Zhana Aul: Kigach, Lotus Bloom, and Early History

Two nearby points of interest stand out for a trip to Zhana Aul: the Kigach, with its nature and leisure activities, and the early medieval burial site Zhanaaul 1 north of the village. The river and the archaeological site offer different perspectives for planning your trip. First consider whether you are most interested in the river landscape, seasonal lotus bloom, recreational fishing, or a historic site.

Kigach: River Landscape and Seasonal Lotus Bloom

The Kigach flows through the western part of Kurmangazy District; Zhana Aul is nearby. On its way to the Caspian Sea, the river divides into many channels. Willows, reeds, and rushes grow along the banks, and the Kigach flows year-round. Lotus flowers bloom in the channels in July and August. This distinguishes a river that flows year-round from a natural event with a clearly defined season.

The Kigach is used for recreational fishing. In Kurmangazy District, recreational bases welcome visitors for fishing and hunting. The Kigach base also offers picnic facilities and prepared fish dishes associated with fishing on the river. In addition to its scenery, the river is therefore linked to outdoor activities.

To reach lotus-field ecotours, travel to Kurmangazy via the Atyrau–Astrakhan road; from there, continue along the Kigach by boat. If the lotus bloom is the reason for your trip, plan for July and August. Check the operators and schedules for specific tours in advance, as they can change.

Regional cuisine is also connected to the river: roadside restaurants around Kurmangazy serve local fish soup and fried fish. Prepared fish dishes are also available at the Kigach base. As individual establishments’ offerings may change, check the specific options locally.

An Early Medieval Site North of Zhana Aul

The Zhanaaul 1 burial site is located three kilometers north of Zhana Aul and dates to the early Middle Ages. Its historical period provides a point of interest that is distinct from the nature and leisure activities along the Kigach. Together, the river landscape and burial site offer two different themes for planning: a seasonal trip focused on the lotus bloom, or an interest in the area’s early history.

Nature Attractions in the Wider Atyrau Destination

Within the wider Atyrau destination, the Akzhaiyk State Nature Reserve lies at the mouth of the Ural River, where it flows into the Caspian Sea. It covers 341,000 hectares. A total of 292 bird species have been recorded there, including 26 species on Kazakhstan’s Red List. Four ecological routes have been approved for the reserve. One of them, “World of the Steppe,” combines transport, hiking, and cycling; it is 34 kilometers long and takes 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Akzhaiyk and the Kigach represent different nature-related themes within the Atyrau destination: the reserve is known, among other things, for bird diversity and ecological routes, while the Kigach is associated with river channels, lotus bloom, and recreational fishing. This distinction can help you decide what to focus on during your trip without treating the two natural areas as the same.

Discover more destinations: Karagayly, Rakusha, Atyrau.

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