Overview
The return from the Ile delta to Almaty follows the M-36 southbound through Kapchagai city — a 90 km, 60-minute drive. The highway passes through open desert steppe with occasional saxaul stands and dry clay pans that themselves attract Pallid and Montagu's Harriers and Short-toed Eagles on passage. Kapchagai city has a petrol station and several roadside cafes at the main junction if a stop is needed. Back in Almaty the entire day circuit covers roughly 160 km. For those wanting an extended birding programme, Silk Road Birding (Almaty-based) runs guided half- and full-day Sorbulak excursions and can arrange transport.
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Visit notes
Viewing visit notes for Sorbulak Lake and Ile Delta Birding
Return to Almaty via Kapchagai Road
Step 8 · 62 km from previous · 65 min drive
The return from the Ile delta to Almaty follows the M-36 southbound through Kapchagai city — a 90 km, 60-minute drive. The highway passes through open desert steppe with occasional saxaul stands and dry clay pans that themselves attract Pallid and Montagu's Harriers and Short-toed Eagles on passage. Kapchagai city has a petrol station and several roadside cafes at the main junction if a stop is needed. Back in Almaty the entire day circuit covers roughly 160 km. For those wanting an extended birding programme, Silk Road Birding (Almaty-based) runs guided half- and full-day Sorbulak excursions and can arrange transport.