Tamshaly Canyon

Tamshaly Canyon stretches for 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) from the southwest to the northeast. It features a grotto with a freshwater lake and a small waterfall inside. Here you can see a unique phenomenon – water oozes through the grotto’s ceiling in small drops creating an illusion of rain. Even on the hottest day, it’s always cool inside. Come wintertime, the grotto looks especially beautiful – the streams freeze into icicle-like columns.

 Tamshaly has long been a source of drinking water for the surrounding settlements and was used for irrigated agriculture. The water has also created an oasis inside the canyon. There are many plants such as mint and lemon balm. The canyon is also home to snakes, spiders, and frogs.

The area is home to several ancient monuments and burials so be sure to visit them too during your trip to the Tamshaly Canyon. Also, there are ruins of an old fishing community, which was destroyed in the early 1950s.

How to get there?

Tamshaly Canyon is located on the Tupkaragan Peninsula, 35 km (22 mi) northeast of Fort Shevchenko in the Mangystau Region. It can be reached by dirt roads, so a 4WD vehicle is required. Travel agencies often organize guided tours to the Tamshaly Canyon and other surrounding attractions.

Other tourist attractions near the Tamshaly Canyon:

   •    Tupkaragan Peninsula
   •    Caspian Sea
   •    Fort Shevchenko
   •    Zhygylgan Hollow
   •    Kapamsay Canyon
   •    Kenty Baba Necropolis
   •    Sultan Epe Underground Mosque
   •    Shakpak Ata Cave Mosque
   •    Mausoleum of Akshora
   •    Mausoleum of Beltoran