Aktolagay Mountains
When the Sea Became Stone
Western Kazakhstan is home to the country’s most otherworldly landscapes. One of the best landmarks here is the Aktolagay Mountains. This white ridge, sculpted from chalk, stretches for tens of kilometers and looks like a landscape from another planet. Some locals call it Alatau, a name that also appears on older maps.
Around 60 million years ago, this land lay beneath the sea. Over time, the sea vanished and marine sediments hardened into chalk. Erosion later shaped it into cliffs, canyons, and surreal ridges.
At sunrise and sunset, Aktolagay glows in shades of pink and gold, and draws photographers and anyone seeking filter-free beauty.
Gallery of Stone Giants
The outlines of the cliffs inspire the imagination. Here, one can spot a lion, a ship, a chess queen, a camel, a turtle, a pyramid, a sphinx, or even a yurt – all carved by wind and time.
The massif’s highest point reaches 302 meters (990 ft), though it’s inaccessible. Visitors can climb to about 251 meters (823 ft) to enjoy the sweeping views. According to legend, a hero named Kulshar once lived here, hiding from his enemies in a cave he carved into the rock. His grave is said to lie at its entrance, along a narrow trail.
Beyond its otherworldly beauty, Aktolagay fascinates geologists too. Fossils of ancient mollusks, corals, and even sharks have been discovered in the chalk layers.
How to get there?
Aktolagay is located in the Aktobe Region, right on the border with the Atyrau Region of Kazakhstan. The easiest route is from the town of Kulsary. A good paved road leads most of the way, but after the town, the terrain turns into rugged steppe tracks. Access is possible only by off-road vehicle, as parts of the route cross swampy ground. There are no facilities or shops along the way, so it’s essential to bring enough food, water, and fuel for the entire trip.
Other tourist attractions near the Aktolagay Mountains:
- Munaily Mola Asphalt Lake
- Akkegershin Plateau
- Mausoleum of Juban
- The Village of Dossor
- Shiyli Meteorite Crater
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