Ush Ungir ("Three Caves")
"Three Caves" is a small granite canyon featuring three entrances into a rocky underground network. The caves were formed within a massif of granite slabs. A stream flows through the gorge, and the surrounding slopes are covered with pine trees and other alpine vegetation. * **Passage Features:** The central passage is quite low in places—around 1 meter high—requiring visitors to stoop or crawl on all fours in certain sections. The side niches are compact, accommodating only a few people at a time.Historical Significance:The site is of interest not only as a natural landmark, but also due to its association with archaeological discoveries, making it a recognized historical and archaeological monument.
Location & Address
Address: Kazakhstan, Karaganda Region, Karkaraly District, Karkaraly State National Natural Park, Tasbulak (Maliksai) Tract.
Landmark: Approximately 2–3 km from the town of Karkaralinsk (Karkaraly).
Operating Hours
Natural Attraction: There are no separate opening hours for the caves themselves. Visits are subject to the general operating hours and regulations of Karkaraly National Park.
"Three Caves" Tourist Area: Directory sources list the facility as open 24/7 daily; however, it is recommended to verify the current entry conditions into the park before your trip.
Entry Fees & Pricing
There is no separate fee to visit the caves; visitors only pay the national park entry fee.
National Park Entry Rates (2026):
Pedestrians: 865 KZT/person per day
Passenger car entry: 2,595 KZT
"Three Caves" Recreation Area Services (Optional):
Cabin accommodation: approx. 1,500 KZT/person per day
Campsite fee (own tent): 1,000 KZT per day
Contact Information
Karkaraly State National Natural Park:
Address: 1 Martbek Mamyraev St., Karkaralinsk
Phone: +7 (72146) 3-12-14
"Three Caves" Recreation Area:
Phone: +7 (701) 239-43-98, +7 (776) 996-44-61
Accessibility & Directions
Karkaralinsk can be reached by road from Karaganda. From the town, continue toward the national park territory and proceed on foot through the mountain gorge.
Hiking Route Details: One of the standard GPS routes to the caves is approximately 1.38 km round trip, with an elevation gain of 51 m, taking around 18 minutes of walking time. The route is rated as easy.
Best Time to Visit
May through September — especially May–June and August–September, when the weather is ideal for hiking and photography.
Note: Visitors report that the trail can become slick and wet in rainy weather.
Difficulty Level
Easy (when following the short trail; GPS tracks also classify it as easy).
Important Considerations: Inside the caves, passages are low and narrow. Consequently, the visit may be less comfortable for small children, individuals with limited mobility, or those prone to claustrophobia.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable closed-toe footwear, bring water and a flashlight, and exercise extra caution on wet rocks after rain.Here is the clean, publication-ready English translation of the text formatted for your website:
Location & Address
Address: Kazakhstan, Karaganda Region, Karkaraly District, Karkaraly State National Natural Park, Tasbulak (Maliksai) Tract.
Landmark: Approximately 2–3 km from the town of Karkaralinsk (Karkaraly).
Operating Hours.
Natural Attraction: There are no separate opening hours for the caves themselves. Visits are subject to the general operating hours and regulations of Karkaraly National Park.
"Three Caves" Tourist Area: Directory sources list the facility as open 24/7 daily; however, it is recommended to verify the current entry conditions into the park before your trip.
Entry Fees & Pricing
There is no separate fee to visit the caves; visitors only pay the national park entry fee.
National Park Entry Rates (2026):
Pedestrians: 865 KZT/person per day
Passenger car entry: 2,595 KZT
"Three Caves" Recreation Area Services (Optional):
Cabin accommodation: approx. 1,500 KZT/person per day
Campsite fee (own tent): 1,000 KZT per day
Contact Information
Karkaraly State National Natural Park:
Address: 1 Martbek Mamyraev St., Karkaralinsk
Phone: +7 (72146) 3-12-14
"Three Caves" Recreation Area:
Phone: +7 (701) 239-43-98, +7 (776) 996-44-61
Accessibility & Directions
Karkaralinsk can be reached by road from Karaganda. From the town, continue toward the national park territory and proceed on foot through the mountain gorge.
Hiking Route Details: One of the standard GPS routes to the caves is approximately 1.38 km round trip, with an elevation gain of 51 m, taking around 18 minutes of walking time. The route is rated as easy.
Best Time to Visit
May through September — especially May–June and August–September, when the weather is ideal for hiking and photography.
Note: Visitors report that the trail can become slick and wet in rainy weather.
Note: Visitors report that the trail can become slick and wet in rainy weather.
Difficulty Level
Easy (when following the short trail; GPS tracks also classify it as easy).
Important Considerations: Inside the caves, passages are low and narrow. Consequently, the visit may be less comfortable for small children, individuals with limited mobility, or those prone to claustrophobia.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable closed-toe footwear, bring water and a flashlight, and exercise extra caution on wet rocks after rain.
