Archaeological sites in Akmola region -
Sacred sites and pilgrimage sites in Buiratau Park -
Somewhere among the coniferous slopes and steppe expanses of Buiratau National Park, there is a place where time has stopped. Karagayly is an ancient burial mound left by people whose names have long been erased from memory, but whose spirit remains. This is not just an archaeological site, it is a connecting thread between us and those who lived on this land centuries ago. Karagayly is a whole complex of ancient burials in the area of the Sokolinye Gory tract (Falcon Mountains), located in the same area close to each other, a total of 8 ancient burial mounds have been explored here. The complex is an archaeological monument, has a sacred meaning, and is popular among pilgrims. The study of the complex began in 1981 and lasted until 1998. The research was conducted by the archaeological expedition of the Karaganda State University under the leadership of I.A. Kukushkin. The object is dated to the early Iron Age, early Middle Ages.
How to get there and visit -
The Karagayly mounds (ancient burials) are located 4.7 kilometers from the village of Karagayly in the Buyratau National Park, Yereymentau district, Akmola region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°43'29"N 72°40'03"E
Information -
Karagayly is a place surrounded by a special silence. You stand on this hill, look into the distance - and understand: here once bonfires burned, songs were sung, destinies were decided. Simple in appearance, but deep in meaning. They say that even in those days people felt the sacredness of this land, choosing it for the final resting place of their loved ones. Archaeologists have found household items, jewelry, and remains of burial structures here. All of this is now kept in museums, and the burial mounds themselves are carefully protected. But even without artifacts, Karagayly tells its story – through the landscape, through the silent wisdom of the land. This place does not shout, it whispers. And those who know how to listen will hear a lot. For tourists interested in history and culture, Karagayly is not just a point on the map. This is a place where you can feel the connection of times, think about who we are and where we come from. Here it is easy to detach yourself from modernity and just be. Just stand, breathe and listen. Having visited Buiratau, be sure to set aside time for Karagayly. It will not be a fun walk, but it will be a meeting – real and quiet. And maybe even important. Everything here breathes with secrets: these burial mounds saw how Saka warriors in golden armor were buried, how the Huns performed their bloody rituals. Local tales say that on a full moon, the sound of swords can be heard from underground, and if you put your ear to the largest stones, you will hear a whisper in a forgotten language.
Nearby attractions:
• Buiratau National Park;
• Sokolinye Gory (Falcon Mountains);
• Kos-Batyr Sanctuary;
• Akdym Mountain;
• Zhaushoky Mountain;
• Aulie-Bulak Spring;
• Kara-Agash Spring;
• Nature Museum in Buiratau Park;
• Togyz Shoshak Glade (Tract);
• Azhbay Lake;
• Bozaygyr Lake.
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