Aksu-Zhabagly is a hiking and wildlife reserve, not a town with attractions. Most visits are a string of guided treks from Zhabagly village, ranging from a half-day walk to multi-day camping expeditions on horseback. The reserve protects everything inside its boundaries — every trek requires a permit and a registered guide, both arranged through the village ecotourism programme.
The biggest draws are the wild Greig tulip fields in late April, the Aksu Gorge, and the chance of spotting Tien Shan brown bears or, if you are very lucky, a snow leopard.