The Altyn-Emel State National Park was created on 10 April 1996 and is located in the very heart of Central Asia, in the valley of the li River. The total area of the Park is 520,000 ha. The Altyn-Emel Park has a rich plant and animal diversity. The park is home to some 634 different plant species, 41 of which are classified as rare. 56 species out of the animals and forty of the park's bird species are listed in Kazakhstan's Red Book