In ancient times, a wealthy landowner lived near Kokshetau. He had numerous herds, spacious pastures, and a large family. But he especially treasured his only daughter, renowned for her beauty and kind nature.
When the girl reached marriageable age, her father decided to marry her to the son of a wealthy and noble man. He believed such a union would strengthen the family's position and increase its wealth.
But the girl's heart already belonged to another.
One day, a young horseman arrived in their village. He was not wealthy and did not come from a noble family, but he was hardworking, courageous, and fair. The young man sang beautifully, played the dombra, and always came to the aid of those in need.
The young people fell in love. The horseman approached the landowner and respectfully asked for his daughter's hand in marriage.
"I cannot offer her large herds and chests of jewels," he said frankly. "But I promise to take care of her my whole life and never compromise my honor."
The bey became angry.
"Are you my daughter's equal?" he replied. "Go away and never show your face near our village again."
The girl's father announced that he would soon marry her off to a groom of his choosing. She tried to convince him that wealth could not replace true love, but the bey remained adamant.
Then the lovers decided to elope.
Under cover of night, they left the village and headed for the forested mountains of Kokshetau. After a long journey, the fugitives reached Lake Kumyskol, whose waters sparkled in the sun like molten silver.
They found a secluded spot on the lake's shore. The horseman built a small dwelling and then crafted a light boat. The lovers hoped that among the dense forests and rocks they would be able to start a new life.
Meanwhile, the bey discovered his daughter's disappearance. Upon learning who she had fled with, he flew into a rage and ordered his sons to immediately pursue her.
"Bring my sister home," he commanded. "And the horseman must not stand in our way again."
The brothers searched for the fugitives for several days. Finally, their tracks led them to the shore of Lake Kumyskol.
At that time, the girl and the boy were in a boat. Unaware of the danger, they slowly floated along the calm waters, admiring the rocks reflected in the lake.
Seeing their sister, the brothers began calling her to the shore. But the girl refused to return.
"I chose my own fate," she replied. "Don't force me to live with a man I don't love."
The brothers demanded that the horseman give them my sister. However, he steered the boat further from the shore.
Then one of the pursuers drew his bowstring and released an arrow. The boy shielded his beloved with his body and died. The girl was left alone in the middle of the lake. She called out to her beloved, but he could no longer answer. Realizing she had lost the person she loved most and would now be forcibly returned home, she raised her hands to the sky.
"Oh, Tengri!" the girl cried. "If I am not allowed to be with my beloved in life, turn me into stone. Let me remain here forever and preserve the memory of our love."
At that moment, the sky darkened, a strong wind rose over the lake, and the water became covered with high waves. The brothers became frightened and retreated from the shore.
When the storm subsided, an unusual rock appeared in the middle of the lake. On one side, it resembled a boat stopped amid the waves, and on the other, a young girl with loose hair.
For a long time, people couldn't figure out what image the rock concealed. Everyone saw something different in it: a young beauty, a pensive woman, or a bent old woman. That's why the rock was named Zhumbaktas—"mysterious stone."
They say its appearance changes depending on which way you look at it. From one shore, it appears like a young girl, from another, a mature woman, and from a distance, it resembles an old woman.
Thus, the rock seems to reflect the transience of human life—from youth to old age.
The legend of Zhumbaktas reminds us that true love cannot be bought with wealth or subjugated to another's will. And the mysterious rock, rising amid the waters of Burabay, still preserves the memory of a girl who chose freedom over a life without her beloved.