Cell signal may be spotty, so download offline maps and let someone know your route. The lake’s water is icy cold even in summer—skip swimming but don’t skip those serene forest strolls. #Kegen #LakeKaindy #KazakhstanNature #PineForests #MountainLake

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