Jeep tour of Buiratau National Park -
Attractions of Akmola Region -
Lake Azhbai is one of those places that do not shout about themselves, do not appear on postcards and advertising brochures, but sink into the soul. It is hidden among the steppe expanses of Buiratau National Park, and if you do not know, you can just pass by. The water here is somehow special: in the morning it is soft blue, by midday it becomes emerald, and at sunset it generally shimmers with gold. Locals say that this is because healing springs beat at the bottom, but scientists are still puzzling over this phenomenon. The lake is very popular among fishermen, sport fishing is allowed here. The lake is home to fish: silver crucian carp, carp, carp. The lake is located near the Yereymentau Mountains, which makes it a popular place to visit. There is also a special observation deck and a bird watching house on the lake. Very close to the lake is another no less picturesque lake Bozaigyr. Not far from both lakes is another natural attraction of the park - Mount Akdym.
How to get there and visit -
Lake Azhbai is located in the Buyratau National Nature Park, 11 kilometers from Mount Akdym, 15 kilometers from the village of Algabas, Oskarovsky district of the Karaganda region and Yereymentausky district of the Akmola region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°18'01"N 73°22'53"E
Information -
Lake Azhbai is not large, its length is 1.2 kilometers, width 580 meters. The water in the lake is brackish, with a characteristic smell and taste, as if the ancient memory of the earth was stored here. In spring, fresh greenery appears along the banks, the reeds rustle in the wind, and the air, filled with sun and something real, pulls into your face. In summer, birds love to come here - sit in the shade, listen, and you will understand that the groves are not the only ones who can sing. Fishermen respect Azhbai for crucian carp, carp and crucian carp. Fishing does not always go well, but the main thing is not the fish, but the peace. Here you can sit on the shore with a fishing rod in your hands, watching the sun play on the waves, and just be. Without unnecessary words, without deeds. Just be. This lake has a silence that we lack so much. The main feature of Azhbai is its absolute wildness, there are no cafes, no sun loungers, only you, the lake and the endless steppe. But what sunrises and sunsets are here! Imagine: the first rays of the sun are breaking through the morning fog, a flock of cranes is rising from the water, and wild boars are rustling somewhere in the reeds – it feels like you’ve entered a world untouched by civilization. By the way, about the wild boars – if you’re lucky, you can see their tracks on the shore, but the animals themselves avoid people. Local tales add mysticism to the place. One says that there is a cave at the bottom leading to an underground lake – supposedly, in the 80s, a research diver disappeared here. Others tell of a “lake spirit” who comes ashore during the full moon. I don’t know if this is true or not, but when you listen to these stories around the campfire at night, goosebumps run down your spine.
Azhbai is not about “wow”, not about Instagram and not about crowds of tourists. It’s about inner harmony. About the fact that beauty can be in the simple. The lake lies, breathes, listens. It does not expect guests, but is always ready to receive. And if you come, stay longer. Look at the water. At the sky. At yourself. Here everything falls into place.
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;
• Karagayly Ancient Burial Site;
• Togyz Shoshak Glade (Tract);
• Bozaygyr Lake.
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