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In April 2022, I led a small group of adventurers on a journey through western Kazakhstan. After spending a day in Aktau, the capital of Mangistau Province, we embarked on a jeep safari into the heart of the Mangyshlak Peninsula. Though we were all well-traveled individuals who had seen many unique places around the world, the sight that greeted us at the edge of the deep gorge in front of Bozjyra left us speechless for several minutes. We hadn't anticipated such beauty, extraordinary scenery, and breathtaking views. Throughout the trip, we found ourselves constantly in awe of the area's natural wonders and unique atmosphere.
Join us for a tour to Mangistau i Kazakhstan
The peninsula is situated on the Ustyurt Plateau, which stretches into Uzbekistan. In 2021, I guided a small group to explore the same plateau near the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan. While the scenery there was beautiful, the Kazakh portion of the Ustyurt Plateau proved even more breathtaking.
Five million years ago, this region lay hidden beneath the ancient Tethys Ocean, which sculpted bizarre cliffs and caves in beautiful hues. Today, the Mangyshlak Peninsula straddles desert and semi-desert landscapes, characterized by a harsh, dry continental climate. Devoid of rivers or freshwater springs, it forms part of the vast Ustyurt Plateau.
Join us for a tour to Mangistau i Kazakhstan
Administratively, the peninsula is part of the Kazakh province of Mangystau. The province's capital and largest city is Aktau (formerly known as Shevchenko). If you're planning to explore this region, you'll likely arrive in Aktau. Turkish Airlines offers convenient flights from Istanbul, eliminating the need to travel through Almaty or other Kazakh cities.
The peninsula is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes. Its main attractions include vast clay deserts, salt pans, limestone mountains, and spectacular canyons. The area exudes a unique energy, making it an ideal location for filming space movies featuring alien worlds.
Millions of years ago, the Tethys Ocean covered this land. Today, its remains, including fossils of long-extinct species, are easy to find. We spent hours searching for fossils.
Join us for a tour to Mangistau i Kazakhstan
The Bozjyra (also Boszhira) chalk mountains feature two distinctive pointed peaks, at the base of which lies a picturesque castle-like wall. Another must-see is the "Valley of Spheres," home to eerie spherical rock formations. The region boasts several other remarkable sites: Mount Sherkala, a snow-white rock that seems to change shape as you circle it; the Kapamsay Canyon; Jygylgan, known as "the fallen ground"; the Ayrakty-Shoman valley; the salt lake Tuzbayyr; and the vast Ustyurt plateau. Don't miss the colorful Kyzylkup mountains, affectionately dubbed "Tiramisu." To fully explore these wonders, plan for at least a week and ensure you have well-equipped jeeps. While reaching this remote area requires effort, the journey promises to be an unforgettable adventure—potentially the trip of a lifetime.
Join us for a tour to Mangistau i Kazakhstan
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