The destination is located on the north of Akmola region within mountainous forests of Zerenda, Shalkar, Imantau and Airtau natural zones and lakes of Zerenda, Shalkar, Imantau and Saumalkol.

60% of the region is covered with forests with steppes among them. Most of the lakes have sweet water, and only Shalkar is famous for salubrious salty water. Shalkar Lake beloved place of Russian citizens who came here for holidays.

Forests are rich with berries and mushrooms. The forests and lakes of the region are protected as a part of Kokshetau National Park.

Wildlife is very rich and varied. Forests are inhabited with elk, deer, wild boar, wolves and many other species of animals. Lakes are rich in fish species.

Kokshetau State National Nature Park was established in April 1996 by Kazakhstan government decree. Its main area 60 km south-western part of Kokshetau, is more than 135000 hectares and includes mountainous forest massive and lakes of Zerenda, Shalkar and Imantau natural zones. The territory is under a special protection regime which eliminates harm to natural and cultural objects.

Wildlife in Kokshetau is a rare combination of species of different epochs and geographical regions. Ancient lichens and ferns grow underneath trees and bushes.

Typical Siberian taiga animals such as elk, lynx, forest marten, white hare, ermine live close to the inhabitants of southern steppes and semi-desert like korsak fox, gopher, grey hare, and steppe polecat. Varied wildlife has always attracted people to this region.

National Park Entrance fee is 1,3 Euro (2005-2006).

Cultural heritage

Visit historical and natural monuments of Kokshetau!

From Kokshetau you can have a trip to the museum of Shokan Ualikhanov, memorial complex of "Karasai batyr", ancient burial of Karsak, archeological monument of Botai.
History is revived in craft shops. Here you can buy memorable souvenirs.

Community Based Ecotourism (CBE)

Community based ecotourism (CBE) in Kokshetau was organized in 2005.
CBT groups are interest groups of local rural communities situated in beautiful nature, who provide quality, not expensive tourist services to visitors.

CBT groups are headed by a regional coordinator.

CBT groups serve tourists providing unique tourist products. They have good knowledge and skills to provide quality tour services to visitors and tourists.

Accommodation services in traditional rural areas

Airtau, Imantau, Shalkar located near the lakes with the same names and surrounded by beauty landscapes - the best starting point for traveling in the region.

Comfortable guesthouses are always ready to welcome you with warm hospitality. Staying in guesthouses or in yurts, you can observe local life and traditions.

You can taste national food cooked from fresh local products; listen to the sounds of traditional music by dombra; taste fresh kumys (mare's milk); relax in traditional banya or just enjoy traditionally slow-paced rural life.

Trip to Kokshetau is an wonderful opportunity to spend interesting and healthy weekends.

Horseback and walking tour routes

Horseback riding is a wonderful opportunity to visit varied landscapes, crystal clean lakes and come close to the nature in typical pine trees forests. You can rent horses from local people. You can also go for a trip with a trained local CBE guide.

Trekking of different categories of difficulties, with professional guides are also offered. You can also rent equipment including tents and cooking stove.

Joint project of OrexCA.com and KTA & KAGIR. Information is taken from CD "All about tourism in Kazakhstan"