Katon-Karagay National Park and Belukha Views

Katon Karagay State National Nature Park (2001), The Largest Park In Kazakhstan And The Country'S Altai: Alpine Meadows, The Rakhmanov Keys Springs, And Views Toward Mount Belukha, The Altai'S Highest Peak, Across The Border In Russia. · Katon-Karagay, East Kazakhstan

Katon-Karagay is the largest national park in Kazakhstan, set up in 2001 in the Altai mountains on the Russian and Chinese borders. It has alpine meadows, larch and cedar forest, rivers and the Rakhmanov Keys, a group of warm springs high in the hills. Be honest about what it takes: it is very remote, it lies in a border zone so a permit through the park office is needed, and the drive from Ust-Kamenogorsk is long, with the last part on rough roads. The Rakhmanov Keys are reached on horseback or by 4WD in summer only. Mount Belukha, the Altai's highest peak, stands across the border in Russia and from the Kazakh side is seen only at a distance, so do not expect a close view. Lake Markakol belongs to the neighbouring Markakol reserve and is only nearby. This is a trip for people who plan well and enjoy wild mountain country. Nothing here is signed or staffed like a city park, so arrange guides, horses and food before you leave the village.

Altai mountain national park on the Chinese and Russian borders, reached from Ust-Kamenogorsk and Katon-Karagay village by a long road and then on foot or by horse; border-zone permits apply, Katon-Karagay, East Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan

There is no gate time for the park as a whole, because most of it is wild mountain country. The park office in Katon-Karagay village normally keeps weekday office hours, and this is where border-zone permits and entry details are handled, so go there first. Trails, horse routes and the road to the Rakhmanov Keys depend on season: they are practical roughly June to September and often closed by snow, mud or washouts at other times. Plan to be back at the village before dark, and confirm all times with the park office.

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