Bayanaul National Park

Kazakhstan'S Oldest National Park (1985): A Low Granite Massif Above 1,000 M With Fantastic Weathered Rocks, Pine Forest And Fresh Lakes, Used For Summer Holidays By The Pavlodar Region. Often Called An Island Of Mountains In The Steppe. · Bayanaul, Pavlodar

Bayanaul is Kazakhstan's oldest national park, set up in 1985, a low granite massif that rises out of the Pavlodar steppe about 100 km south-west of the city. These are hills, not high mountains: the top is a little over 1,000 m. What makes it worth a look is the mix of pine woods, three fresh lakes (Sabyndykol, Zhasybay and Toraigyr) and granite outcrops weathered into odd shapes. Locals give the rocks names such as Pirates' Head, but the names are local and vary from guide to guide, so do not hunt for a fixed list. In summer it is the holiday spot of the whole Pavlodar region, so July weekends mean crowds, loud music at the beaches and basic guesthouses and yurt camps that fill early. Outside peak season it is quiet. It suits people already in Pavlodar or crossing the north who want a lake and a short hike. It is not a reason to fly in. Ecology or park fees apply, and fire-season closures are possible in dry summers, so ask before you drive out.

Granite hills, pine woods and three lakes (Sabyndykol, Zhasybay and Toraigyr) in the Bayanaul district, about 100 km south-west of Pavlodar, with the village of Bayanaul as base, Bayanaul, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan

The park is open all year, but this is a seasonal place. Lake shores, the village and the main walking routes can be reached in daylight, and the entrance post usually collects ecology or park fees by day. Exact gate times are not fixed here, so confirm locally. Guesthouses, yurt camps, boat hire and small cafes run roughly June to August, with a thinner offer in May and September and little in winter. In dry, hot spells the park administration can restrict forest access or close routes because of fire risk, so check with the village office or your host before setting out. Trails have no lighting.

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