{"id":2798,"date":"2020-08-10T13:05:37","date_gmt":"2020-08-10T13:05:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/?page_id=2798"},"modified":"2025-05-01T09:27:17","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T09:27:17","slug":"mangystau","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/destinations-kz\/mangystau\/","title":{"rendered":"Mangystau"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"2798\" class=\"elementor elementor-2798\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0932594 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0932594\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7fbbd3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c7fbbd3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">MANGYSTAU<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f8c8ef e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7f8c8ef\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9e748de elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"9e748de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3fd0696 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3fd0696\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mangystau<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1fcbb97 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1fcbb97\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">Mangystau<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\">\u00a0(or\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">Mangyshlak peninsula<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">) is a land of fantastic landscapes where you can feel like you are on Mars or at the bottom of the sea (where you actually are).\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">This place would be perfect to shoot fantasy genre movies as the landscape is truly extraordinary with underground mosques and\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">poems<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0painted in the rocks.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">Mangystau is located in the Southwest part of Kazakhstan, at the shore of the Caspian sea and just next to borders of Uzbekistan in east and Turkmenistan in south. Lately the region has become the rising star of Kazakhstan&#8217;s tourism sector as flocks of people arrive to admire the amazing views during <a href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/kazakhstan-tours\/mangystau-tours\/\">Mangystau tours.<\/a><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">According to the latest evidence, the Caspian Sea&#8217;s water level was as much as seven meters lower<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0between the fifth and 14th centuries,\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">than it is today and there was a land bridge between Mangyshlak area and the Caspian Sea&#8217;s north shore. Caravans were thus able to pass through this shortest route to Itil on the Volga River. The areas of old caravanserais can still be seen in the area next to the watering holes, that form green islands in the otherwise barren landscape.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7753636 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7753636\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e3a034 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5e3a034\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f6eae0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2f6eae0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mangystau-red-formations-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-69906\" alt=\"Red geological formations in Mangystau, western Kazakhstan\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mangystau-red-formations-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mangystau-red-formations-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mangystau-red-formations-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mangystau-red-formations.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-634fd22 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"634fd22\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d3f5f53 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"d3f5f53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mangystau-colorful-hill-during-sunset-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-69909\" alt=\"Colorful beautiful hill in Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mangystau-colorful-hill-during-sunset-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mangystau-colorful-hill-during-sunset-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mangystau-colorful-hill-during-sunset-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mangystau-colorful-hill-during-sunset.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d4ed49 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4d4ed49\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f208db elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"1f208db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8db54e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8db54e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\">Mangystau area is very dry, not having enough fresh water for most plants and therefore has only low vegetation. This means that the peninsula is a mostly uninhabited, deserted area. The area of the Mangistau region is about 165 000 square kilometers, the population is 650 thousand people which means that there are only 3,5 inhabitants per square kilometer. However, the area is very rich with minerals and it is called the<span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0&#8220;treasure peninsula&#8221; due to the variety and abundance of raw materials. The region also owns a quarter of all oil in Kazakhstan together with the richest deposits of uranium that were discovered in the 1950s. In addition, it is one of the main regions in the world where strontium is found widespread.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Mangystau holds a lot of important sites of pilgrimage like mausoleums and a number of underground meditation chambers (retreats) used by famous Sufi figures of the past. They are commonly defined as mosques (islamification) because of their sacred nature and the rock-hewn rooms in which pilgrims pray in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d3c48bf e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d3c48bf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27b1a03 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"27b1a03\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd38615 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"dd38615\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7fc3c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a7fc3c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Mangustau is really a place for people who enjoy geological formations but also offers things to see for the nature lovers with the abundant bird life at the shores of the Caspian Sea and also the ancient life that has lived in the area when it was the bottom of the sea, can be seen in the fossils laying around in the area. Bear in mind that the destinations in the area are often far away from each other and you will spend most of your time driving around from one sight to another but they are worth it and the views during the car drives are an experience as themselves.