Katon-Karagai State National Park is the largest national park in Kazakhstan. Its area exceeds half a million hectares. Katon-Karagai is located in the most picturesque area of the Southern Altai and, being in Kazakhstan, borders on one side with Russia and on the other with China.
About 30 species of animals and birds, which are included in the Red Book, live in Katon-Karagai. In 2014, the park was included in the list of specially protected heritage sites of UNESCO. And these are just some of the reasons to visit this extraordinary corner of the world.
Alpine meadows are inhabited by the Altai red deer, and for several centuries there has been a development of red deer breeding and pantotherapy in this place. It is possible and necessary to walk here: there are eco-routes and tours along Rakhmanovsky lake, to Rakhmanovsky waterfalls (Veronika's Hair), Arasan, to the highest mountain of Altai - Belukha, Yazevoe lake etc. For those who like active rest - physical therapy, Nordic walking, forest baths. In summer - boats, catamarans, fishing, in winter - skis and snowmobiles.
And now you and I are going to Belukha, - grandfather smiled enigmatically. - We'll breathe the healing mountain air, aromas of pine needles and different meadow herbs. - Who is this Belukha? - Sanzhar didn't understand. He furrowed his brows thoughtfully. - The legendary mountain, a real beauty, - said his grandfather admiringly. - It is located on the territory of the modern Kazakh Altai, which stretches all the way to the Zaisan hollow.
- Is it a big mountain? - the boy asked.
- It's the highest peak in Altai and Siberia, it's world famous," stressed the grandfather.
- Is Belukha because it's white? - Sanzhar suggested.
- It simply dazzles the eyes with its whiteness, because it is covered with eternal snows and glaciers. Read more...
