Situated right in the heart of the Eurasian mega-continent, Eastern Kazakhstan is a vast, biologically and geographically diverse region in the Republic of Kazakhstan. With an estimated 24 nature preservation areas, it serves as a sanctuary wherein rare and endangered animal and plant species can co-exist quite harmoniously, safe from threats to their existence. It is also one of the unique places on the planet where one can glimpse all of the Central Asian landscapes and rock formations strangely coexisting in a single area.
The picturesque city of Ust-Kamenogorsk serves as the region's capital, located right at the intersection of the winding Irtysh and Ulba Rivers. Eastern Kazakhstan is also widely considered to be one of the country's most stunning destinations. Here, tourists can literally stand transfixed marveling at the exotic beauty of its flora and fauna. It is also filled with countless natural wonders such as majestic snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, sandy deserts, grassy steppes, flowing rivers and clear-blue lakes.
One of the most fascinating and scenic sights of the region is the twin-peaked Mount Belukha, which also has the reputation of being the highest peak in the region. Known locally as the "Golden Mountains of Attai," it has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature-seekers can also find in the region the famous Markakol National Reserve, a preservation area established in 1976 that shelters and protects wildlife such as red wolves, brown bears, Caspian deer, silvery seagulls and the exceptionally rare uskuch whitefish. The reserve also features the lovely Markakol Lake - fondly called the pearl of Markakol - and is frequently compared to the famed Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake.
