Kosbastau Oasis and 700-Year-Old Willow

The Kosbastau Oasis is located in the central part of Altyn-Emel National Park, east of the Greater Kalkan Mountains, near the Ili River floodplain. It lies along the main tourist route leading to the Katutau and Aktau Mountains.

The ranger station of the same name is located within the Kosbastau Oasis.

The Kosbastau Tract is a unique natural oasis formed by natural springs. Geographically, it borders the elevated terraces of the Ili River. Due to constant underground moisture, a lush micro-ecosystem has flourished here amidst the arid clay desert, resulting in a remarkably rich local flora.

At the heart of the oasis lies a picturesque pond surrounded by dense tugai (riparian) vegetation. Here, you can find classic species of the Zhetysu river valleys: the relict turanga poplar, oleaster (jida), tamarisk, Ili barberry, nitraria, chee grass, salt tree (chingil), and common reed.

The crowning jewel of Kosbastau is a group of ancient trees. The most magnificent among them is a giant willow, standing 20 meters tall with a massive 15-meter trunk circumference. This natural monument is estimated to be approximately 700 years old.

In Central Asian cultures, such venerable "elder" trees have been revered as sacred since ancient times. This long-standing tradition of protection and respect has ensured the survival of this majestic tree for centuries.

Between the 1960s and 1980s, the territory of what is now the National Park was a hub for active geological exploration. A significant uranium deposit, known as Suluchekinskoye (Sulushoky), was discovered near Kosbastau. A specialized geological settlement was built here to manage exploration and pilot ore mining.

By the late 1980s, all operations were halted. The wells were decommissioned, and the land underwent full environmental reclamation. According to expert assessments, the area’s ecological indicators fully comply with the current sanitary and safety standards of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Today, the former settlement has largely disappeared, with only a few remaining structures marking the site. The Sulushoky deposit is currently held as a long-term reserve for the country’s mining industry.

The Kosbastau Oasis is fed by warm underground springs with radon water that remains warm even throughout the winter. One of the most powerful springs is located near the former geological settlement, where mineralized water flows from an artesian well. Near the pipe itself, the gamma radiation level is noticeably higher than the surrounding background levels.

Scientists suggest that constant exposure to radon water may have caused the genetic and chromosomal mutations that led to the growth of the giant 700-year-old willow. While the effects of low-dose radiation on living organisms are still being studied, warm radon springs have long been used in balneology (therapeutic bathing) to treat various ailments.

Kosbastau is not the only place in the region rich in thermal waters. About 50 km east of Chundzha village (a common stop on the route from Charyn Canyon to Altyn-Emel) lie the famous Karadala Hot Springs. This major health resort area features dozens of recreation centers where nitrogen-siliceous water reaches the surface at temperatures between 37°C and 50°C (98°F–122°F), attracting thousands of visitors for relaxation and wellness.

A visit to the Kosbastau Oasis is typically planned as part of a trip to the Aktau Mountains. To ensure your visit is comfortable and follows all regulations — please review the detailed instructions below:

• Self-Drive Trip to the Singing Dune and the Aktau Mountains — the optimal travel plan, essential route information, road conditions, and time estimates.
• How to Buy a Permit — up-to-date information on park opening hours, entry rules, and permit costs.