Back to category Published: 18 may 2023 Author: Zhanna Mukhatzhanova

Ybykty Sai Canyon

Lace, air chocolate, or corals

Ybykty Sai Canyon is a limestone cliff formation with uniquely bizarre shapes, ranging from 3 to 6 meters (10-20 ft) in height. Visitors often liken the patterns on the canyon walls to lace, aerated chocolate, sea corals, and even honeycombs. Each person who visits sees something different. With its grottoes, half-caves, labyrinthine passages, and arches, the canyon offers endless fascination for those who explore it.

Bizarrely Beautiful

From above, the canyon remains hidden, blending seamlessly with the surrounding steppe. Locating it requires knowledge of the area, as the narrow groove in the ground, about half a meter wide, may go unnoticed by ordinary tourists. However, once discovered, the canyon's short length of a few tens of meters is enough to captivate anyone.

During the day, the canyon undergoes a stunning transformation. Sunlight filters through a long, narrow slit above, casting radiant beams that reflect off the rocks, creating mesmerizing color shifts and enchanting shadows. It's no wonder that visitors spend hours immersing themselves in the canyon's beauty, capturing unforgettable photographs.

A Masterpiece Carved by Time, Wind, and Water

The formation of this small yet awe-inspiring canyon took an immense amount of time. For millions of years, the rocks have been weathered by elements, resulting in the creation of a porous surface or the so-called tafoni. Tafoni are frequently described as hollow formations that form on vertical surfaces of soft rocks such as sandstone. Numerous theories have been suggested to explain the formation of tafoni, including erosion caused by wind, weathering due to rapid temperature changes, biogeochemical weathering caused by lichens, temperature fluctuations affecting salt crystallization in coastal areas, and salt-induced weathering.

Ybykty Sai stands as one of the oldest natural monuments, dating back approximately 66-41 million years, around the time when dinosaurs became extinct.

Ybykty Sai has gained popularity relatively recently. Even many local residents remain unaware of this astonishing creation of nature within their own region. Though the number of tourists visiting the canyon is still limited, its reputation is steadily growing, drawing an increasing number of people eager to witness its wonders firsthand.

How to get there?

The Ybykty Sai Canyon is located approximately 50 km (31 mi) northeast of Aktau in the Munaily district of the Mangystau region. The nearby villages of Maliy Emir and 15 Beket serve as the closest settlements. Additionally, the Mangystau-Beyneu railway runs just 4 km (2.5 mi) away from the canyon.

To ensure a safe experience, it is recommended to explore the Ybykty Sai Canyon accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. The area's deserted and remote terrain can be challenging to navigate independently, so adequate preparation is crucial. Visitors interested in experiencing the wonders of Ybykty Sai can avail themselves of organized excursion tours. Welcome.kz is among the providers offering guided tours to this remarkable destination.