Sairam-Ugam National Park, created in 2006, covers the Ugam, Karzhantau and neighbouring ranges of the Western Tian Shan between Shymkent and the Uzbek border, and adjoins Aksu-Zhabagly to the east. Like its neighbour, it belongs to the UNESCO "Western Tien-Shan" World Heritage Site. Unlike a strict reserve, a national park has recreation zones, so access is simpler.
For people in Shymkent these are the weekend mountains. The Kaskasu valley has holiday bases, horse riding and a small ski slope in winter. The Sairam-su gorge leads up towards glacial lakes under Sairam peak (about 4,200 m). Elsewhere there are walnut and wild-apple woods and plenty of unmarked trails.
Top things to do at Sairam-Ugam National Park & Kaskasu
A day in Kaskasu
The easiest taste of the park: about 1.5 hours from the city to a green valley at around 1,500–2,000 metres with guesthouses, picnic spots, horses for hire and walking up side valleys. In winter a modest ski lift operates when there is snow.
Hike towards the Sairam-su lakes
A demanding full-day (or better, overnight) hike up the Sairam-su gorge to turquoise moraine lakes below the glaciers. Go with a local guide; the trail is not waymarked and river levels change.
Try paragliding
The foothills have reliable thermals, and tandem flights with certified pilots are offered in season.
Something different: Akmeshit cave
In the opposite direction, in the Karatau foothills north of Shymkent, the Akmeshit ("white mosque") cave is a huge collapsed karst chamber with trees growing on its floor, long treated as a sacred place. It is roughly 1.5–2 hours from the city by car and makes an unusual half-day trip.
How to get to Sairam-Ugam National Park & Kaskasu
- To Kaskasu: about 70–80 km south-east of Shymkent via Lenger; 1.5 hours by car. There is little public transport beyond the larger villages.
- To Sairam-su: a similar distance, with the last section on a rough road best driven in a high-clearance vehicle.
- Park fees: a small ecological fee is collected at checkpoints; keep the receipt.
Insider tips
- July and August, unbearable in the city, are perfect here — expect temperatures 10–15 °C lower than in Shymkent.
- The park lies near the Uzbek border; carry your passport and do not stray into the border zone without the appropriate permit.
- Mobile coverage is patchy in the valleys. Tell your accommodation where you are going.
Best tours & tickets for Sairam-Ugam National Park & Kaskasu
These experiences are the easiest way to see Sairam-Ugam National Park & Kaskasu:
Private nature trip from US$240 From Shymkent: Aksu Canyon & Tian Shan Mountains Day Trip
A private day out to the natural side of the region: the dramatic Aksu canyon, a traditional village and a hike in the foothills of the Western Tian Shan. Pickup is available and the group stays small. A new listing, so no reviews yet.
- Viewpoint over the Aksu canyon
- A village in the foothills
- Walking in the Western Tian Shan
Adventure from US$170 Shymkent: Tandem Paragliding in the Western Tian Shan
A tandem flight over the foothills of the Western Tian Shan with a certified pilot. Weather decides everything in paragliding, so keep a spare day. A brand-new listing.
- Fly with a certified pilot
- No experience needed
- Photos and video included
