Barsa-Kelmes, Former island in Kyzylorda Region, Kazakhstan.
Barsa-Kelmes is a peninsula in Kyzylorda Region that sits between the northern and western sections of the former Aral Sea. The landscape consists of salt-ringed waters, rocky ground, and sparse vegetation adapted to harsh conditions.
The area was established as a ground squirrel breeding station in 1929 under Soviet administration and gained protected reserve status in 1939. This shift marked the transition from economic use to wildlife conservation.
The name Barsa-Kelmes comes from Turkic languages and means "whoever goes there will not return," a phrase rooted in old local beliefs about the place. This legend still shapes how people talk about and imagine this remote corner of the region.
Getting to this remote area takes planning and specialized transportation, with a local guide essential for navigation through difficult terrain. Cell phone coverage is poor, so visitors should come prepared for self-reliance and bring necessary supplies.
The location was once the largest island in the Aral Sea but became a peninsula as water levels dropped dramatically. This geographical shift offers visitors a rare glimpse into how the landscape itself changed due to environmental forces.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
