Astakhovka: Local History and Railway Connection

Astakhovka and Astakhovka Station are located on the Almaty–Astana railway route; the station is on the Myrza–Shokai section. A road route connecting Karaganda and Karkaraly passes through nearby Aktau. Please check current train services when planning your specific journey.

Local History and Getting Your Bearings

The settlement was founded in 1907; January 30, 1908, is given as its official founding date. It was formerly called Baymyrza, after the nearby shallow river. The name Astakhovka is associated with the settlers’ former place of residence. Thus, the settlement’s history contains two distinct naming references: the river for its former name and the settlers’ origins for its current name.

A children’s play area was created in the village as part of district improvement works. Its condition may change. If you plan to use this facility, check its current condition before your visit.

Water Supply: Astakhovka and Astakhovka Station

A local report from 2020 noted that Astakhovka had no centralized water supply and used spring water. An earlier district report also mentioned summer drinking-water shortages. As these conditions may change, check the current water supply before traveling.

In 2020, Astakhovka Station was reported to have a repaired water network with a water tower, a borehole, a one-kilometer pipeline, and four water-drawing standpipes. According to the report at the time, the system supplied households with drinking water, which was assessed as meeting hygiene standards. This assessment refers to the 2020 report. For current conditions, ask locally about the water supply and distinguish information about Astakhovka Station from information about Astakhovka.

Nature and Culture in the Wider Qaraghandy Destination

Lake Basin in Karkaraly National Park can only be reached on foot via the “Stone Fairytales” route. Check the route duration and seasonal conditions before setting out. Also in the same national park, in the Maliksay tract and about 3 km from Karkaraly, are the Three Caves, also known as the “Cave of Primitive Man.” They form a small granite canyon with three entrances to the underground area, a stream, and slopes sparsely covered with pine trees.

The Great Chamber is a large rocky overhang on the ridge north of Karkaraly. Its recess is 8–10 m deep, 15–20 m wide, and up to 8 m high. These features represent different rock formations within the region’s natural landscape: a canyon with a stream and cave entrances, and a rock overhang whose dimensions describe the extent of its recess.

The Bektau-Ata granite mountain massif in Aktogay District, Qaraghandy Region, features unusual rock formations, gorges, and caves, and is part of the Bektau-Ata State Zoological Nature Reserve. Visitors come for its climbing and rock routes, photography, and panoramic views across the steppe. Check the applicable protected-area rules and route conditions before setting out.

Aksoran’s measurements also provide practical points of reference for planning a hike: the ascent from the Torkora tract to the summit is about 3.4 km long, with an elevation gain of approximately 560–600 m. At 1,565 m, the summit is the highest point in the Kyzylray Mountains and the Saryarka Kazakh Uplands. From there, the mountain-steppe panorama extends up to 100 km. Check the route conditions and markings before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Balkhash, Abay, Bereznyaki, Saryshagan.

Return to the wider travel overview: Karaganda.