Mystery of Tyub-Karagan One-Day 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 9-10 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.

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.