Back to category Published: 09 june 2022 Author: Zhanna Mukhatzhanova

Zhygylgan Hollow

Zhygylgan is a perfectly round depression on the shore of the Caspian Sea. Its bottom is strewn with broken rocks, some of which reach the size of a house. Scientists are split on the origin of the hollow, but most think that a powerful earthquake made the ground collapse. By the way, Zhygylgan is Kazakh for “fallen land.” Other researchers assume that a meteorite fell here in prehistoric times. However, this theory still hasn’t been confirmed.

Live and extinct animals

Travelers to Zhygylgan usually stop at the observation point to admire the stone chaos below. There is a chance to spot mouflons, wolves, hares, and foxes. If you’re not lucky to see live animals, you will most likely see fossils of extinct ones. There are fossils of Neogene animals such as prehistoric horses and saber-toothed tigers. Some tourists even claim to have seen dinosaur footprints. Silt that once covered the seashore preserved the imprints of animals that lived 10-15 million years ago. Over time, the silt petrified and became part of the rock.

Other landmarks worth seeing

In the 14th-15th centuries, several stone fortresses stood on the cliffs, of which only ruins remain today. On their walls, you can see petroglyphs depicting horses and other animals.

At the bottom of Zhygylgan there is Lake Kuzdakary, where travelers usually stop to rest. The water in it is salty to the point that it keeps the human body afloat. Near the lake, there is a spring with fresh water. You can also go down to the shore of the Caspian Sea, but it is not recommended to camp there because there are lots of vipers in the area.

Zhygylgan Hollow is a considerable drive from cities, so many travelers combine a trip to the hollow with visits to other attractions such as Kapamsay Canyon, Kenty Baba Necropolis, and Sultan Epe Underground Mosque.

How to get there?

In order to reach Zhygylgan Hollow from the city of Aktau, you need to drive 90 km (56 mi) toward the village of Tauchik. From there, take the Tauchik–Fort Shevchenko highway and drive another 40 km (25 mi). To your right, you will see an informational sign indicating the turn to Sultan Epe Underground Mosque. Exit the highway there and follow the dirt road. After two kilometers (1.2 mi) you will find yourself at the Kenty Baba Necropolis, and after another two kilometers, you’ll see the Sultan Epe Necropolis. Zhygylgan is about 35 km (22 mi) northwest. From afar, the hollow can be recognized by a small lighthouse. We recommend that you drive an SUV because of the uneven terrain.

You can also contact travel agencies that organize day trips and jeep expeditions to Zhygylgan. Their guides know the area well and will make sure you get the best possible experience from your journey.