Ili Valley

The Ili Valley is a wide and fertile plain stretching along the Ili River, from the mountains of Xinjiang, China, to Lake Balkhash in Kazakhstan. Historically, the valley was a crucial section of the northern Silk Road, a corridor that connected cultures and trade between East and West. The landscape is diverse, ranging from lush vegetation along the river to arid steppes and semi-deserts on its fringes. One of the most spectacular sights in the valley is Tamgaly-Tas ('Stones with Signs'), where 12th-century Buddhist rock carvings can be found. Another highlight is the Altyn-Emel National Park, which hosts the famous 'Singing Dune', a massive sand dune that produces a deep, organ-like sound in dry weather. The valley is also an important agricultural area, where grains and other crops are grown.

Nature

Kolsai Lakes

A system of three deep blue mountain lakes strung like pearls in a forested gorge.

Lake Kaindy

A surreal natural wonder created by an earthquake in 1911.

Ili River

This mighty river originates in the mountains of Xinjiang and flows through southeastern Kazakhstan before emptying into Lake Balkhash.

More places

Altyn-Emel National Park

Famous for the Singing Dunes, this park preserves rare ungulates like the onager and goitered gazelle.

Issyk Kurgan

One of the most important archaeological treasures in Central Asia was unearthed in this ancient burial mound.

Ile-Alatau National Park

A picturesque park in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, framing the city of Almaty to the south.

Ile-Alatau National Park

Bordering Almaty, this alpine park provides habitat for snow leopards and wild apple trees.

Trans-Ili Alatau

The Trans-Ili Alatau is a mountain range in the northern Tian Shan, rising south of the city of Almaty.

Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon is a deep gorge on the Charyn River, often referred to as the little brother of the Grand Canyon.

Charyn National Park

The national park is famous for its deep, red-colored canyons shaped over millions of years.

Tien Shan

The so-called Celestial Mountains stretch across vast parts of Central Asia, offering dramatic landscapes with deep valleys, glaciers, an…