Samal Gorge

Samal Gorge stretches for 1.5 km (1 mi) on the western slopes of the Karatau Mountains. The gorge attracts visitors with a freshwater brook that gives life to a small grove. Freshwater creeks and brooks are rare in Mangystau, the land of deserts and salt pans. However, in spring, the desert enjoys some rainfall; brooks become full and sometimes even turn into waterfalls. In summer, most of them dry up, but the brook in the Samal Gorge never does. The gorge is overgrown with hawthorn, club-rush, and many other plants some of which are endangered.

Samal Gorge is within easy reach of Mount Sherkala with Akmysh Grove. Also, the gorge is surrounded by archaeological sites of the Eneolithic era.

How to get there?

The gorge is located 150 km (93 mi) northeast of the city of Aktau and 18 km (11 mi) northwest of the village of Shetpe. From Aktau, the road takes about 2.5 hours by car.

Other tourist attractions near the Samal Gorge:

   •    Mount Sherkala
   •    Airakty-Shomanay Mountains
   •    Akmysh Grove
   •    Otpan Tau Historical and Cultural Complex
   •    Ancient Settlement of Kyzylkala
   •    Temir Abdal Underground Mosque