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7898cea elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7898cea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63724c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"63724c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mangystau sights<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27289c7 elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"27289c7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h3&quot;,&quot;h4&quot;],&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of Contents\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__27289c7\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__27289c7\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__27289c7\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M500 975V858C696 858 858 696 858 500S696 142 500 142 142 304 142 500H25C25 237 238 25 500 25S975 237 975 500 763 975 500 975Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3edb84f elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"3edb84f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f648dfd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f648dfd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Sherkala Mountain <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c39ace1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c39ace1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Sherkala &#8220;Mountain&#8221; rises to the height of 307,7 m and is called\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;God&#8217;s yurt&#8221;\u00a0<\/span>by the locals, perhaps because it has a distinct form of a space object. Sherkala is the most recognizeable sight of Mangystau and it can take about half a day to get around the mountain completely but it is worth it as Sherkala has different shapes on each side. From one side you can clearly see the shape of the yurt and on the other side the shape reminds a powerful resting lion. There are plenty of legends that are associated with the mountain. According to one of them, a group of warriors defended themselves at the top from a myriad of enemies.\u00a0<\/p><p>The adventurers fought like lions, but because of the numerical superiority, they began to suffer defeat. Trying to flee from their enemy they hid in the underground passages of the mountain and remained forever in its womb. In Sherkala there are many other mysterious dungeons as well. On the northern part of the mountain, there are the remains of ancient settlements &#8211; small grottoes of artificial origin, below the approaches to the settlement were guarded by a wall of cobblestones.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a40decb e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a40decb\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d70069d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d70069d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-38d7149 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"38d7149\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7359-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5152\" alt=\"Mangustay Sherkala mountain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7359-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7359-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7359-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7359-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7359.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5474497 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5474497\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24e73bc elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"24e73bc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Sherkala-mountain-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-72859\" alt=\"Sherkala mountain in Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Sherkala-mountain-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Sherkala-mountain-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Sherkala-mountain-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Sherkala-mountain.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ffdba5 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1ffdba5\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3f0f53 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"f3f0f53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6853600 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6853600\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\">Not far from Sherkala mountain, you can see the remains of an ancient city. Once it stood on one of the branches of the Silk Road that passed through the peninsula.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\">Caravan routes went from Bukhara and Khiva to the Caspian Sea and merchants reached Europe by sea or further land routes. The history of the appearance and disappearance of this settlement has not yet been revealed, but scientists believe that it was a rather rich city and do not exclude that many valuable finds are still hidden in these places.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75d3a7a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"75d3a7a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bfe2953 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bfe2953\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-509475b elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"509475b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-85f6134 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"85f6134\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Boszhira Tract <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16f2aac elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"16f2aac\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Boszhira tract (Bozjyra) is the flatland covered with sharp rocky peaks shining in the sunlight. Hundreds of millions of years ago this place formed the bottom of Tethys, the ancient impetuous ocean of the Mesozoic era. The unique landscape has formed as a result of continuous change of the ocean&#8217;s water level.\u00a0<\/p><p>White stones, perfectly carved by time, and sea remains are scattered throughout the valley. On the top of the plateau, one can easily observe stony installations made of limestone plates. All around is white here canyons, peaks, mountains-towers, mountains-castles and mountains-yurts. Boszhira tract lies in the western part of the Ustyurt Plateau, on Mangyshlak Peninsula. The distance from <a href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/destinations-kz\/aktau\/\">Aktau<\/a> to Boszhira is about 300 km.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c192da2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c192da2\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61c011f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"61c011f\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eecb291 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"eecb291\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bozhyra-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-61183\" alt=\"Boszhira Tract in Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bozhyra-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bozhyra-Mangystau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bozhyra-Mangystau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bozhyra-Mangystau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b9fdfd e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4b9fdfd\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b086828 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b086828\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7798-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5161\" alt=\"Camels walking in the desert of West Kazakhstan\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7798-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7798-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7798-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7798-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7798.