ALMATY (TCA) — The Russian version of the National Geographic magazine recently compiled a list of natural wonders of Kazakhstan that are worth to be visited by tourists, the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan reported on its website.
People who have never been to Kazakhstan heard about Baikonur, Chimbulak, Katon-Karagay, Borovoye, and Balkhash. However, there are less promoted places in the country that are worth to be visited by tourists, writes the magazine.
The list includes five wonders which the magazine recommends to visit in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s first miracle is Lake Kaindy, which was formed in 1911 after an earthquake. As a result of the earthquake the rocks in a mountain gorge hit the mouth of the river. Many of the old Tien Shan fir trees have died but remain standing. The bare trunks stick above the water, reflecting in fantastic shapes on the smooth surface of the lake. The water temperature in the lake is less than 6 degrees Celsius but it does not scare local divers.
The second place is the monument of medieval architecture — the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui — a place of pilgrimage of Muslims of Kazakhstan. The mausoleum was built in the 14th century in honor of the ancient Turkic poet and preacher. Tamerlane himself decided to build it. Now it is the main object of Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “Hazrat Sultan”, which includes a complex of temples, palaces, a medieval sauna, and medieval mausoleums.
The third Kazakh miracle is Bectauata tract, located 70 kilometers to the north of the city of Balkhash. The view presents incredible beautiful cosmic landscapes with small lakes. The mountainous terrain is very different from the surrounding steppe. And there are small but very nice lakes.
The fourth place is the mosque Becket-Ata, located in the countryside Oglandy in Mangistau region, built in the 17th century. It was named after a prophet and healer who lived in the 18th century. Today, it hosts thousands of pilgrims every day.
The fifth miracle on the list is the monument Baiterek in the heart of the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana. The monument was completed in 2002. Its height is 97 meters, and at the top of it there is an imprint of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s hand.
