Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve

In 1976, Lake Tengis - Korgalzhyn was included in the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance, home to rare populations of migratory birds. In 2008, the entire natural complex of the Korgalzhyn area officially became part of the UNESCO Saryarka heritage site including the North Kazakhstan Steppe and Lakes and was recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. . In 2012, Korgalzhyn nature reserve was recognized by UNESCO as the first Biosphere Reserve in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Located at the crossroads of two major migration routes, this wetland is likened to an ideal stop on a giant highway, Lake Tengiz provides a vast living space for more than 15 million species. birds every year. The area, protected by the government as a 'Zapvednik' (national nature reserve), is home to the world's largest population of flamingos, over 300 species of the largest wild birds in Asia. Other notable inhabitants of the region include pelicans, cranes, and a variety of birds of prey.

Spring and summer (mid-April to September) are the best opportunities to see the varied and fun daily activities of birds. Flamingos come here to reside during this entire time. During the last two weeks of April and early May, the steppe bursts with color as the tulips bloom. At the nature reserve, you can find the most beautiful feathery grass. Ice fishing is a popular and loved activity during the cold winter months.

The territory of the reserve is a combination of two large lakes, Tengiz and Korgalzhin. The word "Tengiz" in the local language means "sea". The total area of the wetland is 159,000 hectares, twice as large as Lake Geneva in terms of area, and the mineralization of its water exceeds the salinity of the ocean by 5-6 times. The flora of the reserve has about 350 types of plants, 90% of which are grasses. The fauna includes 82 kinds of birds, 33 of which are included in the "Red Book", not to mention such as the black lark, the great blackbird, and the birds of the steppe. Lucky visitors can catch black storks, swans; and in the reed beds the wild boars are hiding. Occasionally forest dwellers from Northern Kazakhstan and Western Siberia, such as lynx, moose also visit this remote territory. The reserve area does not have many large trees, as this is inherently the territory of the low grasses and bushes that characterize the steppe terrain.

What makes the Korgalzhyn nature reserve so special and famous is the home to the rare species of flamingos, which nest around the large and small islands that dot the lake. This is the northernmost inhabited land of the world that this precious bird reached during the Paleocene (50-60 million years ago), during the Depression of Tengiz-Kurgaljinski covered by the Sea. Tetis.

This is an ideal place to visit for those who love nature and especially have a strong love for birds. The reserve is not recommended to visit in large groups, only small groups of visitors and visitors will need to sign a commitment to protect and not harm the environment, nature as well as the fauna of the reserve. before the experience of visiting this place. You can contact the reserve office to hire a guide to accompany you during your tour and exploration of this beautiful nature reserve.