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70b3d7b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"70b3d7b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd3c362 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"dd3c362\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70ced22 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"70ced22\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mangyshlak's Sacred Caves<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef48428 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ef48428\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There are many cemeteries, mosques and places of pilgrimage here and it is the reason why Mangyshlak is considered a holy and sacred land within Kazakhstan. In Mangystau you will find hundreds of necropolises in addition to &#8220;underground mosques&#8221;, which are always coupled with a tomb of a saint and huge cemeteries.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e5fb099 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e5fb099\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c74c6d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6c74c6d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e8bfda elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5e8bfda\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangyshlak-sacred-cave-mosque-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-72997\" alt=\"Sacred cave mosque in Mangyshlak, Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangyshlak-sacred-cave-mosque-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangyshlak-sacred-cave-mosque-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangyshlak-sacred-cave-mosque-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangyshlak-sacred-cave-mosque.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-750eea8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"750eea8\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f98de8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6f98de8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6691-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5154\" alt=\"Beket Ata mosque in Mangustay, West Kazakhstan\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6691-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6691-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6691-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6691.jpg 1290w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c8e4a3a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c8e4a3a\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac9421e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"ac9421e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8de0e16 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8de0e16\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\">There are around 15-20 underground mosques on the peninsula all connected with the graves of local Sufi saints (362 saints are buried in the region, almost one for every day of the year), with cemeteries generally dating from the 9th to 19th centuries AD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\">They serve as an important destination of pilgrimage across the peninsula, the most visited ones being from West to East: Shakpak-Ata, Sultan-Epe, Karaman-Ata, Shopan-Ata and Beket-Ata being the most known. Some of these mosques have been dated to the period of the earliest tombs 9th- 10th centuries AD and are attributed to different peoples, listed in chronological succession: Khazar, Oguz, Kypchak, the Golden Horde, the Nogai Horde and Kazakh.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24cab80 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"24cab80\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29bd450 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"29bd450\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Shakpak Ata Underground Mosque<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f575d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8f575d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\">The Shakpak-Ata Mosque is an underground mosque located on the Tyub-Karagan peninsula 90 km North of\u00a0<a style=\"font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/destinations-kz\/aktau\/\">Aktau<\/a>\u00a0on the cliffs of the Northwestern top. It dates back to the 9th-10th century AD and is considered the oldest one in Mangyshlak.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\">The idea of Shakpak-Ata is unique in Mangyshlak and presents similarities with some early Persian mosques and with the mausoleum-mosque of Shir-Kabir in Dehistan, Turkmenistan which is also dated to the same era. Another unique feature of this underground mosque is that large portions of its walls are covered with petroglyphs and graffiti.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-892416b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"892416b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9bb9c28 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9bb9c28\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7abef16 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7abef16\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6681-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5157\" alt=\"Necropolis in Mangustay, Kazakhstan\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6681-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6681-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6681-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6681.jpg 1290w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c0381da e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c0381da\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f9f23e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1f9f23e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shakpak-ata-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-72894\" alt=\"Shakpak Ata Sufi caves in Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shakpak-ata-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shakpak-ata-Mangystau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shakpak-ata-Mangystau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shakpak-ata-Mangystau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b943f54 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b943f54\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b92ada5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b92ada5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd08355 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bd08355\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Legend says that Shakpak-Ata was the grandson of Shopan-Ata. He was an ascetic dervish who took refuge in the cave with his disciples at a time when enemies were assaulting the region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">He spent the last years of his life as a hermit never leaving the cave. It is also said that the ancient Sufi masters gave asylum to sick people in their underground shelters to heal them and that even today a night spent in these caves in the company of benevolent spirits will cure most diseases.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bded207 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"bded207\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d13380c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d13380c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Beket-Ata Underground Mosque<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a126b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8a126b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Beket-Ata underground mosque is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Kazakhstan, located in the Mangystau region. It was founded in the 18th century by Beket-Ata, a revered Sufi mystic, philosopher, and teacher, who dedicated his life to spreading Islam and educating followers. Known for his wisdom and miracles, Beket-Ata built several mosques throughout the region, but this underground sanctuary, carved into limestone rock, is considered the most significant.