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.