For every Kazakh, the word «steppe» evokes a sense of home, a connection to the vastness of their native land. The history of ancient tribes that once thrived here is inextricably linked to the endless expanse of the steppe. This is where horse breeding first began, where the thundering of countless hooves resonated across the plains, and where thousands of hands worked the soil to draw strength from the earth. The slightly bitter yet fragrant aroma of the steppe’s grasses and flowers beckons one to wander through this bountiful land, a sensation like no other.
A significant portion of Kazakhstan is occupied by the Great Steppe of Saryarka, which translates from Kazakh as «Yellow Ridge.» It is the largest plain in the world, covering over 800,000 square kilometers. Saryarka stands out as one of the most welcoming places for birdwatching in Kazakhstan, making it a paradise for ornithologists.
The Kazakh lowlands (the scientific designation for the Great Steppe) are characterized by flat landscapes adorned with grasses and sparse trees. In 2008, the steppe and lakes of Northern Kazakhstan were recognized as the first natural sites from Kazakhstan to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Saryarka is renowned not only for its historical and cultural landmarks but also for its water bodies. The wetlands and lakes here serve as crucial stopping points for rare migratory birds, such as the curly pelican, the gadwall, the pink flamingo, and the long-tailed eagle. One of the most valuable species in this area is the saiga antelope, an extraordinary relic whose appearance has scarcely changed since the Ice Age. Saiga are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan, making hunting or causing harm to them strictly prohibited. The lakes in this region can be categorized into two types—freshwater and saline—which further enrich the area’s ecological diversity.
Given the vastness of the Great Steppe, it is teeming with beautiful attractions, historical and cultural monuments, major cities, nature reserves, lakes, and cliffs, to name just a few. Here, we highlight some of the most significant sites, with links available for those interested in learning more.
In the Saryarka region, you will find the Korgalzhyn and Naurzum nature reserves, both celebrated for their lakes, which are nesting grounds for migratory birds arriving from Africa and Europe. One of the lakes in Korgalzhyn Reserve, Tengiz, is included in the list of the world’s most unique lakes, known as «Living Lakes.»
On the southeastern edge of Saryarka lies one of the largest lakes in the world—Lake Balkhash. Its distinctive feature is its division, with one half being freshwater and the other half saline. Another notable lake in Saryarka is Shaitankol (translated as «Devil’s Lake»), located within the Karkaraly National Park. Despite its ominous name, Shaitankol is quite popular among tourists. Within the same park, you can explore the ancient settlement of Kent, dating back to the Bronze Age, which includes the ruins of a Buddhist temple.
Lake Shalkar is an excellent choice for those seeking a beach getaway combined with active recreation. Although the water is saline, it is abundant in various fish species.
Bayanaul National Park, famous for its landmarks such as the Kempeitas Rock and the Konyra-Auliye Cave, is another must-visit during a journey through the Great Steppe.
Nestled in the mountainous oasis of Bektau-Ata (about 70 km north of Lake Balkhash) is the Atabek Cave, which houses a healing spring and is surrounded by many legends. Close to the peak of Bektau-Ata, an archaeological burial site dating back to the Bronze Age was discovered, featuring a circular structure made of vertically stacked flat stones.
Buirtau National Park is yet another gem in Saryarka, home to argali sheep and rare black alders. This unique tree species thrives particularly well in the Karaagash tract.
Natural Park Kokshetau captivates visitors with its pine, birch, and aspen forests, showcasing a diverse range of taiga-steppe flora and fauna.
Ancient burial sites from various eras—from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages to the Medieval period—can be found in the Kumai archaeological complex, which boasts the highest concentration of Turkic tribe sculptures in Central Kazakhstan.
The Sokoliny Mountains offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Great Steppe. The uniquely shaped outcroppings on one of the slopes, known as Zhaushoky, resemble a layered cake and are a favorite among climbers.
The Ayganim Estate, built in 1824, is noteworthy for being owned by a relative of Ablai Khan and the grandmother of the renowned Kazakh traveler and historian Sh. Ualikhanov. The estate was commissioned by Tsar Alexander I of Russia.
The memorial complex of the heroes Karasai and Agyntai is believed to stand over the graves of these two great Kazakh warriors and is included in the list of Kazakhstan’s «Sacred Places.»
The Aksoiran peak (1,565 m) in the Kyzylaray Mountains is the highest point in all of Saryarka. Numerous archaeological finds dating from various periods have been discovered around Kyzylaray, one of the most significant being the Begazy necropolis, which spans 10 hectares. The tombs are constructed using massive stone blocks, indicating that the tribes of the Begazy-Dandybaev culture were well-versed in stone architecture.
Ulutau is the epitome of ancient nomadic civilization, rich with mausoleums, petroglyphs, unique caves, and remnants of ancient cities. This is where Kazakh culture began to take shape, and many historical events started to unfold. This land has been home to prominent figures such as Juchi Khan (the son of Genghis Khan), Tamerlane, Edige Khan, A. Margulan, Sh. Ualikhanov, K. Satpaev, and others. In the Ulutau region lies the Terakty-Auliye tract, known for its collection of rock carvings, ancient burial sites, and rich legends.
The mausoleums of Dombayul, Juchi Khan, and Alasha Khan are also recognized as sacred sites in Kazakhstan. Juchi Khan is considered the ancestor of all Kazakh khans, while the Dombayul mausoleum is one of the oldest structures in the central Kazakhstan region. Many legends surround the name Alasha, although it remains uncertain whether he actually existed.
The Great Steppe remains largely unexplored. Who knows what other secrets, legends, burial sites, and monuments lie hidden in this sprawling expanse?
For tourists, the best way to embark on a grand journey through Saryarka is from the cities of Astana, Balkhash, Kokshetau, Karaganda, Zhezkazgan, Pavlodar, and others.