Mount Okzhetpes

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Mount Okzhetpes

The natural beauty of the Burabay (Borovoe) resort area never ceases to astonish, with Mount Okzhetpes as one of its most iconic landmarks. Situated near Lake Borovoe and rising to a height of 300 meters, this impressive rock formation lies approximately 5 km from the nearest village, with road signs guiding the way.

From the peak of Mount Okzhetpes, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the lakes—Borovoe, Katar-Kol, Tekekol, Akkol, and Maloje Chebachje. However, reaching this summit is no simple feat. Climbing the mountain alone is not permitted due to the danger involved; ascents require specialized mountaineering equipment and the guidance of experienced instructors. The trek to the top takes around four hours and presents some extreme challenges, including steep vertical sections.

Looking closely at the peak, one can see a large stone resembling an elephant, which is why locals affectionately refer to the mountain as “the Little Elephant.” Yet, the name Okzhetpes itself is unique and steeped in legend. In Kazakh, “Okzhetpes” translates to “the arrow will not reach,” and the story behind this name originates in folklore passed down through generations.

Legends of Mount Okzhetpes

One of the most well-known legends tells of a young Kalmyk woman (the Kalmyks are a Mongolian ethnic group) from the 18th century, during the reign of Ablai Khan. At that time, Kalmyk tribes would launch raids on Kazakh villages, but Khan Ablai often emerged victorious. After one such triumph, he returned with spoils of war, among which was a beautiful young Kalmyk girl. Many of his warriors wished to make her their wife, so the Khan allowed the girl to choose her own husband.

The young woman, however, had her own plan. She climbed the mountain and tied a white scarf to a rock, declaring that whoever could shoot the scarf with an arrow would be her husband. Despite their best efforts, none of the warriors succeeded. Enraged, the Khan commanded her to come down. Realizing that her fate would be to marry against her will, she threw herself into Lake Borovoe. At the spot where she fell, the enigmatic rock formation of Zhumbaktas appeared. From that day on, the mountain became known as Okzhetpes, for not a single arrow reached its summit, just as none of the warriors won the favor of the young woman.

Another tale speaks of a miraculous boy who grew with astonishing speed, both in size and strength, and who even had a pet elephant. Over time, this boy matured into a brave warrior who defended his people from numerous enemies. He was said to be so tall that enemy arrows could not reach his chest.

One day, however, his foes banded together, and though the young hero fought them off with great effort, he was eventually worn down. Exhausted, he sought refuge in the cool waters of Lake Borovoe before resting in the shade of the trees. Yet his enemies launched a surprise attack, and realizing his strength was waning, he prayed to be turned to stone rather than fall captive. Lifting his elephant in a final act of courage, the warrior transformed into the mighty rock that stands today. This legend also explains the rock’s uncanny resemblance to an elephant perched on the peak of Mount Okzhetpes.