Back to category Published: 09 june 2022 Author: Zhanna Mukhatzhanova

Ustyurt Nature Reserve

The idea of creating a specially protected area in Western Kazakhstan arose back in the 1960s when the Soviet government began to develop several industrial projects there, and the region’s wildlife was in danger. However, the Ustyurt Nature Reserve was established only in 1984 and now occupies the western part of the Ustyurt Plateau in the Mangystau Region.

Climate and landscape

The reserve’s landscape may seem dull at first sight. But if you venture deeper into it, you’ll find some of the most stunning scenery you’ve ever seen. Vast salt marshes, endless clay deserts, golden sand dunes, colorful hills, and buttes of peculiar shapes – these lunar-like landscapes will strike your imagination. Highlights include the Karynzharyk Hollow, Kenderli Salt Pan, and Balayuk Cave.

The climate is dry with hot and long summers. The average temperature in July is 26-28 °С (79-82 °F). Precipitation is quite rare. Winter is relatively warm. The average temperature in January is 2-5 °С (36-41 °F). Snow is extremely rare. However, sometimes it storms.

Although the reserve has no rivers or lakes, there are many natural wells and springs, which are fed by groundwater. One of them is Karazhar brook which flows into the Kenderli Salt Pan. The Kugusem Well is also worth mentioning. It contains fresh water with minimal salinity, containing only 0.8 g/l of total dissolved solids.

Flora and fauna

Despite the harsh climate, the fauna of the reserve is surprisingly diverse. More than 45 species of mammals, about 111 species of birds, and 22 species of reptiles thrive there. The area is a habitat of Ustyurt mouflons, endemic to the region. There are endangered animals such as manul, caracal, honey badger, sand cat, desert long-eared bat, and cheetah. The reserve is home to endangered species of birds: flamingo, saker falcon, golden eagle, Eurasian eagle-owl, short-toed snake eagle, peregrine falcon, Egyptian vulture, steppe eagle, black-bellied sandgrouse, and glossy ibis. Rare birds are hard to see, but you will most likely spot more common ones: larks, rock doves, Rufous-tailed scrub robins, and many others.

There are also about 600 species of vascular plants. Among them are Artemisia, Salsola, and Atriplex.

Archaeological sites

The reserve is home to numerous archaeological sites. One of them is the ancient caravan route that connected Khiva with the lower reaches of the Volga River. On the caravan route stands the ancient city of Shahr-i-Wazir, the fortress of Alan, and Beleuli caravanserai ( a roadside inn).

On the Ustyurt Plateau, you can also see well-preserved mausoleums, which have not yet been studied. The sights also include 60 Neolithic sites, most of which can be found near the Karynzharyk Hollow.

How to get there?

The reserve is a protected area, meaning that you can go there only with a tour and accompanied by a guide. First of all, you need to obtain permission to visit the reserve. However, travel agencies usually take on this responsibility and get permissions for all tour participants. Moreover, a tour will also take you to other tourist attractions located nearby.