Lake Sultankeldy and the Karazhar Ranger Station
Khan has arrived
Lake Sultankeldy, translated from Kazakh as "the Sultan (Khan) has arrived," is named to commemorate the great Khan Kenesary Kasymuly, who once traversed these lands. Khan Kenesary is renowned for his fight for the independence of the Kazakh people from the Russian Empire and his resistance against the raids of the Kokand Khanate.
The lake is situated within the Korgaljyn Nature Reserve, 170 km (106 mi) southwest of Astana. It stretches 13 km (8 mi) in length with a maximum depth of approximately 3 meters (10 ft). The water is fresh in the southern part, where the Nura River flows into the lake, and brackish in other areas.
Wildlife
Lake Sultankeldy supports a diverse array of bird and fish species. Its waters are home to crucian carp, pike, tench, ide, and roach. Wild boar inhabits the surrounding reeds. The moor frog and the European green toad can be found in and around the lake and the Nura River floodplain.
The lake is a popular destination for bird watchers, hosting species such as the merlin, osprey, swan, common coot, mallard, greylag goose, lapwing, black-headed gull, hooded crow, skylark, Dalmatian pelican, shelduck, Eurasian spoonbill, great egret, pied avocet, and demoiselle crane.
Facilities for tourists
In the southeastern part of the lake, the Karazhar ranger station and ornithologists' base provide facilities for tourists, including a dining room and guesthouses. Notably, from 1962 to 1974, Dinmukhamed Kunaev, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan (a role equivalent to the modern-day president), visited the lake and stayed in the house where guests are now accommodated.
How to get there?
Lake Sultankeldy is easily accessible by car from Astana. To reach the lake, take the Korgalzhyn highway out of the city and continue straight for about 170 km (106 mi). Visitors to the lake and other attractions within the nature reserve must register at the reserve's office. A guide will accompany you throughout your visit to the reserve.
Other tourist attractions near Lake Sultankeldy:
- Lake Tengiz
- Lake Kokai
- Lake Isey
- Lake Small Tengiz
- Visitor Center of Korgaljyn Nature Reserve
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