The Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve covers 750 km² (465 sq miles) of mountain meadows, forests and glaciers in the Talassky Alatau range foothills. It is the oldest, most accessible reserve in Kazakhstan and it got its name from the Aksu River that runs through it. It includes a 4500 m (14,760 feet) high peak.

Animals in the reserve include bears, ibex and snow leopards, as well as birds of prey. You can hike through the park, or explore it on horseback, but you'll need a guide. The best place to arrange one is the town of Zhabaghly, some 100 km west of Dzhambul.