Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, which is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia. It is named after the river that runs through itâthe Aksuâand the Zhabagly mountain range. The park offers gorgeous golden fields, steep gorges, crystalline blue waters, and some interesting rock formations.
âAksuâ means âwhite waterâ in Kazakh, so named for the blue glacial water fueling the river. The river is icy cold most of the year, but brave souls can find places to swim if they so choose.
The park is quite large, and itâs possible to visit for several days. If you want to attempt this, though, itâs best to do so with a guide; there are no well-marked trails.
You can get from Shymkent to the park by taking a mashrutka (minibus). They leave once a day in the morning (around 9am) from the Aina Bazaar in Shymkent to the village of Zhabagly.
Itâs a 2-hour ride and youâll arrive near the entrance of the park. However, you canât enter the park on your own.