Kiin-Kerish, the Flaming Cliffs, and Lake Zaysan

Red, orange and white clay cliffs that look like a fire frozen in place, near a huge, quiet lake.

Region

East

Start from

Ust-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen)

Distance

about 450 km

Time needed

3 days

Best season

May – June, September

Difficulty

Moderate

Transport

4×4 with a local driver

Permits

Check current rules locally; the area is near the border

Why go

Kiin-Kerish, often called the 'Flaming Cliffs', is a field of eroded clay formations in East Kazakhstan, coloured bright red, orange, yellow and white. At sunset the colours become almost unreal.

The area is also known for fossils: palaeontologists have found remains of ancient plants and animals in these layers.

Nearby Lake Zaysan is a large, remote lake on the Irtysh river, popular with fishermen and almost unknown to tourists.

The story

The coloured clays of Kiin-Kerish were deposited in an ancient lake environment tens of millions of years ago. As the layers eroded, they exposed fossils of ancient plants, fish and animals, making the area interesting to palaeontologists.

The name is said to come from Mongolian, describing a ravine or a place of rocks; local guides offer different translations.

Lake Zaysan is fed by the Irtysh river and is famous for fishing. The town of Zaysan was once a frontier trading post on the route to China.

Getting there

From Ust-Kamenogorsk, drive south-east towards Zaysan town. The final part of the route is off-road; go with a driver who knows the area.

Tours from Ust-Kamenogorsk sometimes combine Kiin-Kerish with Lake Zaysan and other sites.

A suggested plan

1. Day 1Drive to Zaysan town, overnight.
2. Day 24×4 to Kiin-Kerish, explore the cliffs, stay for sunset.
3. Day 3Morning at Lake Zaysan, return.

Where to stay

Simple hotels in Zaysan town; camping near the cliffs if you have equipment.

Good to know

• Golden hour is everything here; plan to be there late afternoon.
• Bring water, sun protection and dust protection.