Ustyurt State Nature Reserve

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Ustyurt State Nature Reserve

The Ustyurt State Nature Reserve is a unique natural site renowned for its otherworldly landscapes. Located in Kazakhstan, this reserve is considered one of the most astonishing and beautiful in the world. The total area of the reserve spans 223,342 hectares.

To begin, it’s important to mention that this area is home to the transboundary Ustyurt Plateau, bordered by sheer cliffs known as “chinks,” which range in height from 50 to 370 meters. The reserve encompasses part of the western chink of the Ustyurt Plateau. The highest point of the reserve is located on the Western Chink of Ustyurt, rising 340 meters above sea level, while the lowest point is found in the northern part of the Kendirli Sor at 52 meters below sea level.

A notable feature of this Kazakhstani natural wonder is the absence of rivers and lakes within its territory. The reserve is supplied with water through wells and springs, which in turn are fed by underground and surface waters.

The soil of the Ustyurt State Nature Reserve is grey-brown, containing trace amounts of sodium salts and layers of white chalk deposits, which create the reserve’s distinctive and stunning landscape.

Tourist Routes

Currently, there are two tourist routes available in the Ustyurt Reserve: “Kokesem” and “Onere.”

  • The “Kokesem” Route: This route offers both hiking and car travel options, stretching for a total of 440 km over two days. Along the way, visitors pass through the city of Zhanaozen, the village of Senek, Beket Ata Gidlerler, and the village of Kyzylsay. This route is available from March to October.
  • The “Onere” Route: Also suitable for both hiking and car travel, this route spans 374 km and lasts for one day. Visitors will explore the city of Zhanaozen, the village of Kulandy, and the village of Akkuduk. The route is open from March to October.

The Ustyurt State Nature Reserve is situated entirely within a zone of harsh continental climate, meaning the weather here is quite extreme throughout the year. Summers in the reserve are typically dry and intensely hot, while winters bring storms and strong winds.

In terms of temperature, during the summer months, it can rise to as high as +30°C, while in winter, it may drop to -10°C.

The idea of protecting the unique landscapes of the Ustyurt Plateau in Kazakhstan first emerged in 1960. It was during this period that the authorities began studying the desert and inhospitable regions of Western Kazakhstan. Consequently, the Ustyurt State Nature Reserve was officially established in July 1984.

The primary goal of creating the reserve was to preserve the natural complex of the desert areas of the Ustyurt Plateau, including several rare species of flora and fauna.

Flora and Fauna

The Ustyurt State Nature Reserve is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its rare species of flora, fauna, and birdlife, many of which are listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book of endangered species.

The flora of the reserve includes 600 species of plants. The most common are semi-shrubs such as various types of wormwood, biyurgun, and sarsazan. Among the rarer shrubs is the boyalich, while black saxaul represents the woody plant species in the reserve.

As for the fauna, the birdlife is represented by skylarks, wheatears, and several species listed in the Red Book, including flamingos, peregrine falcons, vultures, steppe eagles, and eagle owls. Mammals in the reserve include the Ustyurt mouflon, gazelles, caracals, Pallas’s cats, honey badgers, cheetahs, and leopards. Among the reptiles, the four-striped rat snake can be found, while amphibians are represented by the green toad. The herpetofauna consists of lizards, snakes, and tortoises.

How to Get to the Ustyurt State Nature Reserve

GPS Coordinates: 43°08′ N, 54°37′ E.

Reaching this remarkable natural reserve is not easy. There are no bus routes leading to the reserve, and the only way to get there is by car. The route to the reserve passes through the city of Zhanaozen, from where you can drive to the village of Stary Uzen via a paved road. From there, continue to the village of Senek, then to the aul of Akkuduk, and finally, to the reserve itself.

Operating Hours

  • Monday: 08:30–18:00
  • Tuesday to Friday: 08:30–18:30
  • Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Ticket Price

  • Tourist route: 1,500 tenge

Phone Number +7 (72934) 76833

Official Website http://ustirt.kz

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