Akkegershin Plateau
Standing atop the snow-white cliffs of Akkegershin, it’s hard to believe that this place was once the bottom of an ancient ocean. Millions of years ago, the Tethys Ocean covered what is now western Kazakhstan. As it receded, it left behind layers of limestone and chalk.
Today, the Akkegershin Plateau is one of the most impressive natural sites in the region. White cliffs and canyons rise suddenly from the flat steppe, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding landscape. The chalk rocks here are rich in calcium and were formed from the remains of marine organisms. Fossils are often found in the area – ammonites, nautiluses, shark teeth, sea urchin shells, and even dinosaur bones.
One of the main attractions of the plateau is the group of rock formations known as the Three Brothers. These three tall stone pillars often appear in photos from travelers. Other rocks have unusual shapes that resemble animals or people, and visitors often come up with their own names for them.
Akkegershin is sometimes confused with the nearby Aktolagay Mountains. Both are made of similar chalk formations, but Aktolagay is higher and lies about 70 kilometers (43 miles) to the east, on the border between the Atyrau and Aktobe regions. The road there is more difficult and takes longer to drive.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn, when the weather is mild. Wear light-colored clothing, as chalk dust leaves marks easily. Don’t forget a hat and enough water. The white rocks are fragile, and fossils are protected by law. Avoid climbing or taking anything with you. Treat the site with care so that others can enjoy it too.
How to get there?
The Akkegershin Plateau is located in the Zhylyoi District of the Atyrau Region, about 50 km (31 mi) northeast of the town of Kulsary and 240 km (149 mi) from the city of Atyrau. If you’re traveling from Atyrau, follow the highway to Kulsary. Around 13 km (8 mi) before reaching the town, near a Muslim cemetery, turn left and continue driving northeast toward the plateau.
Other tourist attractions near the Akkegershin Plateau:
- Munaily Mola Bitumen Deposit
- Imankara Cave
- Aktolagay Mountains
- The Village of Dossor
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