Muztau
Muztau, often referred to as the "Top of the East," stands as a monumental geological formation reaching 4506 meters above sea level along the Kazakhstan-Russia border in the Katon-Karagay region. Its dual peaks, the East and West, with the iconic "Belukha Saddle" between them, create a breathtaking panorama. Covered in perpetual snow and ice, Muztau is a realm of awe-inspiring natural wonders, from cascading waterfalls to majestic glaciers. Locals hold it in high regard, dubbing it the "Dwelling place of the gods," while travelers marvel at its ethereal beauty, particularly during sunset when the sky ignites with a vibrant spectrum of colors, enhancing the mountain's celestial allure.
Arasan Waterfall
Location: Arasan Valley, 6 km below the resort village of Rakhmanovskiye Klyuch, Katon Karagay region. The waterfall forms Arasan (Rakhmanovka), flowing from the Rakhmanov Lake. The upper stage of the cascade, the longest and highest, is particularly impressive. In this part, a turbulent stream of water with noise and splashes erupts into a low cliff and, with a wide (up to 5 m) rapid stream, rushes down with a deafening roar, breaking on the rocks and turning into white foam and small splashes. The height of the fall and the flow width of this stage are about 6 m . Yazova Waterfall Location: 2 km below the exit of the Yazovaya River from the lake of the same name, 10 km northwest of the village of Karaairyk, Katon Karagay district. The waterfall consists of about a dozen cascades, reaching a total height of 10-12 meters, with the highest step being around 5 meters.
Rakhmanovsky Waterfall
Location: Right side of the Arasan valley, 1.8 km southeast of the resort village of Rakhmanovskiye Klyuch, Katon Karagay region. This cascade-type waterfall originates from a small alpine moraine lake and flows into Rakhmanov Lake.
Bukhtarminskoe Lake
Location: 38 km north of the confluence of the Shindagatuy River with the Bukhtarma River (Ust-Chindagatuy border post), Katon-Karagai district. Lake Bukhtarminskoye is well-known for its good fishing for grayling and picturesque landscapes.
Yazevoe Lake
Location: 12 km north of the village of Yazovka, Katon Karagay administrative district of the East Kazakhstan region. Lake Yazevoe is a picturesque lake on the approach to Belukha from the southwest side, known for its good fishing and stunning views.
Rakhmanovskoe Lake
Rakhmanov Lake is located among steep wooded mountain slopes at an altitude of 1760 meters above sea level. It is famous for its beauty and thermal water outlets.
Austrian Road
This road, built between 1914 and 1961 by Austrian (Czech) prisoners of war of the First World War, is a testament to their heroic work.
Northern Branch of the Great Silk Road (Golden Branch)
The Northern Golden Branch of the Great Silk Road is an ancient caravan route connecting Central Asian regions with the Irtysh River, passing through picturesque landscapes.
Tourism
The Katon-Karagai region offers various types of active recreation, including mountaineering, water tourism, hiking, car tourism, equestrian tourism, and rural tourism. There are also several sanatoriums and resorts offering therapeutic procedures and entertainment activities.