Visit the Aksu-Djabagly nature reserve
The Aksu-Djabagly State Nature Reserve is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia. The reserve is accessible for visitors and there are several interesting destinations inside the park. The Aksu river canyon is one of the deepest canyons in Asia. You can visit the canyon by jeep at the west side of the reserve. Views are spectacular and you have the opportunity to have a lunch at the covered viewpoint created some years ago for a meeting of the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
When travelling by jeep, the canyon can be visited by everyone regardless health condition. There is also the possibility to be dropped by a car at the entrance of the park and walk near the canyon to the viewpoint and then back to the village of Jabagly. You need to be in good health for this option. Expect to walk for a minimum of five hours.
Another interesting trip starts at the entrance near the Wild Natures hotel. By jeep, horse or walking, you go to one of the two observation houses of the nature reserve. This gives you a nice view at a waterfall and there is also the possibility to watch a large number of bird species. If you intend to walk, please be sure that you are in good shape as you will go up several hundred meters. Jeeps might have problems when it is rainy. Horses are not adviced on the trip to the large observation house because of rivers and mud that have to be crossed.
Prior to entering the Aksu-Djabagly nature reserve, permission must have been arranged at the administration office of the reserve in the village of Jabagly. This permission can be arranged by your travel agent, or the hotel where you spend the night. It is not allowed to enter the reserve without a guide or ranger accompanying you. When you travel by jeep the chauffeur will also be your guide so there is no need to hire a separate guide or ranger from the reserve.
| Admission fee per person | 1050 Tg | 7 US$ |
| Guide | 1500 Tg | 10 US$ |
| Ranger | 900 Tg | 6 US$ |
| Horse | 900 Tg | 6 US$ |
| Jeep to observation houses | 2000 Tg | 13 US$ |
| Jeep to Aksu canyon | 2500 Tg | 17 US$ |
These prices are per day and
were valid at 13 August 2003, based at an exchange rate of 150 Tenge for 1 dollar,
but may be changed without notice because
of changes in international exchange rates and price changes imposed by the
gouvernement.
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The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.
It is the source of all true art and science.
ALBERT EINSTEIN
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