Almaty State Nature Reserve, Nature reserve in Tianshan Mountains, Kazakhstan

Almaty State Nature Reserve is a protected area in the Tianshan Mountains of southern Kazakhstan, covering an extensive high-mountain terrain. The landscape shifts from forested valleys with apple trees and conifers up to rocky ridges and ice fields.

The reserve was established in 1931 to protect and study the natural complexes of the northern Tien Shan. In 1966 the desert tract "Singing Mountain" was attached to it, but in January 1983 this nature monument was transferred to the Kapchagay hunting estate and now lies within Altyn-Emel National Park. The reserve covers 71.7 thousand hectares in the central Zailiysky Alatau.

Residents of Almaty rely on the area as a vital water source, with melting glaciers feeding several rivers that flow into the city. Hikers often encounter rangers and researchers monitoring wildlife populations and explaining to visitors how the different altitude zones connect.

Most routes require good physical fitness as they pass through steep and sometimes rugged terrain. Those exploring the upper altitude zones should prepare for rapid weather changes and bring warm clothing.

The Talgar massif holds the largest glaciers of the northern Tien Shan: the Korzhenevsky Glacier runs 11 km and covers 38 km², the Bogatyr Glacier 9.1 km long and 30.3 km². A union-level alpine camp, "Talgar", operated here for over 40 years until a mudflow destroyed it in 1979.