Ulytau region
Regional center: Zhezkazgan city
Districts: Ulytau, Zhanaarka
City administrations: Zhezkazgan, Satbaev, Karazhal
Akim of the region: Dastan Ryspekov
Creation date: June 8, 2022
Land area: 188.9 thousand km² (5th place)
Population: 220 300
The Ulytau Region was established on June 8, 2022. It is located in the central part of Kazakhstan. The regional center is the city of Zhezkazgan. The total area of the region is 188.9 thousand square kilometers. The population is 220,300 people (according to the census data as of July 1, 2025).
On March 16, 2022, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, announced the creation of the Ulytau Region during his Address to the Nation at a joint session of the Parliament, by separating part of the territory from the Karaganda Region.
History of the Ulytau region
Ulytau is an ancient settlement, a historic place. Today, it is a sacred peak where the people who would become known to the world as Kazakhs united. When Kerei and Zhanibek broke away from Abulkhair and led their people—whose warrior spirit still burned in their hearts—toward Ulytau, that moment held a deep, soul-stirring significance. It was not simply an internal conflict between clans, as some claim. It was a longing for the Great Horde, which had lost its banner on the pedestal of history; it was a desire to preserve the memory of their ancient homeland and to honor the spirit of a once-great state that ruled half the world.
Often referred to as the “heart of the homeland,” Ulytau has in recent years become a source of fascination for scholars, journalists, and tourists due to its rich and profound history. It is rightfully called the “cradle of the Kazakh people,” and the “golden center of nomadic culture and steppe civilization.”
This land, wrapped in history, holds ancient secrets. It astonishes with its abundance of ancient monuments of great interest to anyone. In this fertile and beautiful land that once enchanted the ancestors, thousands of tools from the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras can be found—near springs and across the green plains.
Remnants of ancient metallurgical furnaces and metal casting techniques discovered in the mountains reveal that, as early as three thousand years ago, local tribes were mining and processing copper, tin, silver, and gold, exporting them to Iran, India, Greece, and other countries. These facts are confirmed in the writings of Herodotus, often called the “father of history.” Bronze Age metallurgical centers such as Elukuduk and Sorkuduk remained active up to the Middle Ages.
It is no coincidence that Jochi, the eldest son of Genghis Khan, chose this place as his permanent residence. It was from here that Batu Khan launched his great campaign that conquered Eastern Europe. Ulytau still preserves architectural monuments linked to Genghis Khan’s descendants—the mausoleums of Jochi, Kutlug-Timur, Bolgan-Ana, and Kelin-Tam. According to legend, it was here that the famous 13th-century kyui composition “Aksak Kulan” (“The Lame Kulan”) was created, delivering the tragic news of Jochi’s death to Genghis Khan.
Ulytau is strategically located. One of the main branches of the Great Silk Road passed through here, known as “Sarysu” or the “Copper Road.” This is evidenced by dozens of caravanserais, fortified settlements, feudal castles, and watchtowers along the route. Archaeological research at ancient sites such as Baskamyr, Zhoshy-Orda, Ayakkamyr, and Orda-Bazar has confirmed the existence of urban culture, craftsmanship, and trade. Scholars believe that this trade route may have predated even the Great Silk Road and continued to function up to the 1930s, contributing significantly to the cultural development of the region.
Nature has generously endowed this region with wealth. The great Persian poet Ferdowsi vividly described Ulytau in his epic “Shahnameh.” The 6th-century Arab traveler Al-Idrisi also left written accounts of this area. Ulytau is mentioned in the Kazakh folk tale “Er Tostik.” The legendary Asan-Kaigy, in his search for a blessed land for his people, turned his gaze to Ulytau.
Academician Kanysh Satpayev referred to the Ulytau steppe as the treasure chest of Kazakhstan, as the region’s subsoil contains nearly all the elements of the periodic table. Even the event of the century—the first human flight into space—is connected to Ulytau, as the Baikonur Cosmodrome is located nearby.
Geography
The Ulytau Region borders Turkistan Region to the south, Kyzylorda Region to the southwest, Zhambyl Region to the southeast, Aktobe Region to the west, Kostanay Region to the northwest, and Karaganda Region to the north and east.
Hydrography
Located in the center of the continent, at the very heart of Eurasia, the Ulytau Region contains inland waters within a closed basin. Only the Teryssakkan River is a tributary of rivers that eventually flow into the Arctic Ocean. Although river levels drop in summer and some dry up, many rivers originate in the Ulytau area. Sixty-four tributaries of the Torgai River and thirty-four tributaries of the Kengir River supply water to the local population. In addition, the region has many large and small lakes with both fresh and salt water.
The rivers are fed by snowmelt, groundwater, and atmospheric precipitation. Water flow typically peaks and overflows during the snowmelt season. Flooding usually occurs in the second half of April and the first half of May. During this period, 80–90% of the rivers’ annual water volume flows through.
