Rock of Zhumbaktas

When speaking of the Burabay resort area, the striking Zhumbaktas rock formation immediately springs to mind. Prominently featured in countless images, banners, and promotional videos, this iconic landmark leaves an indelible impression on all who see it. A single glimpse of Zhumbaktas is enough to remember it forever, unmistakable and unique.

The name Zhumbaktas translates from Kazakh as “mystery stone” or “enigmatic stone.” But to understand the origins of this name, one must bring patience, attention, and a spark of imagination. Some see in it the profile of a mysterious sphinx, others see a boat. Viewed from a different angle, one might envision a beautiful girl with wind-swept hair. And for some, the mysterious rock even reveals the face of an old woman.

Located in the northwestern part of Lake Borovoe—the jewel of the Burabay resort area—Zhumbaktas is surrounded by awe-inspiring nature. With its numerous large and small lakes, mountains, rocky outcrops, and forests, the area is a part of the Burabay State National Nature Park.

Nearby, other intriguing rock formations can be found, yet Zhumbaktas stands apart, not only for its mysterious shape but also for its unique position. Rising from the calm waters of Lake Borovoe, the rock reaches a height of about 18 meters. This part of the lake forms a natural bay, making it possible to reach the rock by swimming, or by renting a boat or pedal boat from the shore. For safety, climbing the rock itself is discouraged.

In Kazakh tradition, nearly every feature of Burabay’s landscape has inspired a legend, and Zhumbaktas is no exception. These beautiful yet often tragic tales have been passed down through generations, preserving the lore surrounding this mysterious stone.

One legend tells that Zhumbaktas stands where a beautiful Kalmyk captive (Kalmyks being a Mongolian ethnic group) fell from Mount Okzhetpes. She had been captured by Khan Ablai, who sought to marry her off to one of his loyal warriors. However, she could not bear the thought of marrying a man she did not love and chose death over a life without freedom.

Another widely told story speaks of the daughter of a wealthy nobleman, or bai, who had several sons and a single daughter. She was intelligent, virtuous, and beautiful, and her father hoped she would marry a khan or a judge, known as a bi. However, she fell in love with a young, handsome, and talented singer. Their love was mutual, yet they both knew her father would disapprove of her union with a commoner. Riding their finest horses, the couple escaped, finding refuge along the shores of the lake’s bay. They spent many happy days hidden from prying eyes, but eventually, her family’s pursuit caught up with them.

In a final bid to escape, they boarded a boat, rowing far from the shore. Yet, one of her brothers took a skilled shot, and his arrow pierced the young man’s heart, staining the lake’s waters with his blood. Heartbroken, the girl prayed to Allah to turn them into stone so they could remain together forever. Moved by her sorrow, the Almighty granted her wish, and thus, the two hearts were transformed into rock, forever side by side.