Aksu-Zhabagly is the first and oldest nature reserve in Central Asia and Kazakhstan. It was established on July 14, 1926, by the Council of People’s Commissars of the Kazakh ASSR.
The founding decree stated that the reserve was created “with the purpose of fully preserving the Aksu and Zhabagly rivers in their untouched natural state, along with all forest and shrubbery plantations, grassy cover, and the animal world inhabiting the area — as a natural monument.”
Initially, the area of the reserve was 30,000 hectares. Today, after several expansions, it covers 131,934.3 hectares. Administratively, the reserve is located near the borders of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, occupying lands in the Tyulkubas, Tolebi, and Baydibek districts of South Kazakhstan Region and the Zhualy district of Zhambyl Region.
The highest peak in the reserve is Mount Sairam, which rises to 4,238 meters above sea level. Locally, it is known as “Aktyuyelgen” because its outline resembles a fallen camel. In the central part of the reserve stands the massive glacial Bugulutor Ridge, reaching 3,926 meters in elevation.
The reserve's main rivers are the Aksu and the Zhabagly, from which the reserve takes its name. Flowing westward, they both eventually feed into the Arys River. The largest of them is the Aksu River, stretching 120 kilometers. It is a typical mountain river with a swift current. In May, its waters appear blue, while in summer they turn milky white. At the junction of the Small and Large Aksu rivers lies the stunning Aksu Canyon — 500 meters deep and 700–800 meters wide at its top edges.
The Zhabagly River is half the length and width of the Aksu. Due to clay content, its waters take on a yellow, and sometimes red, hue. Both rivers are fed by glaciers. There are around 114 glaciers in total, with the largest being Bugulutor and Shungulduk. The reserve also includes 27 small alpine lakes located at altitudes between 3,000 and 3,500 meters, within the zone of permanent snow cover.
The region is home to an extraordinary variety of animals and plants. According to recent data, the reserve hosts 267 species of birds, 52 species of mammals, 11 species of reptiles, and 3 species of amphibians. The flora of the reserve includes 1,737 plant species, among them 63 types of algae, 63 mosses, 64 lichens, 235 fungi, and 1,312 higher plant species — including 17 species of trees and 62 species of shrubs.
Some places speak to the heart — Aksu-Zhabagly is one of them. We’re happy to introduce you to this peaceful natural wonder and hope it finds a place on your travel map.
