As the ninth-largest country in the world, Kazakhstan is an endless beauty land, with dramatic landscapes and adventure. Since the country is a home to the best scenery in Central Asia, starting with the snow-topped mountains in the Tien Shan to the expansive steppes and the mysterious deserts, the country presents some of the most amazing camping sites in Central Asia. Camping in Kazakhstan is an adventure that no other thing can ever be. To individuals who cherish nature, peace and the adventure of staying outdoors, camping in Kazakhstan will be their adventure of a lifetime.

Your outdoor adventure in the wilderness would not be complete without first apply tourist visa to Kazakhstan so that there is a smooth and hassle free trip. After your visa is cleared, be ready to go on a camping adventure that will see you enjoying clear lakes, starry skies, and meet the people of the country that are warm and friendly. This guide will lead you to the most incredible camping spots in Kazakhstan, tips that can be used on the trip, and why each of them was so memorable.

1. Kolsai Lakes National Park

Kolsai Lakes National Park is situated in the north of the Tien Shan Mountains and it has been listed among the crown jewels of the natural marvels in Kazakhstan. Kolsai park has three crystal-clear alpine lakes 1, 2, 3 with dense forests and great mountains around them.

Camping the area will also enable you to wake up in stunning mountain ranges, hike through pine-smelling hiking trails, and even ride horses between the lakes. Kolsai is a paradise of nature photographers due to the serene atmosphere, as well as the mirror-like waters.

The amenities are quite low and hence camping people are expected to carry their equipment. Nevertheless, nearby Saty Village has local families that can provide you with homestays and hot meals to experience the traditional hospitality of the Kazakh.

Best time of the year: June-September- the weather is milder, and the trails are open.

2. Lake Kaindy: The Forest Underwater.

A little way off the Kolsai Lakes is another magnificent sight-seeing spot- Lake Kaindy. This lake is popular with its haunting underwater forest and it was created due to the earthquake that occurred in 1911 and overcame a whole valley of spruce trees.

Their spectral trunks are standing there in the turquoise water today to make a surreal landscape. Camping around Lake Kaindy is a serene yet exciting activity that is enclosed by the art of nature.

You may walk around the lake or Ride horses or just appreciate the peaceful beauty of the mountains. Do not forget warm clothes; here the altitude is great, and the cold is soon reclaimed at night.

Peak season: Late spring to early fall.

3. Altyn-Emel National Park

As a traveler with an adventurous spirit as well as relaxing, Altyn-Emel National Park, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, is a place that should be seen. This spans more than 4,600 square kilometers, and it has deserts, mountains, and wildlife that are very rare including wild kulans (Asian wild donkeys) and goitered gazelles.

Another attraction in camping here is the Singing Dune which is a sand dune that is 150 meters high and the sand dune is known to make a humming sound when the wind blows and this is a natural phenomenon that almost seems mystical. Another attraction worth visiting is the Aktau Mountains which are also formed by rock of different colors and the Katutau Mountains which were created as a result of volcanic activity many years ago.

The Altyn-Emel off-grid camping provides the final off-grid adventure to the traveler. It is ideal to the people who prefer spacious areas and the least number of people.

Peak season: April to October, though not mid-summer heat.

4. Charyn Canyon National Park

Charyn Canyon is one of the most famous natural phenomena in Kazakhstan, and it is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States. The canyon is approximately 200 kilometer east of Almaty; it is approximately 90 kilometers long with spectacular red rock formations that have been scoured by Charyn River.

The Valley of Castles with its fortress-like forms is a popular camping-ground. It is possible to pitch your tent at the bottom of the canyon and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the sunset as well as a night sky full of stars.

There are some basic camping amenities, though the majority of tourists are ready to come with their equipment to have the original outdoor experience. Popular activities here are hiking, rafting and wildlife photography.

Peak season: April-June and September- October.

5. Borovoe (Burabay) National Park.

In case you want to find a place where forests, glittering lakes, and comfortable camping will be united, the top choice will be Borovoe National Park, which is located in North Kazakhstan. It is also referred to as the Kazakh Switzerland and this park is a combination of natural beauty and convenient amenities.

Borovoe is known with its transparent blue lakes with pine-trees and granite cliffs. Lake Shchuchye and Lake Borovoe have special places of camping and there you will have a chance to swim, to kayak and fish.

In case glamping is the favorite, a number of eco-resorts nearby have luxurious tents and wooden cabins. There are also hiking trails and view points scattered throughout the area which are ideal places to be when taking photographs.

High season: May, to September.

6. Big Almaty Lake

One of the most stunning camping locations in the country is Big Almaty Lake and it is located only 30 kilometers south of Almaty. This is a serene lake with snowy-topped mountains that would be an ideal way to detoxify after being in the hustle of the city.

The turquoise waters of the lake are stunning and the surrounding environment is very good to walk around. Nonetheless, it should not be swam in, as the lake is the one that provides drinking water to Almaty.

This is the best place to go camping on a short weekend. On the clear nights, you can also go and see the local Big Almaty Observatory and do some stargazing.

High season: June to October.

Conclusion

The camping sites of Kazakhstan, the haunting beauty of Lake Kaindy, the colorful mountains of Altyn-Emel and the dramatic cliffs of Charyn Canyon, each of them will provide a better experience to any traveler visiting this country. The beauty of nature in the country is also expressed at each of the sites in a different aspect, peaceful, wild, and a great source of inspiration.

Therefore, in case you have been yearning to have an adventurous, cultural, and breathtaking camping experience, Kazakhstan must feature at the top of your list. However, do not pack your tent and sleeping bag before you have your Kazakhstan visa in UAE booked with Go Kite Travel your reliable travel partner when it comes to easy travel planning and visa application. After you get your visa ready, you will be in a position to enjoy the great outdoors and see the unparalleled beauty of Kazakhstan in an open sky.