Kyzylarai Mountains
Ancient Volcanoes in the Heart of Kazakhstan
Back in the Paleozoic era (300-500 million years ago), vast volcanic belts rumbled across what is now Central Kazakhstan. Don’t expect cone-shaped peaks like Vesuvius or Fuji. Time, wind, and rain have worn them down to their foundations. What remains are their stone signatures:
- granite massifs, once molten magma, now solid rock;
- fantastically shaped outcrops;
- layered volcanic stone.
A Granite Island in the Steppe
The Kyzylarai Mountains are relatively low but still form the highest range in Central Kazakhstan. They lie in the Aktogay District of the Karaganda Region, south of Karkaraly National Park.
The landscape here is striking: granite peaks, gorges, and valleys where rocks twist into fantastic forms. Pines and junipers cling to bare stone, while birch, wild rose, hawthorn, raspberry, and currant bushes thrive in the sheltered crevices and hollows.
At the heart of the range rises Aksoran (1,565 m / 5,135 ft), the highest point in Central Kazakhstan, This summit has earned Kyzylarai the title of “Roof of the Steppes.”
Shabanbai Bi Village – Gateway to the Mountains
At the foot of Kyzylarai lies the small village of Shabanbai Bi, the starting point for most routes into the mountains. Here, travelers can stay with local families, join guided hikes to archaeological sites, and discover Kazakh traditions and hospitality. By the way, in 2025 Shabanbai Bi was named one of the top five ecotourism villages in Kazakhstan and even went on to represent the country at the international UN Tourism Best Tourism Village competition.
Geologists searching for minerals also pass through, but the mountains themselves remain astonishingly quiet and empty.
There is no tourist infrastructure here and that is exactly Kyzylarai’s charm. The range has preserved its wild, untouched character. Hiking these trails, you may find yourself entirely alone, with nothing but wind, rock, and sky.
History Written in Stone
For scientists, Kyzylarai is best known as the site of excavations of the Begazy-Dandybai culture of the Bronze Age. As early as the 3rd-2nd millennia BC, a civilization flourished here. Its people mined copper, gold, and tin, practiced agriculture and animal husbandry, and developed advanced metallurgy. Echoes of that era remain in monumental stone tombs, rock carvings, balbals (Turkic stone sculptures), and mausoleums.
One of the most significant archaeological sites is the Begazy necropolis, where leaders and spiritual figures of the late Bronze Age were laid to rest. Arrowheads and other artifacts found there can be seen in the local history museum in Aktogay, located on the road to Shabanbai Bi.
Another point of interest is the Aulie Cave. It has long been considered a sacred place. Local legends say its walls hold healing powers and even the ability to grant wishes. Though, to be fair, nearly every cave in Kazakhstan comes with such a story.
A Wilderness Alive with Wildlife
Kyzylarai is the only major habitat of the argali (wild mountain sheep) in Kazakhstan, and your chances of spotting them on a hike are greater than meeting another person.
Yet the mountains are home to far more than argali. Deer, saiga antelope, wild boar, wolves, foxes, goitered gazelles, badgers, and marmots roam these lands. The skies and forests shelter black grouse, partridge, geese, hawks, gulls, and many other bird species.
How to Get There?
Most visitors base themselves in the village of Shabanbai Bi, where locals rent out rooms to travelers.
From Karaganda, take the M-36 highway to the village of Aktogay. Once in Aktogay, turn left near the stadium and continue toward Shabanbai Bi. The total distance is about 280 km (175 miles).
From the village, you can reach the foot of Mount Aksoran either on foot or by vehicle. Keep in mind that the route is along rough steppe tracks, so a 4x4 is essential. The hike to the summit and back takes a full day, so plan to set out around 6:00 am to make the most of daylight.
The Aulie Cave lies a few kilometers northwest of Aksoran. You can get fairly close by car: head north from Shabanbai Bi and circle around the ridge from the western side.
Other tourists attractions near the Kyzylarai Mountains:
- Begazy Necropolis
- Kent Mountains
- Ruins of the Kyzyl Kent Palace
- Karkaraly National Park
- Bektau Ata Tract
Gallery
Recommended tours:
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This journey will take you to the gems of Central Kazakhstan, including Karkaraly National Park, the Bronze Age Kent settlement, Scythian burial mounds, and the remnants of the ancient Buddhist temple known as Kent Palace.
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