Pavlodar: Nature, Lakes and Sacred Sites

The Pavlodar Region lies along the Irtysh, Kazakhstan’s largest river. Several distinct themes shape the region for trip planning: the lakes and nature of Bayanaul, a ski base near Karazhar, and sacred sites and petroglyphs. You can tailor your stay to whether you mainly want to experience nature, winter sports, or culture.

Lakes and Nature in Bayanaul

Four lakes lie at the foot of the Bayanaul mountain range; the best known is Lake Jasybay. Many tourists come to swim in the lakes of Bayanaul in summer.

Bayanaul National Park is home to 552 plant species, including five listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book. The argali is also among the park’s mammals listed in the Red Book. Visitors can also see Konyr-Aulie Cave. For planning purposes, there is a specific distinction: swimming in the lakes is a summer activity, while access conditions for the cave may vary seasonally.

Winter Sports at Myrzashoky

Myrzashoky ski base is located near the village of Karazhar and opened in 2019. It has ski runs 960 meters long and a cable car. Unlike summer swimming visits to the Bayanaul lakes, Myrzashoky is a winter sports destination. Check the seasonal operating status of the winter sports infrastructure before your visit.

Sacred Sites and Tourist Routes

The Isabek Ishan Hazret mausoleum complex is located in the rural area of Ekibastuz and attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims. The Akbidayyk petroglyphs are among the oldest sacred sites in the Pavlodar Region. This brings into focus two different forms of sacred places: a mausoleum complex associated with pilgrimage and ancient rock art.

The region’s tourist route register lists 89 routes, including 66 to sacred sites. Tourism companies regularly run tours along these routes. Sacred sites therefore make up a large share of the listed routes; the selection may change. If you are planning a tour, check the current route listings.

Another Nature Highlight

The Shaldai pine forest is also one of the Pavlodar Region’s main tourist destinations. As a named natural attraction, it adds another regional highlight alongside the lakes of Bayanaul and the sacred sites.

Kazakhstan in a Broader Context

At the national level, Kazakhstan offers another perspective on petroglyphs at the Archaeological Landscape of Tanbaly. Tanbaly in southeastern Kazakhstan contains about 5,000 petroglyphs spread across 48 complexes, with associated settlements and burial grounds. The rock art bears witness to animal husbandry, social organization, and the rituals of pastoral communities.

Travel Interests and Hotel Search

When searching for a hotel in Pavlodar, choosing the purpose of your trip may help: consider whether your interests lie in summer swimming, winter sports, or sacred sites. This way, you can start planning with the experiences that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Ekibastuz District, Kök-Töbe, Pavlodar, Kurchatov, Karaganda, Almaty, Mangystau, Akmola

Back to the main travel overview: Kazakhstan.