Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
Koktokay et Altaï
Warning: Risk areaThe notebook of Koktokay et Altaï
Watch the world from the next ridge.
Irtych Canyon, ancient mine and granite reliefs link geology, industry and Kazakh cultures.
At your own pace
Identity summary
2 to 5 days
Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Recommended car
Mountain · River · Heritage · Nature
Variable accessibility
Modular rhythm
General presentation
Koktokay et Altaï
Irtych Canyon, ancient mine and granite reliefs link geology, industry and Kazakh cultures.
Mine number 3, Kekesuli Lake and Irtych River in Koktokay give the most telling landmarks of Koktokay and Altai. Together, they form a destination where mountain reliefs, riverscapes, heritage and natural spaces meet, with atmospheres that change over the course of the stages rather than just one uniform decor.
See all
For a stay of 2 to 5 days, it is better to balance visits and travel times. Also to be anticipated: conditions to be checked according to the season. A car is usually the easiest way to connect the different sectors. Accessibility varies from site to site and deserves to be verified step by step.
Strengths and constraints
Strengths
- Mine number 3
- Lake Kekesuli
- Irtych River in Koktokay
Before you choose
- Car often useful
- Conditions to be checked by season
Places worth visiting
A selection to start dreaming and organizing the stay — not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see.
Must-see place
Mine numéro 3
This huge, tiered mine has provided many rare minerals during the 20th century. The industrial museum explains its strategic role and working conditions in the valley.
Lake
Lac Kekesuli
Kekesuli is a wetland punctuated with reeds and small islands on the route of the geopark. Colors and birds change depending on the season, making it a measured landscape stop.
River
Rivière Irtych à Koktokay
The Irtych crosses the granite valley of the Koktokay before reaching the Junggar Basin. The licensed banks offer a quieter reading of the landscape than the only geopark shuttles.
Practical tips
This information helps determine whether the destination suits the planned trip before further research.
To go further
More activities
Restaurants, walks, culture, leisure and outings to search without leaving the destination card.
The nearest destinations
The closest ideas on the map, to extend your trip.
Similar destinations
Same landscapes and the same pace of travel, elsewhere in the world.
Escaped to discover
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