If you lift your gaze to the peaks of the Northern Tien Shan, a majestic world will unfold before you – icy summits, rushing rivers, and untouched nature.
At the very heart of these mountains lies a unique haven – the Almaty State Natural Reserve.

Established in 1931, it became Kazakhstan’s second official nature reserve. Since then, it has preserved the region’s natural wealth: the diversity of plants and animals, the beauty of snowy peaks, and the clarity of mountain streams. The Almaty Reserve is not just a protected area – it is a precious heritage passed down from our ancestors, a gift of nature intended for future generations.

The reserve covers an area of 71,700 hectares. Elevations range from 1,200 meters to the summit of Talgar Peak at 5,017 meters above sea level. There are 160 glaciers within the territory, including Korzhenevsky, Shokalsky, and Bogatyr glaciers. From these glaciers originate the turbulent mountain rivers – Talgar, Esik, and Shelek. Nestled in the gorges are stunning alpine lakes – Esik, Bozkol, Akkol, and Muzkol. Among them, Lake Esik stands out for its crystal-clear waters and natural beauty.

The reserve encompasses all altitudinal zones: at the base lie deciduous forests, followed by spruce forests, then alpine and subalpine meadows, and higher up –  rocky peaks covered with eternal snow.Each belt represents a separate world, with its own climate, life, and ecosystems.

The plant life is extraordinarily rich: over 1,440 species of plants, 29 of which are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. Among them are the Tulipa ostrowskiana, Iris albertii, Malus niedzwetzkyana, and the legendary Malus sieversii – the ancestor of all modern apple varieties. The region is also home to 14 relict and 18 endemic plant species found only here and nowhere else in the world.

The animal life is equally diverse. The reserve hosts more than 1,100 animal species, including 41 species of mammals, of which four are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan: the Snow Leopard  – the symbol of the Almaty Reserve, the Tien Shan Brown Bear, the Turkestan Lynx, and the Stone Marten. Siberian Ibex freely roam the steep slopes, while Marals and Siberian Roe Deer grace the alpine meadows.

The world of birds brings melody to the reserve. There are 177 bird species, 12 of which are listed in the Red Book. Notable among them are the Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Ibisbill, and the rare Blue Whistling Thrush. The reserve is also home to around 2,000 species of insects, including butterflies, beetles, bees, and ants – all playing an essential role in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

In 2020, the Almaty State Natural Reserve was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves for its unique landscape, rich biodiversity, and scientific value.
This international recognition highlights its importance not only for Kazakhstan but for the entire planet.

The Almaty Reserve is the living heart of nature – a reflection of the grandeur of mountains, the purity of rivers, and the depth of forests.
It symbolizes the beauty, strength, and harmony of the natural world – and it is our shared duty to protect it for generations to come.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ecogeo/press/news/details/1238739?lang=ru