Mangystau Highlights

Mangystau's landscape is defined by the Ustyurt Plateau's white chalk cliffs, salt flats, and ancient geological formations. This selection covers the region's diverse topography, including the yurt-shaped Sherkala mountain and the thousands of spherical concretions in the Valley of Balls. The list features the honeycomb-like walls of Ybykty Say Canyon, the freshwater oasis of Saura Canyon, and the vast salt pans of Tuzbair. It also includes the Rock Trail in Aktau for accessible views of the Caspian Sea coastline.

Sherkala

Sherkala is a mountain in Mangystau Province, western Kazakhstan, close to the town of Shetpe.

Baszira

Located on the Ustyurt Plateau, this area features towering white chalk cliffs and the iconic twin limestone peaks known as the 'Fangs,' remnants of the ancient Tethys Ocean.

Valley of the balls

Also known as Torysh, this valley contains thousands of mysterious spherical stone concretions ranging from a few centimeters to several meters in diameter, formed by geological processes millions of years ago.

Tuzbair

A vast salt flat and limestone escarpment featuring stark white landscapes, natural arches, and seasonal salt crusts that create a mirror effect across the plains after rainfall.

Ybykty Say Canyon

A limestone gorge notable for its unique 'honeycomb' erosion patterns, where wind and water have carved intricate, porous textures into the deep canyon walls.

Saura Canyon

A desert gorge containing a rare freshwater lake inhabited by marsh turtles, located within walking distance of the Caspian Sea shore.

Скальная тропа

A 1.5-kilometer illuminated pedestrian path in Aktau built directly into the limestone cliffs, offering views of the Caspian Sea and natural coastal caves.

Cave / Mosque XVII

A small underground prayer site and hermitage carved into the rock near the Valley of the Balls, dating back to the 17th century.

Гора-сфинкс

A natural limestone formation at the Tuzbair salt flats that resembles a reclining sphinx when viewed from the surrounding plateau.

Devil's finger cliff

A prominent vertical rock pinnacle or sea stack shaped by coastal erosion, situated along the cliffs of the Caspian Sea.