August 2024 report: KZ driving experience and road conditions

[minion]

i will describe the driving experiene and road conditions for common tourist sites, hopefully this will help someone in future planning

1. Charyn Canyon
paved, flat, any sedan can make it

2. Lake Kolsai #1
paved except final 500 m uphill section, but any sedan can make it

3. Lake Kaindy
dirt / gravel with lots of potholes and wash out sections, two river crossings, high clearance required, 4x4 not required

4. Altyn Emel (Katutau and Aktau mountains)
good gravel, flat, high clearance recommended (or may be required by checkpoint? not sure), 4x4 not required

5. Altyn Emel (Singing Dunes)
good gravel, good dirt, flat, high clearance not required but recommended, 4x4 not required. personally, i think any sedan can make it

6. Assy Plateau
bad gravel, uphill incline. 4x4 recommended or required

i also notice all places within national parks are open early eg 7 am to accomodate early sunrise time in summer season

[OWNER]

2. Lake Kolsai #1
paved except final 500 m uphill section, but any sedan can make i

Kolsai #3. The numbering goes downstream of the river.

6. Assy Plateau

Asy Plateau. Name according to topographic maps.

I call for precision when using toponyms. )