Pavlodar Region, Administrative region in northeastern Kazakhstan
Pavlodar Region is an administrative division in northeastern Kazakhstan through which the Irtysh flows and where numerous salt lakes can be found. The territory stretches from the Russian border in the north to desert areas in the south, encompassing steppe zones, river floodplains and protected areas with granite formations.
The administrative region was founded in January 1938 and developed into an agricultural center afterward. During the 1950s many settlers arrived as part of the Virgin Lands Campaign, which permanently changed the population makeup and land use.
The landscape combines endless grasslands with grain fields and pastures that herders still use today. Settlements often carry both Kazakh and Russian place names, reflecting the bilingual daily life in schools, markets and public offices.
The northern parts border Russia and connect to other areas of Kazakhstan through long-distance roads. Travelers should note that wide stretches pass through open steppe where gas stations and rest stops are sparse.
Bayanaul National Park contains granite rocks rising over 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) and combines forest zones with steppe landscape within a protected area. Rare bird species and wildlife use these elevated areas, which visitors can explore on hiking trails.
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