The tour is available on Saturdays and Sundays from May to September.
We recommend traveling to Korgalzhyn in the end of July – August, as it is nesting time for birds and chances to see them are higher. In the beginning of May it is tulips season, where you can see a protected variety of it - Tulipa schrenkii or Tulipa suaveolens, Schrenck's tulip.
Unusual one-day tour to Korgalzhyn Natural Reserve, included to the UNESCO World Heritage List. After driving 130km Astana, you will find yourself close to nature where you may see pink flamingoes, pelicans and many other species of birds. In a day, it’s possible to enjoy only the smallest part of the natural richness of Kazakhstan, but it will definitely be enough to leave you deeply impressed.
Tour itinerary:
In the morning, leave Astana and head southwest from Astana to Korgalzhyn Natural Reserve (130 km, 2 h.). Established in 1968, National Park is included in UNESCO World Heritage list. Today, it is the largest national park of Kazakhstan with its territory exceeding half million hectares. Korgalzhyn is home to more than 300 species of wildlife including rare Siberian white crane, the Dalmatian pelican, and Pallas’s fish eagle. The park is a place of living of pink flamingo in Kazakhstan.
Start exploring the area visiting “Birds Paradise” centre with Steppe Hall, winter garden, and History and Ethnography Hall. You will also have a chance to watch a 20-minute movie “Mystery of protected land”. Continue to eco-routes in the park.
Return to Astana, drop off at your hotel.
Please be advised that terrains in the reserve are off-road and Soviet off-road jeeps (usually Vas Niva provided by the reserve) will take you around Korgalzhyn.
If adverse weather conditions occur, guides reserve the right to adjust the route in order to ensure the safety of tourists, as in a heavy rain a vehicle can get stuck in the mud.
Moreover, there is a chance not to see birds or animals in a bad weather, as they hide in/around lakes of the reserve.
You will be observing the birds and animals in a distance with binoculars provided by the guide.
Flamingos can be seen from end April till October, gophers and saiga antelopes from May till July.
What to wear and pack: sunglasses, a hat, a raincoat, waterproof shoes or sneakers.
Recommendations when planning your trip:
Temperature is different in and outside the city; therefore, warm clothes are needed when travel outside.
Price includes:
- Transportation;
- Service of an English-speaking guide;
- Lunch;
- Entrance fees and ecological tax.
Price doesn't include:
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Accommodation in Astana city;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Personal expenses.
Prices, per person
Tour Enquiry
The tour is private with your personal guide. There will be no other people joining the tour.
Our guides will follow your own pace.
The starting time of the tour is up to you and may vary from 09.00 am to 16.00 pm.
We are happy to offer this tour for air/train passengers too. Our guide will meet you at the arrival station.
Korgalzhyn Natural Reserve Reviews
We were lucky to see flamingos. Though they were not the red flamingos I wish to see, but they are lovely too.
Our guide Kamila is super sweet and professional. The best guide we came across in Kazakhstan ! And definitely speaks the best English.
Thanks for all the arrangement. My friends and I enjoy the trip v much.
Visited June 2019
