Mystery and the unparalleled wealth of pristine locations converge in a former island in Kazakhstan. This place is unlike any other on Earth, with vistas of endless expanses that leave visitors marveling at nature’s astounding capabilities. Locals say that time flows differently on Barsakelmes, and space seems to shift and transform. It’s as if the laws of physics cease to function amidst the captivating desert landscapes.
The land is steeped in rumors, and it’s no coincidence that the name “Barsakelmes” literally translates to “you go and don’t return.” This area was once an island, surrounded by the waters of the Aral Sea. Over time, the sea dried up, connecting the island to the mainland. Thus, Barsakelmes became an area filled with legends of mysterious disappearances and time distortions. What stories does this natural wonder hold?
In 2023, the Barsakelmes State Reserve in the Kyzylorda region was officially added to the list of tourist destinations in the Aral region. Now, it welcomes extreme adventurers ready to traverse hundreds of kilometers across the dried seabed of the Aral Sea, with no mobile connection or access to drinking water.
The nearest major settlement is Aralsk, 180 km away. A road leads from there to the site, and the journey can be made by car. It’s recommended to travel with someone familiar with the area since locating Barsakelmes on a map and planning a safe route can be challenging. Now, reaching the former island no longer requires planes or boats—just a good off-road vehicle. The journey, starting from Aralsk, takes about six hours of steady driving across the former seabed.
Barsakelmes features a unique natural landscape. To the south, there’s a plateau, while the northern terrain becomes more undulating, bordered by vast salt flats. The peninsula is uninhabited, and locals refer to it simply as “Barsak.” For the most part, the reserve resembles an ordinary desert. Seashells scattered across the sands serve as a reminder that this desert was a sea just 20 years ago.
This mysterious land is one of the most extreme climatic and ecological regions in Kazakhstan. Spanning 160,000 hectares, it is known for geomagnetic anomalies that often cause compasses to malfunction.
The former Barsakelmes Lake area is famous for its extensive hiking trails, stretching for hundreds of kilometers with no sources of drinking water or mobile signal. Trekking through these barren expanses immerses visitors in the mystical atmosphere of a deserted wilderness.
During the Soviet era, Barsakelmes was a “closed” reserve with strictly limited access. Less commonly known is that just 60 kilometers away, on Rebirth Island, there was a secret Soviet laboratory for the development of biological weapons.
In 2023, the reserve officially joined Kazakhstan’s list of tourist destinations, attracting travelers intrigued by the secrets and myths of the land. In one of his stories, Taras Shevchenko mentions a place where bones were discovered that belonged neither to animals nor humans. In the 1980s, the area gained the attention of paranormal enthusiasts. Rumors of UFO sightings and mysterious forces in the region led to an array of tales and myths about Barsakelmes.
In 1935, a Soviet team of topographers embarked on a geodetic expedition. A group ventured deeper into the area for measurements. After an hour, they tried to contact the rest of the team, only to find communication had been lost. Completing their task in what they thought was a couple of hours, they returned to camp, only to discover that the rest of the team had been searching for them for an entire day. The scientists, however, were certain only a few hours had passed.
Another story tells of prisoners who escaped and took refuge on a small island. They planned to remain there for several months until the search for them died down. After what they thought was their intended period, they returned to civilization only to discover that several years had passed.
A legend recounts the tale of the warrior Koblandy, who ventured into the island’s region for three days but returned to find that 33 years had passed.
The reserve is home to the historic Begim-Ana Tower, built in the 11th century. Unique to Kazakhstan, this structure is ritualistic rather than defensive. Surrounding it are other ancient buildings. The Begim-Ana Tower stands out as a rare example of tower-type mausoleums in Kazakhstan.
Visitors to the reserve must obtain a permit to travel within the protected area. Despite legends of people disappearing, no visitors have ever gone missing within the reserve’s territory.
The journey to Barsakelmes is challenging, requiring travel across a barren landscape with no electricity, drinking water, or mobile network coverage. The destination is recommended exclusively for extreme tourism enthusiasts. Tours are free, but visitors must pay a fee for using the protected area. They must also submit an application addressed to the reserve’s director and obtain permission to visit. A guide always accompanies tourists.
Best visiting times: April-May, September-October.
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Whether it’s the allure of the supernatural or the thirst for adventure that brings you to the enigmatic realm of Barsakelmes, even the most seasoned traveler will find something to marvel at in this mysterious and stunning locale. For some, it’s a chilling place, while for others, entering such a unique zone feels like a dream come true. Deciphering the mysteries of this island and uncovering the truth about Barsakelmes is no easy task, but it is an utterly fascinating one.
