Kyzylkup Tract
The Mangystau Region is known for its unique natural wonders. The Bosjira Tract, the Karynzharyk Hollow, and the Torysh Valley have long amazed travelers who dared to travel many kilometers through the desert to see them. Recently, one more attraction became accessible to tourists – the Kyzylkup Tract. During the construction of the road to the Beket Ata Mosque, workers took sand and gravel from the tract, having previously laid the road there. Now everyone can visit this picturesque place.
The Kyzylkup Tract features smooth low hills striped with pastel shades of white, yellow, reddish, and brown. Various minerals and eroded marine sediments give the layers their colors. The white layers are composed of chalk, while the red ones contain iron. Because of its unusual layered structure, the tract is popularly called "Tiramisu." The tract got its official name from the reservoir, which was once nearby. Kyzylkup is located in the northern part of Mount Bokty – the mountain that is depicted on the national banknote of 1000 tenge. Mount Bokty is also multi-colored and resembles a giant layered cake.
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Mangystau has not always been a deserted and almost lifeless region. Millions of years ago, it was the bottom of the ancient ocean, and the climate was completely different. As proof of this, in the Kyzylkup Tract, you can find fossilized teeth of ancient sharks, hipparions (ancient three-toed horses) and machairodus (saber-toothed cats). You have probably seen such fossils only in museums, but here they literally lie under your feet.
Today, the Kyzylkup Tract and its environs are not very rich in fauna. Here you can only meet lizards and scorpions. Due to the low rainfall, vegetation is also scarce. However, poor flora does not make this region less picturesque and interesting but only adds charm to its truly unearthly landscapes.
How to get there?
The Kyzylkup Tract is located 240 kilometers (150 mi) east of the city of Aktau. The road between Aktau and the town of Zhanaozen is paved. Then begins a dirt road leading to the Beket Ata Underground Mosque. The tract is located 10 kilometers (6 mi) south of this road. Many tourist groups visiting the ancient mosque also include Kyzylkup in their program.
If you decide to visit the tract on your own, be sure to drive an SUV and set off only in dry weather. Kyzylkup and Mount Bokty are surrounded by so-called takyr, a type of clay soil. In dry weather, it becomes crusty and seems to be safe to drive on. However, liquid mud is hidden underneath, in which a car can easily get stuck. For your peace of mind and safety, it is recommended to travel around Mangystau with organized tours. Their drivers are experienced and know the area well.