Moiynkum Desert
The Moiynkum Desert is delimited by the Chu River to the north and east, and the Karatau and Kyrgyz Ala-Too to the south and southeast. Geographically situated in the Zhambyl and Turkistan regions of Kazakhstan, the desert spans approximately 500 km (311 mi) in length. The expanse of sand dunes covers 37,500 km2 (14500 mi2), slightly less than the area of Switzerland. Beneath the layers of sand lies an extensive reservoir of artesian water at a depth of about 500 meters (1640 ft).
The desert experiences a continental climate, with temperatures plummeting to as low as −40 °C (−40 °F) in January and soaring to around 50 °C (120 °F) in July.
Despite its harsh conditions, the Moiynkum Desert has become a habitat for various wildlife, including saiga antelopes, jerboas, hares, pheasants, wild boars, roe deer, goitered gazelles, steppe tortoises, boa constrictors, and various lizards. Birds such as sparrowhawks, saker falcons, and little bustards grace the sky above the dunes. While vegetation is somewhat sparse, featuring plants like astragalus, wormwood, saxaul, Calligonum, and feather grass, it is sufficient to support the area's use as a summer pasture.
The allure of the Moiynkum sands attracts enthusiasts of jeep tours, who typically explore the dunes from May to October.
How to get there?
Highway A-2 and road R-41 lead from Taraz to the desert.
Other tourist attractions near the Moiynkum Desert:
- Andasai Zoological Reserve
- Chu River
- Jaisan Memorial Complex
Recommended tours:
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South Kazakhstan boasts numerous ancient cities, making it a treasure trove of historical monuments unparalleled anywhere else in the country. The region attracts thousands of pilgrims, making it a popular destination for religious tourism. If you have a passion for history, legends, and mysteries, this journey is for you!
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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.
During this tour, you will explore the most interesting places of Southern Kazakhstan, retracing the paths of the ancient Silk Road. En route, you will encounter monuments of archaeology and medieval architecture that have withstood the test of time.