Trip from Karkaralinsk to Ust-Kamenigirsk.

"Yes, the best sons die,
Yes, proud eagles die
But still Madi’s poems are heard
In the midst of your mountain steeps, Karkaraly! ”

Syrbay Maulenov.

Hiking in sights of Karkaraly park.

Bolshaya Kamennyaya Palata Cave is located at an altitude of 983 meters above sea level, 1.7 kilometers north and slightly west of town of Karkaraly, in central part of rock massif surrounding town, 900 meters southwest of Three Caves, within Karkraly Nature Park, a district of same name in eastern Karaganda region. 
This cave is not only a picturesque place but also an important site for researchers, archaeologists, and tourists. About a kilometer north of Karkaralinsk, in the middle of the rocky ridge that encircles the town, stands a huge stone overhang. This is the Great Stone Chamber.
It is an 8 - 10-meter depression in the rock. It is 15 - 20 meters wide and up to 8 meters high. Large boulders lie haphazardly beneath the overhang. A tour group of 50 people can find shelter here from the rain and scorching sun. From the stone chambers, a panoramic view opens up: on one side, yellow, undulating steppes, dozens of winding roads, and on the other, forested blue mountains.
The path you follow here, worn by thousands of feet, follows every twist and turn of a narrow granite channel, filled with rubble and boulders. Between them, raspberry bushes, bird cherry, and honeysuckle are scattered. Here and there, small growths of moisture-loving ferns survive in the cracks of the gorge.
Not far from the Stone Chambers lies Peresmeshnik (Mockingbird), a labyrinth of rocks reminiscent of a hall with excellent acoustics: the large granite walls clearly reflect every sound, repeating it exactly seven times. Higher up, one encounters pine and birch trees, and in open areas, the green branches of juniper creeping across the surface.
The ridge itself is a flat area with cauldron-shaped depressions in the rocks and small lakes filled with water. As you climb the steps of this natural passage for the first time, you can't help but think about the beauty of the land, how intoxicating its green trees are, the air infused with the scent of pine needles!
History of exploration and first mentions of Bolshaya Kamennaya Palata (Big Stone Chamber) cave in Karkaraly.
Karkaraly mountains are rich in rock grottoes and caves, among which the Bolshaya Kamnaya Palata (Big Stone Chamber) stands out for its spaciousness and unusual shape. Later, in the late 19th and early XXth centuries, the cave was visited by local historians, ethnographers, and archaeologists.
It is believed that traces of ancient fire pits and even fragments of stone tools were found here, suggesting that the cave was used as a temporary shelter for hunters. During Soviet times, the Bolshaya Kamennyaya Palata became a popular tourist attraction. Guidebooks from the 1960s and 1970s described it as one of the "pearls of Karkaraly," accessible for hiking.
Legend of Bolshaya Kamennaya Palata Cave in Karkaraly.
A beautiful legend is associated with the cave. Many centuries ago, a tribe lived in these parts, hiding in the mountains from enemy raids. Elders said that in the mountains there was a "stone chamber"—a sacred place where the earth itself protects its children.
When the tribe was attacked by enemies, the inhabitants took refuge in the cave. And a miracle occurred: the entrance seemed to shrink and close in a stone shadow. The enemies passed by, and the people were saved. Since then, the cave has become a symbol of protection and peace. Local residents believed that if you enter it with pure thoughts, you can gain the strength and wisdom of your ancestors.
Description and features of Bolshaya Kamennaya Palata Cave in Karkaraly.
The Bolshaya Kamnaya Palata is distinguished by its spacious entrance and wide hall, which is where it got its name. Its shape resembles a huge hall, large enough to accommodate an entire ancient clan. The vaults reach several meters in height. The interior is cool and dry, creating a unique atmosphere.
The cave has excellent acoustics: voices and footsteps echo for a long time. Due to these characteristics, it often became a resting place for travelers, and in ancient times, it may have been used as a natural shelter.
Information for travelers visiting Bolshaya Kamennaya Palata Cave in Karkaraly.
Today, the cave is a popular attraction for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Getting there: From Karkaraly, the walk takes no more than 30 - 40 minutes. The trail winds along picturesque slopes offering views of the town and surrounding forests.
Best time to visit: spring and summer, when the forest is full of greenery, or golden autumn, when the Karkaraly Mountains turn red and yellow. What to bring: comfortable shoes, a flashlight (for exploring the interior niches), and a camera—the views around the cave are truly picturesque.
Safety: The cave is accessible without special equipment, but the rock surfaces can be slippery after rain.
Significance of Bolshaya Kamennyaya Palata Cave in Karkaraly.
The Bolshaya Kamennyaya Palata is not only a natural monument but also part of the region's historical and cultural heritage. It combines the beauty of the Karkaraly Mountains, traces of ancient times, and folk tales passed down from generation to generation.
Geographic coordinates of Bolshaya Kamennaya Palata cave are: N49°25'35 E75°27'55

Authority and photos by:
Alexander Petrov.