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed7e82c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ed7e82c\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d7bb3d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5d7bb3d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47d2fbb elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"47d2fbb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Beket-ata-Underground-Mosque-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-75864\" alt=\"Beket-ata Underground Mosque\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Beket-ata-Underground-Mosque-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Beket-ata-Underground-Mosque-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Beket-ata-Underground-Mosque-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Beket-ata-Underground-Mosque.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f98f13 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2f98f13\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58b4346 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"58b4346\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The mosque is nestled in the remote Oglandy Valley, surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and rocky formations.\u00a0<\/p><p>Pilgrims and visitors must descend a winding path to reach the sacred site, where a peaceful atmosphere fills the ancient chambers. Many believe the mosque holds spiritual power, and people visit to pray, seek blessings, and pay respects at Beket-Ata\u2019s final resting place.<\/p><p>A journey to Beket-Ata is not just a physical trip but also a spiritual experience. The site attracts believers, historians, and travelers drawn by its deep history, breathtaking scenery, and the legend of Beket-Ata, who remains a symbol of faith and enlightenment in Kazakhstan.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e548072 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e548072\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72b9c26 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"72b9c26\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-08e8253 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"08e8253\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Karaman-Ata Underground Mosque<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df6af96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"df6af96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Karaman-Ata Underground Mosque is a sacred and historical site located in the Mangystau region of western Kazakhstan. This mosque, like several others in the region, is carved directly into the cliffs, creating a spiritual and atmospheric place of worship that is deeply intertwined with local history and culture. The mosque is named after Karaman-Ata, a revered Sufi figure and teacher in Central Asia, who is believed to have lived in the region centuries ago and played a key role in spreading Islam across the steppe.<\/p><p>The underground mosque is a unique blend of natural and spiritual elements. It is carved into soft limestone or chalk cliffs, with a series of interconnected rooms and passageways forming the mosque\u2019s interior. The rooms often feature simple, unadorned spaces, with small niches and altars carved into the rock for religious purposes. The atmosphere within is cool and serene, creating a peaceful setting for reflection and prayer. Visitors to the mosque are often struck by the simplicity of the structure, which stands in contrast to more ornate, surface-level mosques.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-066de5d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"066de5d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a560b66 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a560b66\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f55ab5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"0f55ab5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Karaman-Ata-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-73023\" alt=\"Graves at Karaman Ata in Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Karaman-Ata-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Karaman-Ata-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Karaman-Ata-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Karaman-Ata.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9acb366 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9acb366\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8c91923 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8c91923\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Karaman-Ata-Mosque-inside-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-73022\" alt=\"Inside Karaman Ata mosque\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Karaman-Ata-Mosque-inside-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Karaman-Ata-Mosque-inside-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Karaman-Ata-Mosque-inside-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Karaman-Ata-Mosque-inside.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eee2446 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"eee2446\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23027bb elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"23027bb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50ea94f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"50ea94f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Historically, these underground mosques served as places of refuge for Sufi pilgrims and religious leaders who sought to escape persecution or harsh climatic conditions. Karaman-Ata, like many other spiritual figures of his time, chose this remote and harsh environment to practice and teach, believing the solitude of the desert offered a perfect setting for spiritual contemplation and growth.<\/p><p>Today, the Karaman-Ata Underground Mosque remains a pilgrimage site, attracting both local worshippers and tourists. It is part of the rich spiritual heritage of the Mangystau region, which is dotted with similar underground mosques, mausoleums, and sacred sites. The surrounding landscape, a vast and stark desert, only enhances the mystical atmosphere of the mosque, making it a powerful reminder of the region&#8217;s deep connection to Sufi traditions and Kazakhstan&#8217;s broader Islamic history.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8487e3a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"8487e3a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fbefb86 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fbefb86\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Torysh Balls Valley<br>Peculiar round stones (Devil's balls)<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ee70be elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7ee70be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">The Valley of Balls or in Kazakhs known as Torysh, is home to peculiar round shaped rocks that seem like they would have been rolled to their form by giants while playing with clay or dough. Some even call them the devil&#8217;s balls. It consists of numerous ball-like rock formations strewn across a wide range of steppe land. The balls range in size from tiny marble-like rocks to huge boulders the size of a car. Torysh is a part of the Torysh tract.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Legend has it that when the Mangystau region of Kazakhstan faced countless attacks by enemies, the locals appealed to the heavens for help. Their prayers were answered, and the invaders were turned into giant stones.