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Download the Korgalzhyn information packet (PDF, 159kB) |
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Despite being under 3 hours from Astana, and possessing a collection of birdlife that has recently attracted a nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Korgalzhyn area remains surprisingly unknown, even within Kazakhstan.
The vast wetland area, a combination of virgin steppe and lakes, is home to wolves, wild hogs and saiga, but it is the birds, and the Greater flamingo in particular, that are the real attraction.
Located at the crossroads of two migration routes, the wetlands act as a giant motorway junction service station for birds (Lake Tengiz alone has the capacity to feed 15 million birds). This site, most of which is protected by the government (zapovednik) is home to the world’s most northerly colony of pink flamingos. The area also harbors over 300 species of birds including pink flamingos, pelicans, cranes and a variety of prey birds
VISITING AREA
The areas low profile and restrictions accompanying the Zapovednik status, mean that tourism is still its infancy and relatively undeveloped. Nonetheless, the area is familiar with receiving international bird watchers, small-scale tourism is gradually developing, and the area provides a refreshing change to some of the excesses of tourism found at Kazakhstans more popular natural areas.
The small town of Korgalzhyn, just outside of the Zapovednik, provides a good starting point and base for visits to the area. It is easily reached by bus/minibus from Astana (see Getting There and Around) and is home to the Zapovednik administration offices and a number of homestay guesthouses. The towns small shops provide the final opportunity to stock up before entering the Zapovednik.
Visitors to the Zapovednik need to register at the administration offices before entering. The entrance fee is approximately 300T* ($3). It is best (and essential if arriving at the weekend) to telephone the administration (tel: +007 (31637) 21650) before arriving to inform them that you are wishing to visit the Zapovednik. The administration offices (open 09.30-13.00 and 14.30-17.30 Monday to Friday) are set back from the main road to and from Astana, about 750m on the left after entering the town (the driveway is marked by an Zapovednik information board and gateway).
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ACCOMODATION
| The environmental NGO, Rodnik, located on the ground floor of the Zapovednik offices, can provide details of homestay accommodation in Korgalzhyn.
The preferred choice of German and British volunteers working in the area, the homestays (including meals) are experienced at hosting international guests and will provide meals featuring local and homegrown ingredients. Again, it is best to phone in advance of arrival.
The NGO has been working with foreign volunteers to tap into the potential for community- based tourism to assist the local economy through developing a wider network of trained homestay providers.
They can also arrange tours outside of the Zapovednik that provide similar opportunities for seeing the wildlife.
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| Accommodation |
| Homestay guesthouse (full board) |
2125-2500 KZT per person per night |
| Kazakh Yurt (ful board) |
2375 KZT |
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Services |
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| Guesthouse with full board |
5300tg |
| Camping |
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| Yurt accommodation |
5800tg |
| Hourse riding |
1500tg (1 hour) |
| Nature guide |
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| Interpreter |
1500tg (1 group) |
| Kumys - show |
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| Ethnoshow |
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| Provider services |
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| National games |
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| Technology of production |
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| Handicraft - show (Souvenirs) |
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| Museum |
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| Art gallery |
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| Concert |
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| Transport | |
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
From Astana
There is a scheduled service of four buses/minibuses (gazelle) a day in each direction between Astana and Korgalzhyn (journeys take 2 - 2.5 hours:
· Astana-Korgalzhyn - depart from Astana bus station (across the car park from the train station): 11.50, 13.00, 17.00, and 18.40
· Korgalzhyn-Astana - depart from Korgalzhyn bus station (located on the left hand side of the main road about 200m after it enters the town): 07.00, 08.00, 11:00, 13.00, 15.00, and 17.00.
Tickets (350T/$3, one way) can be bought at the bus stations (Korgaldzhyn bus station is generally open only in the half hour before bus departures). It is advisable to buy a ticket at least a few hours before you intend to travel as services are popular and can be subject to changes.
Alternatively, if you would like to hire a taxi from Astana train station with a driver from Korgalzhyn, between 11.00 and 1.00 the fare is about 700T with 3 other passengers. If there are no other passengers, and you do not wish to wait for the taxi to fill up, the fare is about 2800T.
You can plan or book your trip to Korgalzhyn through Ecotouirsm Resource Information Center ecotourism.kz@mail.kz
or at Rodnik NGO
tel. +007 (31637) 21043, e-mail oorodnik@mail.ru
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