The largest river in the region is the Karakengir River, which is 350 km long, with a basin area of 16,700 km², and an average annual flow of 2.1 cubic meters per second. The Teryssakkan River originates in the Zheldiadir Mountains and flows through neighboring Akmola and Kostanay Regions. Within Ulytau, the river runs between mountain gorges with steep banks, and after exiting into the Teniz-Korgalzhyn lowland, it broadens significantly.
All rivers originating in the southwestern part of Ulytau belong to the Aral Sea basin. Mountain gorges divide them into several closed basins. Major tributaries of the Torgai River include: Sarytorgai, Karatorgai, Zhaldamatutorgai, Sabasaldytorgai, Karynsaldytorgai, Ashudastytorgai, Aktastytorgai, and others.
The rivers of Ulytau have a particularly beneficial effect on the region’s natural environment. Along river valleys that cross desert and semi-desert steppes, natural green oases are often found. Small forests of willow, poplar, and birch, along with reeds, bulrushes, and various grassy plants, adorn the landscape. These areas are home to a diverse range of wildlife, making the ecosystem especially rich.
In the gorges of Ulytau, small lakes enhance the beauty of the mountainous landscape. One such lake, located in Seraly, is traditionally known as Shaïtankol—“Devil’s Lake.” According to ancient legend, this was the path of a werewolf.
The region also holds significant reserves of groundwater, a reliable source of fresh water. Groundwater is found at various depths. Ulytau has several large artesian basins (underground water sources):Sarysu-Betpakdala (with reserves of 206 billion cubic meters), Mynbulak (180 billion cubic meters), and Ulytau (30 billion cubic meters).
These are unique sources of low-mineralized, clean water.
The region’s reservoirs collect meltwater in spring, allowing for a stable water supply for economic needs. The largest is the Kengir Reservoir, with a capacity of 319 million cubic meters. Other important reservoirs include Zhezdi (60 million m³), Kumola (4.5 million m³), and Karsakpai (1.2 million m³).
Climate
Since the Ulytau Region is located in a sharply continental climate zone, it experiences a mix of harsh Siberian frosts and the scorching heat of Central Asia. Winters in Ulytau are severe, while summers are hot. The average summer temperature is around +22°C, and in winter, it is approximately -22°C.
The coldest month is January, with average temperatures ranging from -14°C to -16°C, although the absolute minimum can drop to -42°C to -50°C. The hottest month is July, with average temperatures between +19°C and +25°C, while the absolute maximum (the highest recorded temperature) can reach +38°C to +46°C.
Thus, the annual temperature range (the sum of the absolute minimum and maximum temperatures) reaches 96°C.
Minerals
The Ulytau Region is exceptionally rich in mineral resources. This is due not only to the region’s large area but also to its geological structure. The underground wealth of this land has been known since ancient times. The world-renowned copper mine in Zhezkazgan was already in operation around ten centuries before our era. Historical evidence suggests that during the Bronze Age, not only copper was extracted here, but also gold, silver, and tin were processed. This is supported by the region’s toponyms, such as: Zhezdi (“river rich in copper”), Zhezkazgan (“place of copper mining”), Altynshoky (“mountain where gold was mined”), Korgasyn-Tau (“mountain rich in lead”), and others.
A table below lists the minerals either mined or explored in the region.
The ancient land of Ulytau is one of the world’s largest sites for copper smelting. Industrial-scale development began in 1926. Copper ore deposits are concentrated west and north of the city of Satpayev, and in the south, the Zhomart mine is in operation. The ores extracted near Zhezkazgan contain rare and dispersed metals such as gold, silver, rhenium, osmium, cadmium, bismuth, cobalt, and other valuable and rare elements.
Ferrous metals in the region are mostly found around the Karsakbai area. Deposits include Balbyraun, Keregetas, Saztobe, Zhetikiz, Zhezdi, and Nayzatas — all discovered by Kanysh Satpayev before World War II. Later, in the southern part of Karsakbai, the Zhuantobe iron ore deposit was discovered. According to early exploration data, its reserves are estimated at 8–10 billion tons, making Zhuantobe one of the largest iron ore deposits in the world.
In terms of asbestos reserves, a non-metallic mineral, Ulytau ranks second in Kazakhstan. Proven industrial reserves in the Yeshkiolmes and Karsakbai areas total about 10 million tons. Other known deposits such as Airtau, Duisenbai, Shaïtantas, and Kumola have also been registered and included in the state mineral reserve fund.
Ulytau is also rich in local building materials. Limestone is quarried near Zhezkazgan and Zhezdi, crushed stone (quartz sand) is abundant in the Satpayev area and along the Sarysu River valley, and granite is found near Terekty station.