\u00a0<\/p><p>The phenomenon is poorly researched, however, the scientist believes that the \u201cballs\u201d most likely date from the mid-Jurassic to the early Cretaceous period (180-120 Ma). They are perhaps made of either silicate or carbonate cement. Most geologists who have examined them have said that they are giant concretions, though fringe thinkers say that these balls were made by extraterrestrials or ancient, technologically advanced humans. Furthermore, some researchers believe that these globular rocks are remnants of meteorites that crashed and landed on earth. Others theorise that they are giant concretions, a word derived from the Latin word \u201cconcretio\u201d, which means thickening.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf79513 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"bf79513\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a3a8131 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a3a8131\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9f5b28 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e9f5b28\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f5b28f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f5b28f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7088-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5155\" alt=\"Mangustay Valley of balls or the devil&#039;s balls\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7088-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7088-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7088-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7088.jpg 1290w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-30550e5 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"30550e5\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea67825 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ea67825\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6829-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5150\" alt=\"Mangystau round stones in the desert\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6829-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6829-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6829-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_6829.jpg 1290w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ee5331 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5ee5331\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a14fb7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"6a14fb7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01a00d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"01a00d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Kokkala Jurassic formations<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-810d05d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"810d05d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Kokala tract is located between two ridges in the northwestern\u00a0part of the Western Karatau ridge and in the central eastern part of the\u00a0Northern Aktau ridge, not far from the village of Shayyr and the Mount Zhalgan and just south of Mount Sherkala.\u00a0The Kokala tract is famous for its bizarre washouts of variegated and\u00a0colored clays and a mountain gorge with spring water, which is\u00a0located in the immediate vicinity of the tract.\u00a0The Karatau mountain fold, rising from the bowels of the Earth, lifted\u00a0layers along the edge of the fault, which were forever buried under the\u00a0thickness of oceanic sediments.\u00a0This is how colored clays of the Jurassic period were born. Kokala is a\u00a0natural multicolour among the monolithic rocky highlands of\u00a0Mangystau, a small temporary tunnel in the age of dinosaurs.\u00a0<\/p><p>In Kokkala you will not find fossilized remains or traces of long-gone reptiles,\u00a0but you can touch real wood deposits and the coals of a burnt forest on\u00a0which dinosaurs roamed.\u00a0We will not see fossilized bones or traces of long-vanished reptiles\u00a0here, but we can touch real charcoal 170-200 million years old from the\u00a0burnt forest where dinosaurs roamed.\u00a0Nature has surprisingly eroded the layers of clay, creating a layered\u00a0mountain of hummocks, columns, mushrooms, pyramids and\u00a0miniature canyons with bizarrely incised sides. Kokala is a natural\u00a0variegated color among the monotonous rocky mountains of\u00a0Mangystau.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13ce480 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"13ce480\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1513a28 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1513a28\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-be5f7de elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"be5f7de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Kokala-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-72896\" alt=\"Mangystau Kokala petrified wood charcoal\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Kokala-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Kokala-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Kokala-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Kokala.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9deaf33 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9deaf33\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c572f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"4c572f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kok-Kala-jurassic-site-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-72897\" alt=\"Kok Kala Jurassic site in Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kok-Kala-jurassic-site-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kok-Kala-jurassic-site-Mangystau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kok-Kala-jurassic-site-Mangystau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kok-Kala-jurassic-site-Mangystau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-298f49a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"298f49a\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0083910 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"0083910\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3bc3bd7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3bc3bd7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Airakty Valley of Castles<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37ff801 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"37ff801\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Airakty-Shomanai or simply Airakty is a system of remnant mountains\u00a0on Mangystau. They became known under the name &#8220;Valley of castles of<br \/>Airakty&#8221; thanks to the drawings of the Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko.\u00a0The surroundings of Airakty resemble a mysterious desert city with\u00a0ruined remnants that look like towers and castles with spires. It is\u00a0recommended to climb the mountain and get a better view of the\u00a0terrain from a flat platform. You can also see the Aktau Mountains from\u00a0it. Walking along the path to the site, you can meet steppe horses and\u00a0mouflons, and at the foot of the mountain \u2013 scorpions and tortoises.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-76f8756 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"76f8756\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b18559b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b18559b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2363fb5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2363fb5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Airakty-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-61176\" alt=\"Airakty Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Airakty-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Airakty-Mangystau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Airakty-Mangystau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Airakty-Mangystau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f20024c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f20024c\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f61cd5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7f61cd5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Airakty-Valley-of-Castles-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-72999\" alt=\"Stone formations of Mangystau in Airakty Valley\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Airakty-Valley-of-Castles-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Airakty-Valley-of-Castles-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Airakty-Valley-of-Castles-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mangystau-Airakty-Valley-of-Castles.