After having crossed 3 countries, the Syr Daria River ends up in Kazakhstan, where it comes from the south before flowing into the Aral Sea 1000 km away.

Longest river of Central Asia, the Syr Daria is a natural paradise in southern Kazakhstan. Banks are covered with a wide forest that provides a beneficial coolness in summer. Moreover, many birds find refuge along the river and breed there.
Banks are very busy with tourists, campers and fishermen because there are many opportunities to find a peaceful place to stay few days, and the scenery is always spectacular.
The beauty of the site is unfortunately affected by too many waste left behind by visitors.

The Syr Daria is of capital importance in agricultural irrigation along its path for the reason that the land crossed is particularly arid. The extent of this irrigation is in part responsible for the drying up of the Aral Sea because the river is almost dry when it finishes its course.
However, studies have revealed an alarming pollution of the Syr Daria from agriculture and industrial waste accumulated along its way, which make its water unfit for consumption and irrigation.

If you go to the Syr Daria by Arys, please note that there is no gas station between Arys and the river, which is a round-trip distance of about 150 km.

Photo: Gaëlle Bal
On the same topic: Koksaray Reservoir