Belodymov’s Cabin and Bison Sanctuary
Shelter for Tourists
The Belodymov’s cabin and bison sanctuary are located in Buiratau National Park, approximately 200 km (124 mi) east of Astana. Tourists can spend a night in the cabin as part of their itinerary and enjoy observing bison and deer in the sanctuary.
The cabin dates back to the USSR era when it served as a favored vacation and hunting retreat for Communist Party members. Hunting is now prohibited, and the main attraction has become watching the deer and bison.
Inhabitants of the Sanctuary
The bison sanctuary is a large, fenced enclosure covering 400 hectares. Deer breeding began here in 2001. Scientists note that deer once thrived in this natural environment until they were nearly exterminated by the late 19th century. Now, deer are bred in the sanctuary and eventually released into the wild.
Bison were introduced to the sanctuary in 2020, starting with seven females and three males. Two years later, the first three calves were born. Sanctuary staff hope to see a steady increase in the bison population, eventually releasing them into the wild as they do with the deer. Tourists can observe these animals from a relatively close distance.
How to get there?
You can reach Belodymov’s cabin by car. Here are the directions if you are coming from Astana. Take the Karaganda highway and drive for approximately 100 km (62 mi) until you reach the village of Osakarovka. Turn left and drive 80 km (50 mi) towards the village of Molodeznoye. About 3 km (1.9 mi) after passing Molodeznoye, turn left towards the village of Amankonyr. Continue driving for about 40 km (25 mi) to Amankonyr. From there, drive along the field road for 3 km (1.9 mi) in a northwest direction. After crossing the bridge over the Olenty River, turn onto the field road. Drive approximately 25 km (15.5 mi) to the national park checkpoint. From the checkpoint, continue for another 8 km (5 mi) to reach your destination.
Other tourist attractions near the Belodymov’s Cabin:
- Lake Azhbay
- Karaagash Tract
- Olenty Rock Carvings
- Ereymentau Mountains
- Falcon Mountains
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