Tours of natural attractions of Karkaraly National Park.

"Adventure is not the romance some people think it is. It can't be gleaned from a book. Adventure is always something experienced, and to make it a part of one's self, the most important thing is to be worthy of it, to live it without fear."

Blaise Cendrars. Swiss and French writer, poet, and war correspondent.

Best hiking routes in Karkaraly Mountains.

A trip to the Tasbulak tract is one of the most accessible and picturesque destinations in the Karkaraly National Park. This corner, located just 4 kilometers northeast of Karkaraly, combines both the natural beauty and the cultural richness of the region.

Road and landmarks of Tasbulak valley.

From the city center, the road gently curves toward the mountains, skirting coniferous slopes and revealing jagged granite ridges. After a few minutes, a sign for "Tasbulak" appears - from here, the Nature Museum is about 1 kilometer away. The asphalt gradually gives way to a dirt road leading into the valley, where the babbling of a stream can be heard among the pine trees.
The journey from the city is 10 - 15 minutes by car or about an hour on foot at a leisurely pace.

Atmosphere and nature of Tasbulak valley.

Tasbulak is a true natural amphitheater, surrounded by wooded hills. Translated from Kazakh, the tract's name means "stone spring," and indeed, the sound of water trickling between stones can be heard everywhere. It's especially refreshing here in spring and summer: the scent of resin, birdsong, and the soft rustle of pine trees create a unique atmosphere of tranquility.
Along the way, you'll find benches for rest and small observation platforms offering views of the eastern part of the Karkaraly massif. In the warmer months, the tract becomes a favorite spot for walks and picnics.

Karkaraly Park Nature Museum is heart of Tasbulak valley. 

The museum building blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Inside, there are several exhibition halls explaining the geology, flora, and fauna of Karkaraly. Stuffed animals, mineral collections, herbariums, and photographs introduce the region's natural world in all its forms - from alpine meadows to dry steppe zones.
The museum is frequently visited by schoolchildren, students, and tourists: it's a great place to begin exploring the park before climbing Kokshetau or walking to Lake Shaitankol.

Legend of Stone Spring in Karkaraly Park.

There is an ancient legend associated with Tasbulak. Long ago, a wise old man lived in these parts, believing that water and stone are brothers.
He said,
- "When a person forgets about the earth, the water will go deep into the stone."
And indeed, when dry years came, the springs dried up. But as soon as people cleared the area and replanted trees, the water returned. Since then, the Tasbulak springs have been considered sacred, bringing life and prosperity.

Tips for travelers on a walk in Tasbulak valley.

The best time for a walk is May through September, when the road is dry and the tract is especially green.
Be sure to bring water and a camera: there are many excellent photo spots along the way, especially at dawn and in the evening light.
In winter, Tasbulak takes on a special atmosphere: snow falls like a soft blanket on the pine trees, and the museum becomes a cozy refuge for travelers.

Atmosphere of Tasbulak valley.

Early in the morning, Tasbulak breathes coolness and the sound of dripping water – water trickles from stone cracks in thin streams, collecting in clear streams. The air is filled with the scent of pine needles, and a light mist drifts across the clearings, as if trying to conceal the ancient secrets of this place.
By midday, the sun is already high, the forest becomes bright and resonant. Rays pierce the treetops, and it seems as if the trees themselves emit light. Somewhere in the distance, a cuckoo answers, and the branches rustle softly in the wind, a reminder of the eternal movement of life.
Tourists stop at a spring, fill their flasks with ice-cold water, and rest in the shade – long trails through Karkaraly still lie ahead. In the evening, the tract is transformed: the air becomes cool, and the granite cliffs glow pink in the last rays of sunset.
The pines rustle softly, as if telling ancient tales. Somewhere in the distance, the lights of Karkaralinsk twinkle, and night slowly descends upon the valley. At this time, the whisper of springs is especially clear - as if the earth itself is giving thanks for the day.

Authority and photo by:
Alexander Petrov.