Katon-Karagay

Katon-Karagay National Park encompasses a vast wilderness in Kazakhstan's easternmost region, where the Altai Mountains meet the borders of Russia, China, and Mongolia. Covering 643,477 hectares, it ranks among Central Asia's largest protected areas, preserving pristine mountain ecosystems, glacial peaks, alpine meadows, and dark taiga forests. The park's elevation ranges from 1,000 to 4,506 meters at Belukha Mountain, creating extraordinary ecological diversity within its boundaries. Crystal-clear rivers originating from glaciers support rare fish species, while the varied terrain provides habitat for snow leopards, argali sheep, and numerous other wildlife species. The park protects cultural heritage sites of the Kazakh people alongside natural wonders, reflecting centuries of sustainable coexistence with this harsh but beautiful environment.