Falcon Mountains (Sokolinye Mountains)
The Falcon Mountains are part of the Ereymentau mountain range and stand as a prominent attraction within Buiratau National Park. They’re also known as Sokolinye Mountains in Russian or Sunkartau in Kazakh. Their name is derived from the Kazakh words "sunkar" meaning falcon and "tau" for mountain. It stems from the belief that falcons nest atop these mountains’ peaks. The area is also home to marmots, roe deer, hares, foxes, and various bird species such as partridges, black grouse, demoiselle cranes, golden eagles, wild ducks, and geese.
The Falcon Mountains are ancient low rocky formations shaped over centuries by wind, rain, and temperature changes. Some areas are particularly well-suited for rock climbing enthusiasts. The prime visiting season is from May to September when weather conditions are most favorable.
Tourist routes
Buiratau National Park offers three tourist routes in the Falcon Mountains and their surroundings. The Togyzshoshak route, a 3.5-hour car journey, introduces travelers to the Togyzshoshak Range and the Aulie Bulak spring. The Zhaushoky route, lasting over 4 hours by car, showcases natural attractions and the Kumai Archaeological Site. Alternatively, the Karagaily route, exceeding 4 hours in duration, combines car travel with horseback and bicycle riding, offering an immersive experience with the Kumai Archaeological Site.
The villages of Karagaily and Balykty serve as convenient bases for exploring the Falcon Mountains. Balykty, particularly ideal for visiting Mount Zhaushoky, lies a mere 5 kilometers away along a field road. Here, tourists can find essential amenities such as guest accommodations, a shop, and a first-aid post. Moreover, nearby Lake Balykty offers an opportunity for fishing. Similarly, Karagaily serves as a gateway to attractions like the Kumai Archaeological Site and the Togyzshoshak Tract, offering its own guest facilities and essential services for travelers.
Exploring the region's highlights
Let us tell you more about the mountains’ most notable attractions: Mount Zhaushoky, the Togyzshoshak Tract, and the Aulie Bulak spring.
Mount Zhaushoky is the tallest peak of the Falcon Mountains standing at 459 meters (1506 ft). It derives its name from the Kazakh words "zhau" and "shoky," meaning "enemy" and "hill" respectively. This name dates back to ancient times when the mountain served as a strategic vantage point, enabling locals to detect approaching enemies from afar. Offering breathtaking panoramas, Mount Zhaushoky is easily accessible for leisurely ascents. Its most renowned feature, the Falcon’s Beak, is a lengthy rocky ledge, serving as a popular spot for photo sessions.
The Togyzshoshak Tract is a small mountain range adorned with dense forests of pines, birches, rose hips, cherries, and junipers. Its name, translating to "nine hills" in Kazakh, describes the rocky formations resembling hills or mounds across the landscape. At the heart of the tract lies a resting spot featuring several gazebos, a yurt, benches, and restroom facilities.
Aptly described as a small waterfall, the Aulie Bulak spring meanders through a pristine pine forest. Remarkably, even in winter, Aulie Bulak remains unfrozen. According to local belief, the water is said to have healing properties, although scientists didn’t confirm this claim.
How to get there?
The most convenient mode of transportation for reaching the Falcon Mountains is by car. If your destination is the village of Balykty, leave Astana via the Pavlodar highway and drive northeast. After covering approximately 110 km (68 mi) and reaching the turnoff to Turgai village, take a right onto the field road. Proceed for 12 km (7 mi) until you arrive at Balykty.
If your destination is the village of Karagaily, also departing from Astana, you'll need to traverse approximately 110 km along the Pavlodar highway. Upon encountering the village sign, make a right turn and continue along the field road. After 2.5 km (1.2 mi), you'll reach the village of Karagaily.
To access the Togyzshoshak Tract from Karagaily, head west along the steppe road. After crossing the Kumai River via the ford, continue for another 3 km (1.9 mi) until you reach the checkpoint of the Buiratau National Park. From there, follow the signage for about 5 km (3 mi) to reach the recreation area near Aulie Bulak spring or 6 km (3.7 mi) to reach the Togyzshoshak Tract.
Other tourist attractions near the Falcon Mountains:
- Kumai Archaeological Site
- Ereymentau Mountains
- The Town of Ereymentau
- Karaagash Tract
- Olenty Petroglyph Site
- Lake Azhbay
- Buiratau National Park
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