Hiking routes through the forests and mountains in the area of Lake Shalkar -
Jeep tour from Almaty to Borovoe -
Among the picturesque expanses of the Kokshetau National Park, like guard giants, rise two rocky peaks - the Two Brothers Hills. They stand shoulder to shoulder, as a symbol of unbreakable brotherhood, loyalty and strength. These stone giants are not just a geological formation, they are the heart of an ancient legend that is still passed on in these parts from mouth to mouth. The two mountains are located in a coniferous forest between the beautiful Lake Shalkar and Lake Imantau. Near the hills there are two smaller lakes - "Dead Lake" and Lake Aiyrtauchik, on the shore of which with a pine forest there are children's camps for recreation. Here, not far from here in the forest, is Lake Lobanovskoye (Lobanovo). All these lakes are clearly visible from both peaks. A walking route leads to the hills, one of which starts from the village of Shalkar, the second longer one from the village of Imantau. You can also get to Lake Aiyrtauchik by car and from there there is the shortest route to the hills.
How to get there and visit -
The Two Brothers Hills (Dva Brata) are located 45 kilometers from the city of Kokshetau in a pine forest between Lake Shalkar and Lake Imantau, Kokshetau National Park, Aiyrtau District, Akmola Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 53°08'59"N 68°26'04"E
Legend -
The bizarre outlines of the Two Brothers Hills (Dva Brata) rock-hills seem to have been carved by the hand of a talented sculptor - either by the winds or by ancient spirits, as local legends claim. One of the rocks resembles the profile of a stern warrior, the other - an old man with his head bowed. This similarity is especially vivid at sunset, when the slanting rays of the sun emphasize every ledge, every crack in the granite. At the foot of the mountain grow mighty pines, the age of which is measured in centuries - their crooked trunks seem to repeat the curves of the stone giants. According to an ancient legend, two brothers once lived here, warriors in spirit and blood. Together they went through battles and trials, fought for their native land, shoulder to shoulder against enemies. And when their last battle came, they fell on the top of the mountain, defeated, but not defeated. The great spirits of the steppes, touched by their courage and brotherly loyalty, turned them into stone peaks so that they would remain for centuries to guard the land that they loved so much.
Another legend tells of two batyr brothers in love with the same girl. Not wanting to quarrel, they both gave up their feelings, for which the gods turned them into stone to preserve their brotherly love forever. Scientists have found traces of ancient sanctuaries and rock paintings in these places, indicating that the hills were a cult place for the Saka tribes. Today, this place attracts not only lovers of beautiful legends, but also lovers of active recreation. Between the rocks there are trekking routes of varying difficulty - from easy walking trails to real tests for experienced climbers. Particularly popular is the climb to the observation deck between the hills, from where a breathtaking view of the endless expanses of the national park opens up. Many tourists come here specifically at dawn to see how the first rays of the sun gradually "kindle" the crimson shades on the granite slopes.
The Two Brothers Hills are not just a beautiful natural formation, but a real symbol of endurance and eternity, a place where the connection of times and the grandeur of Kazakhstan's nature are especially keenly felt. Here, among ancient stones and the whisper of the steppe wind, everyone can feel part of something bigger, touch history and break away for a moment from the bustle of the modern world.
Photogallery:
