State Nature Reservat "Altyn Dala", Protected area in nature and landscape conservation in Kazakhstan

State Nature Reservat Altyn Dala is a vast grassland area in the Kostanay Region of Kazakhstan, marked by extensive steppe, wetlands, and open landscapes. The reserve spans an enormous expanse and is home to various animal species including saiga antelopes, kulans, and other steppe inhabitants.

The reserve was created by government decree No. 1496 on 27 November 2012, incorporating the Sarykopa sanctuary. It is divided into three clusters: Sarykopa (52,115 ha), Tosynkum (95,981 ha) and Uly-Zhylanshyk (341,670 ha). In 2017 kulans from Altyn-Emel National Park were brought to a reintroduction centre; nine were released on 4 April 2018.

The reserve's name means "Golden Steppe" in Kazakh. Its Sarykopa cluster absorbed the Sarykopa zakaznik, which was part of the serial nomination "Steppes and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan" for UNESCO World Heritage but was later removed because the World Heritage Committee required a higher protection status for the zakaznik.

Visiting requires good planning since the area is very large and remote, best explored with off-road vehicles. Guests should prepare for changing weather conditions and bring enough water and supplies for their time in the grasslands.

Since 2017, kulans from Altyn-Emel National Park have been reintroduced to the reserve. In September 2024, 24 kulans travelled 2,139 km in 50 hours in group containers, a first for Kazakhstan, with births recorded in 2021 and 2022.