Ile-Alatau

Ile-Alatau National Park is situated in the Almaty Region of southeastern Kazakhstan, directly adjoining the southern edge of the city of Almaty. The park spans approximately 1,996 square kilometres along the northern slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau range, a spur of the Tian Shan mountain system. Elevations within the park range from around 1,000 metres in the foothills to over 4,370 metres on the high alpine peaks. This dramatic altitudinal gradient creates a layered sequence of ecosystems from steppe and fruit-tree forest through coniferous forest, subalpine meadows, and glaciated high mountain terrain. Ile-Alatau is one of the most accessible mountain parks in Central Asia, making it a crucial green space for the nearly two million residents of Almaty and an important destination for domestic and international trekkers.