Sayram-Ugam National Park

Sayram-Ugam National Park is one of Kazakhstan’s most breathtaking natural reserves. It is located in the Turkestan Region, near the borders of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. As part of the Western Tien Shan Mountains, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park offers diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and exciting outdoor activities.

Sayram-Ugam National Park is a mountainous young national park, established only in 2006. It lies 70 km south of Shymkent. Sayram-Ugam National Park is set in the Southwest of the well-known and older Aksu Zhabagly National Nature Reserve.

Sayram-Ugam National Park boasts rugged mountains, deep gorges, alpine meadows, and pristine rivers. The park is named after the Sayram and Ugam River valleys, which cut through its breathtaking terrain. One of the highlights for trekkers and mountaineers is Peak Sayram (4,235 meters), the highest point in the park, offering incredible panoramic views of the Western Tien Shan Mountains. The park also features picturesque locations such as Sayram Gorge, Kaskasu Gorge, and Sazan Gorge, which are perfect for hiking, camping, and photography.

Diverse Wildlife and Ecosystem of Sayram Ugam

Nature lovers will find Sayram-Ugam National Park to be a paradise, home to over 1,600 plant species, many of which are rare and medicinal. The park’s diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including some of Central Asia’s most elusive animals.

Visitors might spot the majestic snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Siberian ibex, Eurasian lynx, and golden eagle. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the abundance of bird species, making it a prime destination for ecotourism and wildlife photography in Kazakhstan.

Historical Significance of Sayram Ugam

Beyond its natural beauty, Sayram-Ugam National Park has deep historical roots. The region was once part of the Silk Road, the legendary trade route that connected East and West. Nearby, travellers can visit the historic city of Turkestan, home to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, one of Kazakhstan’s most important cultural landmarks. Exploring the Turkestan Region allows visitors to combine outdoor adventures with cultural and historical experiences.

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Sayram Ugam as an outdoor destination

Sayram-Ugam National Park has something for every taste of adventure: from easy walking tours to more extreme ascensions of mountain peaks. Some routes include Sayram Gorge, which opens with beautiful views of the river, and Kaskasu Gorge, known for its waterfalls and rich flora. Equally popular is camping and horse riding, enabling one to see the wild beauty up close. For those interested in culture, the park borders the trails of the ancient Silk Road, adding a historical dimension to its natural attractions.

Makpal Lake

Makpal Lake is a picturesque alpine lake situated within Kazakhstan’s Sayram-Ugam National Park, at an elevation of approximately 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level. The lake is characterized by its deep sapphire-blue waters, bordered by steep cliffs on one side and meadows on the other, creating a harmonious natural setting.

The lake is fed from the south by three unnamed tributaries, which originate from springs and glaciers on the northern slopes of the Ugam Ridge. It stretches 406 meters from southeast to northwest, with a maximum width of 227 meters.

Formed by flooding, the lake has a shoreline approximately 1 kilometer long. A 15-kilometer hiking and horseback trail connects Makpal Lake to Ugam Village. The lake’s surface area is about 2,000 square meters, with a maximum depth of around 15 meters.

Maklap Lake waters display stunning emerald and blue hues, and in the shallow, beach areas, temperatures can reach 18°C during July and August. Additionally, a small cave is nestled within the rocky southeastern section of the lake.

The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, including golden eagles soaring above, snowcocks calling on the gentle southern slopes, and graceful mountain goats grazing on high grassy areas beneath the rocks.

If you are interested in exploring the area, there is a 45-kilometer (28-mile) equestrian route that passes by Makpal Lake. This trail includes key points such as the Ugamsky Cordon Ridge and the Ugam-Diermenbastau gorge, offering hikers and riders an immersive experience through the park’s diverse landscapes.

How to get to Sairam-Ugam National Park

The park is easily accessible from Shymkent, one of Kazakhstan’s largest cities. Located approximately 70 km from Shymkent, it can be reached by car, taxi, or guided tour. Shymkent also serves as a convenient starting point for travelers exploring Turkestan, Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, and other destinations in Southern Kazakhstan.