Bayanaul National Park

Certain areas of the park hold sacred significance, drawing pilgrims from far and wide. The most popular sacred site is Konyr-Aulie Cave, which is believed to have miraculous powers. According to local legend, couples who visit the cave are blessed with children, and those who are ill can find healing here. It’s also said that wishes come true if you touch the cave wall, make a wish, and exit the cave backward. Other visitors are drawn to the Kempirtas rock, known as the “manhood stone” and the “hand of Thanos,” along with many other uniquely shaped rocks that resemble animals and birds.

Visitors to Bayanaul National Park can engage in various outdoor activities, such as mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and boat or catamaran rides. In the warmer months, you can swim in the pristine waters of Lake Zhasybai, while winter visitors can enjoy skiing in the park.

The park has several recreational areas, though it should be noted that the comfort levels may not be as high as in more developed locations. However, the stunning natural beauty of Bayanaul makes it well worth the visit, as attested by thousands of local tourists and visitors from neighboring CIS countries.

A trip to Bayanaul is also an opportunity to connect with the local Kazakh people. The elders, known as aksakals, are often eager to share stories about their lives and the history of the region. One fascinating fact they may share is that nearby lies one of the few places in the world where the rare maykain birch grows. The leaves of this unique tree are coated with a wax-like substance that allows it to endure extreme temperatures, both freezing cold and intense heat.

In the village of Bayanaul, located within the park, visitors can explore cultural and historical sites such as the mausoleum of the revered scientist and philosopher Mashhur Zhusup Kopeev, as well as the grave of the legendary hero Zhasybai Batyr, after whom the picturesque lake Zhasybai is named.

Just outside the park lies the “Goose Flight,” a significant paleontological monument. This site is considered one of the largest animal burial grounds from the Neogene era in Eurasia. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that around 4 to 4.5 million years ago, the area was home to more than 60 species, including rhinos, tigers, rodents, small hipparion horses, hyena-like creatures, and many more. This discovery has made Bayanaul an area of great interest to scientists and history enthusiasts alike.