Kyzylorda: Nature, Archaeology and Spaceflight History

Kyzylorda offers a range of travel experiences, including the Barsakelmes Nature Reserve, archaeological sites and Baikonur’s spaceflight history. Water sports and important cultural sites are also among the region’s attractions.

Barsakelmes and the Aral Sea landscape

The Barsakelmes State Nature Reserve was established on 10 December 1939 on Barsakelmes Island. At that time, the island was located almost in the central part of the Aral Sea. Since 29 July 2020, the 2,300-hectare “Delta” section has been part of the reserve. It lies at the mouth of the Syr Darya where it flows into the Small Aral Sea and is known for its unique biological diversity.

The area’s international recognition is also part of its history: in 2016, the Barsakelmes Biosphere Reserve was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Several aspects of Barsakelmes can therefore be distinguished: the establishment of the state reserve, the later addition of the Delta section, and its inclusion in the biosphere reserve network.

Archaeological sites and ancient trading centers

Zhankent, also known as Yangikent, is a cultural heritage site of national significance. From the 9th to the 11th century, the ancient city was one of the capitals of the Oghuz state. It was located in the lower reaches of the Syr Darya and was an important administrative and trading center. Syganak also reflects the historical importance of trade and caravans: it was described as an important trading center and hub for caravan routes, and was known as the “port of the Kipchak Steppe.”

Chirik-Rabat was an ancient trading center on the Silk Road, where crafts and agriculture flourished. Its fortifications included a moat 40 meters wide and 4.5 meters deep. The monuments of the Zhetyasar oasis offer another form of archaeological heritage: in 2012, they were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List as part of the serial transnational “Silk Roads” nomination. This status is distinct from inscription as a World Heritage Site.

A petroglyph complex extends along the Sauysqandyq River, with several thousand rock carvings on both banks over a seven-kilometer stretch of the river. Balandy-2, in turn, is one of Kazakhstan’s oldest domed temple complexes. Together, these sites illustrate different aspects of history: settlement and trade, fortifications, architecture and rock art.

Baikonur: Spaceflight and planning your visit

The Baikonur Museum Complex preserves authentic rocket engines, spacesuits, spacecraft onboard equipment and the personal belongings of cosmonauts. Tourist tours are offered at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Visitors can watch crewed and uncrewed spacecraft launches and see Launch Pad 1, known as “Gagarin’s Start.”

Because of the complex’s special legal status, a permit and access system applies. Issuing access permits can take some time, so planning ahead is recommended. As access rules may change, check the operator’s current information before making specific plans to visit.

Cultural sites and activities on the water

The Korkyt Ata Memorial Complex in Karmakshy District is one of Kazakhstan’s sacred sites and an important cultural tourism attraction. Kamystybas railway station is another local landmark: the station building is a historical and cultural monument of local significance and part of the railway complex.

Those interested in activities on the water can find motorboats, inflatable boats, catamarans and jet skis at the Kambash recreation area on Lake Kambash. These visitor services may change, so check what is available for your planned travel dates.

Discover more districts: Syrdariya District, Zhalagash District.

Discover more destinations: Zhambyl, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, South Kazakhstan, West Kazakhstan, Almaty.

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