Among fuel minerals, lignite (brown coal) is found in Ulytau. It was first discovered in Baikonur and Kiyakty in the early 19th century and has industrial significance. Baikonur coal was used between 1892 and 1910 at the Zheleznovo lead plant (in the village of Shenber) and between 1912–1918 and 1928–1969 at the Karsakbai copper smelting plant as a primary fuel. In the 1930s, Kanysh Satpayev conducted studies at Kiyakty and confirmed that coal reserves exceeded 100 million tons. Today, the Kiyakty deposit is being developed by private enterprises and supplies high-quality fuel to part of the regional population.
Oil and gas have been discovered in the Kumkol basin, within the Ulytau Region. Experts estimate the oil reserves at about 350 million tons, and natural gas reserves at 100 million cubic meters. Oil from the Kumkol field is transported through the Kumkol–Karakoyin–Sarysu–Atasu pipeline, which connects to the main pipelines Pavlodar–Shymkent and Atasu–Alashankou.
Additionally, Ulytau has unique rare mineral deposits, including rhodusite (blue asbestos) in Kumola and piezoquartz with rock crystal in Aktas.
List of Events:
The International Music Festival “Zhezkiik” is held in Ulytau during June–July. The “Zhezkiik” festival is organized within the framework of the “Rukhani Zhangyru” program, aiming to widely promote and popularize the projects “Sacred Places of Kazakhstan” and “Native Land.” The significant cultural event features folklore ensembles from Turkey, Tajikistan, Russia, Poland, Peru, Mexico, France, Scotland, Japan, and Kazakhstan. This three-day event adds a unique charm to the Great Steppe and contributes to the development of interethnic connections.
The ethno-festival “Kоkmaisa” is held in central Ulytau in May. Traditionally coinciding with the tying of foals in early May, the event takes place at the foothills of the Ulytau Mountains. Its goal is to promote traditional crafts and support local entrepreneurs and artisans in decorative and applied arts. The festival includes culinary competitions, woodworking workshops, whip braiding, rope climbing, and competitions for composers, folk singers, and dancers.
The “Ulytau Uni” Festival, which began in the 1980s, is dedicated to the promotion of national art. The history of Ulytau, located in the heart of the Saryarka region, holds special significance in the formation and development of the Kazakh people as an independent nation. This traditional festival has become a stage where many renowned artists and stars have revealed their talents. The event occupies a special place in the spiritual life of the region.
Museums and national parks:
Zhezkazgan city:
State Communal Enterprise “Ulytau Regional Historical and Archaeological Museum with Exhibition Hall” Alashakhana Street 22, inst.: zhez_museum, tel.: 87102737759, 87102764681.
“Historical and Industrial Museum named after K. I. Satpaev”, Satpaev 1, tel.: 8 (7102) 748658.
Ulytau region:
National Historical, Cultural and Natural Museum-Reserve “Ulytau” RMM
Institute: @ulytau_national_reserve_museum – Ulytau village, Bulkyshev street 14, tel.: +7 (71035) 2 13 42, 2 16 16.
“M. Museum of the History of Copper Mining and Smelting named after Toregeldin – Zhezdy village, tel.: 8(71034)21933, inst.: @muzei_zhezdy
“Museum – the house of K.I. Satbaev” in the village of Karsakbay – the village of Karsakbay
State National Natural Park “Ulytau” RMM, inst.:@ulytau.mutp – Ulytau village, Amankeldi street 1, tel.: +7 (71035) 2 11 61.
Zhanaarkinsky district:
Zhanaarkinsky regional museum of local history named after S. Seifullina – Zhanaarka village, inst.:@muzey_zhanaarka, tel.: +7 775 186 4478, S. Seifullin Ave., 26
Karaagash nature reserve.
Hotels:
Zhezkazgan city:
House rental centers (olx) – 7000-10000 tenge, +7 777 405 6921
Kengir – Deeva street 2, +7 (7102) 77 54 77
Cosmos – Abay street, 5, +7 (7102) 72 47 04
Baikonur – Esenberlin street 8, +7 (7102) 41 04 17
Samsung – st. Alashakhana, 34, +7 (7102) 74 43 75
Business center – Deeva street 3A, +7 (7102) 90 06 80
Metallurgist –
Count – Asylbekov street 8, +7 776 529 2929
Zhezkazgan city – 9 Seifulin street, +7 777 572 9201
Arai – Kurmanbaev street 19, +7 777 145 01 22
Satbaev city:
Ulytau – +7 777 046 2020
Send – +7 705 108 9939
Place of Hope – +7 (71063) 7 45 66
Satpayev city – +7 777 074 12 63
city of Karazhal:
Nauryz – Aliyev street 21, +7 705 229 1038
Business center – st. Quarter, 25, +7 778 941 2885
IP Artykbaeva – Momyshuly street 4, +7 705 251 8882
Ulytau region:
Ulytau – Abay street, 24, +7 705 587 0898
Makpal – +7 777 570 33 99
Kokmaisa – +7 776 546 4411
Zhanaarkinsky district:
Located on the highway Dostyk – Kyzylorda – Pavlodar.
