Aksoran Mountain

Eurasia.Travel > Kazakhstan > Karaganda > Aksoran Mountain

Aksoran Mountain

In the Karaganda Region lies a tiny village with fewer than a thousand residents, home to the highest peak of the Saryarka region, known as the Kazakh uplands. From this point, a breathtaking panorama unfolds with perfect visibility for a hundred kilometers in every direction. On clear days, you can even spot the silhouette of the iconic Bektau-Ata, a volcanic massif located 120 kilometers away in northern Lake Balkhash’s region.

This peak is Aksoran Mountain, reaching an elevation of 1,565 meters. Despite its modest height, its location on the plains has earned it the nickname “Roof of the Steppes.” Aksoran holds the title of the tallest point in Central Kazakhstan. The mountain lies in the heart of the Myrzakozha range, part of the Kyzylray massif, positioned about six kilometers northeast of the village of Shabanbai Bi in the Aktogay District of Karaganda Region.

To the northwest of Aksoran stands the second highest peak in the Kyzylray range—Mount Aulie, at 1,274 meters above sea level. The origins of the Karatal, Zhinyshke, and Saryolen Rivers are found in the vicinity of this peak.

Ascending Aksoran involves climbing just 600 meters, yet the journey is demanding. Completing the round trip can take between six to eight hours. While technically not difficult, the route can be exhausting, with thorny shrubs often obstructing the path, adding a rugged charm to the climb.

Aksoran Mountain is an ancient, dormant volcano, formed primarily from sedimentary and igneous rock. The entire mountain range falls within the Kyzylray State Nature Reserve, making any trek here a scenic hike through pine forests where moose and wild boar roam freely. The area also shelters rare and endangered species native to Kazakhstan, which are listed in the country’s Red Book of protected species:

  • Birds: The black stork, golden eagle, and Eurasian eagle-owl.
  • Mammals: The Kazakh argali, a mountain sheep, as well as the elusive lynx and the rare Pallas’s cat.

The Kazakh argali, commonly known as the “mountain sheep,” also appears on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List as a rare species, close to a vulnerable status. 

Tourists in Baikonur

Discover Baikonur: Space History Exploration Tour

From$750
5 Days / 4 Nights

Visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome
Explore historic launch pads
Tour the Space Museum
See iconic space artifacts
Witness rocket assembly facilities
Visit the Gagarin Start Pad

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Baikonur, the world’s first spaceport. Explore historic launch sites, see iconic space artifacts, and learn about Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in space exploration. A must for space enthusiasts and history lovers alike!