Aksu-Jabagly Nature Reserve
Founded in 1926, Aksu-Jabagly Nature Reserve is the oldest nature reserve not only in Kazakhstan, but also in Central Asia. The reserve is located in the Talas Alatau Mountain Range, in the western Tien Shan Mountains. The purpose of creating the reserve was to protect the diversity of flora and fauna of this region, as well as to preserve the Aksu and Jabagly rivers.
Standing at 4238 meters (13904 ft), Sairam Peak is the highest point of the Aksu-Jabagly Nature Reserve. This peak is also popularly called Aktuyeolgen, which means "Dead Camel" in Kazakh.
Flora and Fauna
First of all, the reserve safeguards the Greig tulip, an amazingly beautiful flower with large dark red petals. This type of tulip is exported to other countries and is a symbol of the Aksu-Jabagly Reserve.
The snow leopard, a rare species, lives in the local mountains, migrating here for mountain argali. Argali, an endangered species, are also protected in the reserve.
The Menzbier marmot, endemic to the Western Tien Shan, is the smallest of all marmot species and prefers to live on the slopes of steep mountains.
In addition to these animals, the reserve is home to stone martens, ermines, porcupines, red deer, roe deer, muskrats, sheltopusiks (European legless lizards), corncrakes, white-winged woodpeckers, and more. The flora includes various flowers, grasses, legumes, and about 235 species of mushrooms.
Aksu and Jabagly Rivers
The reserve was named after two rivers – Aksu and Jabagly, which flow through the territory. Both flow westward and into the Arys River. The Aksu River (120 km) is longer than the Jabagly River, which is half as long and much narrower. The Aksu River has a transparent blue color, whereas the waters of the Jabagly River are colored yellow and red due to clay.
How to get there?
The reserve’s main office is located in the village of Jabagly, at 34 Abay St.
The nature reserve occupies Tyulkubas, Tolebi and Baidibekbi districts of the Turkistan region, and Zhualynsky district of the Zhambyl region in Kazakhstan.
The distance from Shymkent to the reserve is about 90 km, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive along the A-2 highway. Similarly, the distance from Taraz to the Aksu-Jabagly Reserve is also about 90 km, depending on the chosen route, along the A-2 highway.
Other tourist attractions near the reserve:
- Sairam-Ugam National Park
- Zhylak Ata Waterfall and Cave
- Mausoleum of Aisha Bibi
- Mausoleum of Babaji Khatun
- Mausoleum of Ibrahim Ata
Галерея:
Recommended tours:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Turkistan and Aksu-Jabagly Reserve Tour")
On request
Embark on this tour to delve into the historical monuments of the South Kazakhstan region, coupled with an exploration of Aksu-Jabagly, the country's oldest nature reserve.