Hiking Tour One Day Altyn-Emel park.

"The Ili River was visible in the distance; we took a ferry operated by Kyrgyz across this river and spent the night at a spring in the sands between the Kalkan Mountains, where we found ourselves in a hollow teeming with snakes, tarantulas, scorpions, and phalanges, and we couldn't forget that cursed night's lodging for a long time. We didn't sleep that night and rose at dawn to begin our march."

Chokan Valikhanov. "Description of the Route to Kashgar and Back to the Alatau District." 1858-1859. Volume 3. Pp. 53-85.

Main sights in Altyn-Emel park.

Ch. Valikhanov's Spring (Kokbastau), located at an altitude of 607 m. a. s. l. It is located in Kokbastau tract, in mountain pass between Ulken-Kalkan and Kysty-Kalkan, 2.7 kilometers north and slightly west of Akkum-Kalkan sand mountains, 8 kilometers southeast of Mynbulak cordon, and 33.4 kilometers southwest of village of Basshy, within Altyn-Emel Nature Park in Kerbulak district of Zhetysu region.

The Sh. Valikhanov Spring (Kazakh: Ch. Ualikhanov) is one of the notable natural and historical sites of the Altyn-Emel National Park. This spring is located in a narrow, picturesque valley among rocks and steppe expanses, where the harsh nature of Zhetysu combines with rare green oases.
The spring was named after the outstanding Kazakh scientist, traveler, and educator Shokan Valikhanov. It is believed that he visited these places during his expeditions to Semirechye, and the spring was named in memory of his scientific work and contribution to the study of Central Asia.
The spring is a natural source of clean, cool water emerging from beneath the rocks. In the arid climate of Zhetysu, such springs are especially valuable, serving as a magnet for both people and animals. A small green oasis with grassy vegetation forms around the spring, a stark contrast to the surrounding desert-steppe landscape.
Today, the Valikhanov Spring is a popular stop for tourists visiting Altyn-Emel Park. It attracts tourists not only for the opportunity to rest in the shade and quench their thirst, but also for its historical symbolism. This place recalls the travels of Shokan Valikhanov and the time when explorers discovered unexplored corners of the region for science. T
hus, Valikhanov Spring is not just a natural water source, but also a historical and cultural monument, combining natural wealth and the legacy of Kazakhstan's great explorers. This amazing spring was thus included in his notes and later received Valikhanov's name.

Geographical coordinates of Valikhanov Spring: N43°53'39 E78°33'28

Authority and photos by:
Alexander Petrov.