3000 years back in time

This route starts in the city of Karaganda, situated nearby the capital Astana. We gladly assist you in organizing your transfer to Karaganda and booking your accommodation in Karaganda and possibly Astana.

The Kyzylarai mountain and forest oasis, located in Central Kazakhstan, gives truly exclusive opportunities for a traveler. Where else can you make a journey, figuratively speaking, “3000 years back” and “1500 metres up” just within a few days?

Just here, in the Kyzylarai mountains, the highest point of Sary Arka, Aksoran peak (1565 metres), is situated. Exactly these places are considered practically the only big habitat of argali on the territory of Kazakhstan. Not to mention pine forests, which grow on the granite rocks and present particular interest for scientists being the most southern place of the pine habitat in the Central Kazakhstan ecosystem, bordering upon deserted areas.

Historical heritage is also presented here in a quite interesting way: monumental granite sepulchers of Begazy and rock paintings, dating from the Bronze age, stone statues of the Turkic period and mausoleums of the period of the Kazakh-Jungar wars. Meanwhile the local population has managed to preserve its skills of producing articles out of felt and numerous national fermented milk products: koumiss, shubat, kurt etc.

Such an amazing combination of pristine nature, ancient historical monuments and rather well-preserved way of life of the local population makes the Kyzylarai a great place to visit for those who like to explore something new and interesting for themselves. Hardly any foreigner has ever visited this area.