Zharyk Ravine (Aytuar)

Zharyk Ravine lies in the central part of the Aytuar Steppe section of the Orenburgsky Nature Reserve, in the Kuvandyksky District of Orenburg Oblast, and runs along the eastern limb of a steep syncline fold. Rock outcrops of limestone and conglomerate are exposed here, making the area a notable geological landmark.

The lower reaches of the Zharyk and Tashkak ravines contain two burial mound cemeteries. The first consists of five mounds arranged in a row, 8 to 26 metres in diameter and no more than 0.5 metres high. The second lies 6 km northeast of the village (aul) of Aytuar and consists of eight mounds 7 to 11 metres in diameter and 0.3 metres high. All these mounds belong to late nomadic tribes of the Middle Ages.

The Kamyssay stream, which flows along the bottom of the ravine, either dries up or runs unevenly by midsummer, as its water filters down into the aquifers of Ural River sediments.