Kazakhstan's Hidden Gem: The Blue Jade Belt Canyon

🇰🇿 The Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve near Shymkent
is one of Kazakhstan's most strictly protected areas.
After extensive searching, I found little reference material,
so I had to explore and test the waters myself.

Most of this reserve is closed to tourists.
If you navigate to the Aksu-Zhabagly Visitor Center,
the management will inform you that a guide is required for entry,
usually requiring advance booking.
The guide will take you to the Kishi-Kaindy Waterfall.
This route, especially around April during early spring,
offers a high chance of spotting bears and wolves during the day—though guide fees are steep.

For budget travelers who can't afford the pricey guides, here's an alternative:
‼️ Navigate via Google Maps to **Kan'on Aksu - Selo Khanaryk**.
After arrival, continue north across a small bridge,
then drive east along a rough dirt road for 4–5 km (the road is poor but manageable in dry conditions with a 2WD—don’t doubt the route).
When you reach a fork to the right, park and continue on foot.
After passing a stable during the hike,
the stunning Aksu Canyon, resembling a blue jade belt, soon comes into view.
Descend to the valley floor and walk about 2 km further
to witness the breathtaking blue whirlpool—
where countless driftwoods swirl in a mesmerizing turquoise vortex, creating a spectacular sight.