Back to category Published: 23 june 2022 Author: Zhanna Mukhatzhanova

Airakty-Shomanay Mountains

Airakty-Shomanay is a remnant mountain range in the Mangystau Region. Just like the Bosjira Tract, these mountains were once covered by the ancient Tethys Ocean. About 25 million years ago a powerful earthquake hit the area causing cretaceous marine sediments to rise above the water. Then water and weathering eroded soft chalk rocks and created unusual shapes of the Airakty-Shomanay Mountains. The landscape is continuing to change. Presumably, in 5-7 thousand years, weathering will completely destroy the mountains.

To view the mountains in their entire splendor, you should climb to a small observation deck, which grants a breathtaking panoramic view of the magical Airakty “castles.”

Ancient rock carvings and modern-day geoglyphs

Since the end of the 6th century, one of the routes of the Silk Road passed through the area. The Silk Road was a network of trade routes that linked China and the Far East with the Middle East and Europe. Rumor has it that treasures can be found in the valley. According to local shepherds, sometimes they find silver and gold coins there.

In some places, the rocks are covered with carvings depicting camels, horses, and mouflons. They are believed to have been carved by ancient hunters and shepherds. Some scientists assume that rock carving was a ritual before the hunt, while others believe it to be a ritual of gratitude for the prey. The most impressive rock carving is called “The View of the World”. It depicts mouflons, birds and horses, which seem to be layered one on top of the other.

Also, archaeologist Andrey Astafiev has created five geoglyphs to attract tourists to the region. Andrey Astafiev used a shovel, a car, a drone, and a navigation system. One of the geoglyphs reaches the size of 350*270 meters (383*295 yd) and depicts a camel standing under the sun. Other geoglyphs represent a human palm, an argali, a hunter on a horse, and a cosmogonic deity. All images were inspired by ancient rock paintings found around Kazakhstan. The geoglyphs can be best seen from the Otpan Tau Mountain top. This mountain is the highest point of Mangystau standing at 532 meters (1745 ft). There is another reason to climb this mountain: on its top, there is the Otpan Tau Historical and Cultural Complex, which will help you take a deeper insight into the history and culture of the region.

Архар на Айракты Шоманай — *A geoglyph depicting an argali*

When is the best time to visit?

The best season to visit the Airakty-Shomanay Mountains is spring when Sogdian tulips (tulipa sogdiana) bloom creating an amazing view. In addition, the weather is usually warm and pleasant. In summer, the steppe fades and the landscape doesn’t look that picturesque. Besides, the temperature in summer often reaches +45^oC (113^oF).

How to get there?

Tourists usually visit the Airakty-Shomanay Mountains with guided tours that also include nearby attractions such as the Zhygylgan Hollow, the Ustyurt Plateau, and Mount Sherkala.

If you prefer to travel on your own, then you’ll need an off-road car to reach the mountains. The road there from Aktau takes about 2 hours. First, you need to drive towards the village of Shetpe; the Airakty-Shomanay Mountains are located just 20 km (12 mi) away.

Also, you can reach Shetpe by train, which runs 5-7 times a day from Aktau. However, trains are usually slow so guided tours remain to be the most convenient way to explore Mangystau.