Mangystau Mysteries Off-Road Tour

Nestled within a canyon sharing its name, the small freshwater Lake Saura is situated near the Caspian Sea coast. The lake is inhabited by pond turtles, a relict freshwater species. The lake's shores offer a unique sight as these turtles emerge in the morning to bask on the sun-warmed rocks. Interestingly, these freshwater turtles are sometimes seen swimming in the salt water of the Caspian Sea. Lake Saura is also home to migratory birds such as herons, waders, and ducks. Additionally, eagle owls, barn swallows, and desert crows are often seen soaring in the sky above the canyon.

Shakpak Ata Mosque dates back to the 9-10th centuries. The mosque derives its name from Shakpak Ata, a Sufi preacher and healer who lived there with his disciples. Rumors of his healing prowess reached far and wide – there seemed to be no ailment he couldn't cure. Even centuries later, people continue to visit this site, seeking healing for both body and soul, as the healer's power is believed to still be present within these walls. Shakpak Ata is also intriguing from an architectural perspective. It is carved inside a solid limestone rock. The mosque's four chambers are adorned with inscriptions and depictions of horses, riders, bulls, human palms, and floral patterns.

Kapamsay is a narrow chalk canyon with towering walls, which rise up to 70 meters (230 ft) high. Eagles nest in the canyon's weathered niches and can frequently be seen soaring above. On calm, windless days, an echo reverberates through the canyon, bouncing off the steep cliffs and creating a hauntingly unique sound.

Torysh, also known as the Valley of Globular Stones, is one of Mangystau's most mysterious landmarks. The round boulders strewn across the valley create a visually striking landscape. The stones exhibit diverse forms, ranging from perfect spheres to ones perched atop each other or split in half. Their dimensions span from several centimeters to a diameter of 4 meters (13 ft).

Almost perfect spheres of this kind are encountered in only a few places worldwide. These boulders are shaped over millions of years through a natural geological phenomenon known as concretion. This process unfolds as sediment gathers around a solid nucleus, like a fossil or shell, and fuses with a binding mineral such as calcite.

Sherkala is a solitary mountain, standing at 322 meters (1056 ft), visible from afar. When viewed from different perspectives, the mountain exhibits shapes reminiscent of a lion, a piala (a small ceramic bowl), or a yurt (a traditional Kazakh dwelling, a portable round tent).

Mount Sherkala is composed of clay, limestone, and sandstone. Positioned along one of the routes of the Silk Road – an ancient trade route connecting East and West – Mount Sherkala holds historical significance. According to local legend, the summit of Sherkala once housed a settlement, serving as a protective fortification for its inhabitants. The tale recounts how warriors defended the mountain from marauding hordes. The last defenders retreated to hidden underground passages within the mountain, where they are said to have remained forever.

Tuzbair is a vast, flat expanse located on the Ustyurt Plateau, surrounded by white limestone buttes and covered in salt. During spring, rainfall fills the salt pan, transforming it into a shallow lake that mirrors the sky and the surrounding buttes, creating a breathtaking view. This area is ideal for camping, offering the opportunity to witness stunning sunsets and sunrises, as well as capture incredible photographs in various lighting condition.

Beket Ata was a Muslim scholar, philosopher, healer, and astronomer, revered as a saint by the local people. His most significant creation is the underground mosque in the Oglandy Tract, which has attracted pilgrims for over two centuries. In Western Kazakhstan, it is believed that merely mentioning Beket Ata can protect one from misfortune, and prayers at his mosque are said to work miracles. The mosque is carved into a towering cliff and consists of four chambers. One chamber holds the tomb of Beket Ata, another contains the ashes of his sister Akkuash, a third houses his staff, and the fourth, once a prayer room, serves as the entrance.

Bosjira Tract (also spelled as Boszhira) is a part of the Ustyurt Plateau where nature has unleashed its creativity, sculpting an otherworldly landscape. The current appearance of the tract is a result of natural phenomena, as it was once submerged in the sea and is now composed of limestone. Every element, from canyons to buttes and salt pans, wears a white hue. While marveling at the surreal landscapes of the tract, take a moment to inspect the ground beneath your feet – you may discover fossilized algae, shells, or the teeth of ancient sharks. A notable feature of the tract is the presence of buttes resembling fangs, standing at an impressive height of 200 meters (656 ft).

Extending over a distance of 30 km (19 mi), the Tuyesu Dunes are in constant motion, posing a potential threat to settlements, roads, and historical sites. The village of Senek, situated nearby, is particularly at risk. To mitigate this risk, the government is undertaking measures such as planting vegetation and erecting fences along the perimeter to stabilize the dunes. Despite the potential challenges these sands pose to the community's well-being, they continue to allure travelers with their exotic beauty.

Cape Tokmak remains a relatively unexplored area with limited available information, yet the existing findings are truly remarkable. Each archaeological expedition uncovers new and unique discoveries, presenting an increasing puzzle for the scientific community. Recently, a burial site from the Eneolithic era was unearthed, revealing a tomb that dates back 6,000 years. The discovered burial ground remained unlooted. This intact state has provided scientists with valuable insights into the funeral customs of those ancient times.

The Karagiye Trench is the deepest depression in Kazakhstan, plunging to a depth of 132 meters (433 ft). Nestled at its base is a relict lake bearing the same name. Regrettably, the lake has nearly dried up, making it inaccessible to approach.