Akespe Canyon
Akespe Canyon contains snow-white limestone hills and clefts that look otherworldly. The canyon is perfect for a photoshoot; photographers are sure to walk away with stunning shots. It's impossible not to be inspired by this natural wonder. Weathering and erosion cause changes to the rock’s shape making them resemble stone “statues.” Many people see a head of a gorilla, a hunting falcon, or a dragon in the shapes of the rocks.
Just like the rest of Mangystau, the canyon was once the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Some 5 million years ago, the ocean dried out leaving remnants of its inhabitants on the surface. There you can find teeth and vertebrae of sharks or fossils of other marine creatures. Collecting and taking them is not prohibited.
How to get there?
The Akespe Canyon is located 120 km (75 mi) away from Aktau. To reach it, you need to drive along the Aktau-Tauchik highway toward the Kalamkas-Karazhanbas oil field. The white hills are visible from the road.
The canyon is a considerable drive from cities so be sure to visit other attractions nearby to make your trip more rewarding. You can also book a tour that will take you to several destinations on the same day.
Other tourists attractions near the Akespe Canyon:
• Caspian Sea
• Shakpak Ata Cave Mosque
• Kapamsay Canyon
• Sultan Epe Underground Mosque
• Kenty Baba Necropolis