Diana – Abay street 75
Indira – Baibosyn street 29/3
Eating places:
Zhezkazgan city:
Syba (national restaurant, average check 7000-10000 tenge) Instagram – Zhanasova 1B, 8707 340 4444
Golden Family (author’s restaurant, average bill 7,000-10,000 tenge) – Garyshkerker 41, 8778 708 6770
Central (restaurant of European cuisine, average check 5000-8000 tenge) @centralzhezkazgan – Mira 26G, 87700210001
Maestro (oriental restaurant, average bill 7000-10000 tenge) @maestro.zhezkazgan – Satpaeva 1A, 8705 480 3411
Ahmad (Eurasian cuisine, average bill 5000-7000 tenge) @kafe_ahmad – Satpayeva 68, 8707 804 7282
Safi dessert (breakfast, coffee house, average bill 3000-5000 tenge) @safi.dessert — Seifullina 39/4, 8705 622 6664
Orta coffee (coffee house, average check 3000-5000 tenge) @ortacoffeee – Cosmonauts 19, 8776 719 8846
Global coffee (coffee house, average bill 3000-5000 tenge) @globalcoffee_zhezkazgan — Kosmonavtov 1, 8708 610 2428
Delicious pilaf center (pilaf center, average bill 5000-7000 tenge) – Zhanasova 1B
Love sushi Zhezkazgan (Korean restaurant 5000-7000 tenge) @love_sushi_zhezkazgan_satpaev – Omarova 11, 8707 907 6581
Satbaev city:
Honey (restaurant, average check 7000-10000 tenge) @medrestoran – Shatalyuka, 20A, 8776 224 1284
Lapisa (oriental restaurant, average bill 5000-7000 tenge) @lapisa.sat – 8747 531 0195, 8707 531 0195
Love sushi Satpaev (Korean restaurant, average bill 5000-7000 tenge) @love_sushi_zhezkazgan_satpaev — Kusaynova 4, 8776 509 3100
Insan (restaurant of European cuisine, average bill 5000-7000 tenge) @insan.sat – Abaya 64B, 8705 305 5464
I’m on you (European restaurant, cafe, average bill 5000-7000 tenge) @ya_zhe_na_ty – Muratbaeva 28, 8701 888 3385
city of Karazhal:
Keruen (cafe, average bill 2000-3000 tenge) @kafe_keruen_karajal – Abaya 12-1, 8705 137 1124
Orda (cafe, average check 2000-3000 tenge) @kafe_orda_official – Toimbekova 11, 8777 683 6135
Nauryz (cafe, average check 2000-3000 tenge) @kafe.nauryz Green 20, 8771 284 2533
Zhanaarkinsky district:
Restaurant Atasu (cafe, average bill 1500-3000) – Kyzylorda-Pavlodar highway, 8775 462 0838
Aisha (oriental cuisine, average bill 1500-3000) – 87089162163, 87087398795, st. Baibosynova, 26-2.
Zhanbolat (cafe, average check 2000-3000 tenge) – Kyzylorda-Palodar highway, 8705 216 1199
Ulytau region:
Ulytau kitchen (cafe, average bill 2000-3000 tenge) – 8705 587 0898
Restaurant Ulytau (fast food, cafe, average bill 2000-3000 tenge) – 8705 574 4515
Emergency services:
Fire Department – 101
Police – 102
Emergency Service – 103
Gas distribution – 104
Rescue Service Emergencies – 112
Zhezkazgan city:
Telephone code: +7 7102
Postcode: 100000, 100600
Railway station Zhezkazgan +7 707 270 3664
Zhezkazgan bus station +7 (7102) 72 4009
Akimat of Ulytau region +7 (7102) 73 6594
Taxi “9 region”, mobile application +7 (7102) 90 0999
Taxi “Phaeton” +7 (7102) 71 0000, +7 707 571 0000
Mobile application of the taxi service “Indriver”.
Satbaev city:
Taxi “9 region”, service +7 777 000 9990, +7 702 000 9990
Taxi “Nur” +7 (71063) 39 393, +7 (71063) 40 101, +7 705 179 9393
Taxi service “Indriver”
Akimat of Ulytau region: +7 (7102) 736356
Zhezkazgan City Akimat: +7 (7102) 73 6594
Satpayev city administration: +7 (71063) 3 3636
Karazhal city administration: +7 (71032) 2 6010
Ulytau regional administration: +7 (71035) 2 1339
Administration of Zhanaarka district: +7 (71030) 2 6101