Aksu Canyon: Relaxing by the Water in Kazakhstan

Aksu Canyon: Where Kazakhstan's Landscape Lights Up

Aksu Canyon is one of Kazakhstan's best-kept secrets. The 15km long, 500m deep canyon on the Aksu River is part of the Aksu-Zhabagli nature reserve, and it serves up some of the most beautiful views of the country. This isn't a canyon where you just hike, it's an "escape to connect" retreat where cold tears on your face dissolves away "wondering why [you] got out of bed at all."

A unique setting for escape artists

The canyon is a natural marvel that has cut through 500 metres of rocky terrain. It is a ideal spot to reflect while basking in the rustic beauty and serenity that those unfamiliar with Kazakhstan may typically overlook. Aksu Canyon is more geared towards visitors who want to revel in the beauty of its natural surroundings. The serene atmosphere makes it the perfect place to retreat to.

The natural connection of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a country whose natural beauty often goes unnoticed on the global stage. The Aksu-Zhabagli nature reserve has been described as one of this. It has grown in popularity as a great option for nature lovers who want to visit a less touristy destination. The outbreak of pandemic travel restrictions has been a mild boost. It's no doubt that the diverse landscape makes Aksu Canyon a special retreat for escape artists. That beauty is on full display in a video by Saken Kagarov. The video moves at a comfortable pace, and the subject matter is the beauty of the canyon. The video shows a person relaxing on a pile of driftwood near a body of water. There is not much "action" in the scene. The focus is entirely on the surrounding natural landscape.

Driftwood, the soundtrack, and sitting with the mind

The driftwood is not there to be admired for its aesthetic; it is there to be used. It's not merely a pile of dead wood, it is an invitation to be still. You don't come to a canyon to walk away with more. You come to a canyon to let go of what you already had. It is peculiar to see someone at such a picturesque setting, being so still, with no visible camera or conversation. The melody is soothing, almost hypnotic, yet it doesn't overwhelm the listener. The music is subtle enough to allow the sounds of the natural surroundings to be heard. It is rare that the music of a video is this well-matched with its subject. This video tells a story about being on a pile of driftwood to let the cold of the canyon melt your tears. There is no action of clearing the mind. There is no effort in sitting. It is a moment 'Out of bed at all', he says, It is a moment of simply listening to what is already within us, rather than focusing on what is going on around us.

The silence of the water

The canyon is described by many as "one of the most picturesque spots in the Aksu-Zhabagli nature reserve". The scene has a calming effect on the viewer. There is an unspoken language to the setting. The canyon is not loud. It doesn't need to advertise. It invites you to join its beauty and simplicity in a quiet setting. The view is calm, and nature’s beauty is on full display. The video begins with a line from the transcended lexicon of the post- millenials: "Tears gone cold, I'm wondering why I got out of bed at all."

Finding Aksu's retreat for yourself

Relax and absorb: Akus canyon is perfect for those seeking a quieter, less touristy destination. It's a place to sit with the mind. Care for the canyon: be wary of the fragility of the canyon. Respect the natural environment and bring nothing but your curiosity and self-reflection.