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-591dc1f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"591dc1f\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47f29dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"47f29dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5948b6e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5948b6e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Like the Bozzhira tract, the Airakta Mountains were covered by the\u00a0Tethys Ocean in ancient times. This is why the Mangyshlak peninsula is\u00a0interesting, which was formed 25 million years ago as a result of a layer\u00a0of the earth&#8217;s crust that rose due to an earthquake. After that, the<br \/>formation began to deviate to the west. Over time, the erosion of the\u00a0Cretaceous rocks led to the formation of canyons, outliers, caves, and\u00a0winds and precipitation completed this process.\u00a0<\/p><p>To this day, the\u00a0landscape is changing. Presumably, after 5-7 thousand years,\u00a0weathering will lead to the disappearance of the remnant mountains\u00a0altogether, since their height decreases every year.\u00a0Since the end of the VI century, caravans of the Great Silk Road have\u00a0been passing through the land of Mangistau, and legends say that\u00a0treasures can be found in the valley. Tourists often come with metal\u00a0detectors in order to find gold. According to local shepherds, sometimes\u00a0they actually find silver and gold coins.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c0bb58e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c0bb58e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64ca2d7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"64ca2d7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mangystau Tours<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a74790c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a74790c\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a8e6e6 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7a8e6e6\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d1e3f81 elementor-cta--skin-cover elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"d1e3f81\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/mangistau-7-days-tour\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mangistau-fixed-date-tour-7-days-768x512.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Mangistau 7 days fixed tour\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMangystau in 7 days\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRead more!\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d711da e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8d711da\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f313b5e elementor-cta--skin-cover elementor-cta--valign-middle elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"f313b5e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/kazakhstan-tours\/unforgettable-3-days-in-mangystau\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/mangistau_2_days_tour_kazakhstan-768x512.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"mangistau tour\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMangystau in 3 days tour\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBook now!\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d342696 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d342696\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fee3641 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"fee3641\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e172cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2e172cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tuzbair salt flat<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50600b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"50600b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The main attraction of Tuzbair is the salt marsh of the same name. In\u00a0Kazakh, it is called &#8220;sor&#8221;, which means a kind of salt marsh that has\u00a0no runoff and is shallow.\u00a0Sores are formed in depressions no more than one and a half meters\u00a0deep. During the spring melting, the salt marsh is covered with a water surface, in which the sky is picturesquely reflected. In the\u00a0summer, the crust freezes and you can walk freely but occasionally your\u00a0feet might still fall into salt water deposits to a depth of 10-15 centimeters.\u00a0Therefore, to walk on the surface of the salt marsh, you need to wear\u00a0rubber boots or other waterproof shoes with a high boot or to walk barefoot.\u00a0Some tourists believe that a warm salt crust has a beneficial effect\u00a0on the body. You can&#8217;t drive through the salt marsh by car as the\u00a0crust can&#8217;t stand the weight of even a passenger car.\u00a0Every year, cars get stuck in the marshy area of the salt marsh.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f014e32 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f014e32\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5959896 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5959896\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-847ff05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"847ff05\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sor-tuzbair-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-42964\" alt=\"Sor Tuzbair, Mangistau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sor-tuzbair-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sor-tuzbair-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sor-tuzbair-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sor-tuzbair.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9098e69 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9098e69\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c8bda5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3c8bda5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tuzbair-mangistau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-42965\" alt=\"Sor Tuzbair, Mangistau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tuzbair-mangistau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tuzbair-mangistau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tuzbair-mangistau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tuzbair-mangistau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-563d5cd e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"563d5cd\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-080a5f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"080a5f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f05f738 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f05f738\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You can drive here by car only with\u00a0local guides who know proven trails.\u00a0According to scientists, today&#8217;s Mangystau region was once the\u00a0bottom of the Tethys Ocean, located between the supercontinents\u00a0of Laurasia and Gondwana, about 250 million years ago. This is\u00a0evidenced by the skeletons of sharks and their teeth, which are sometimes found in this valley. Over time, as the water receded, the\u00a0combination of wind and rain shaped the landscape, creating\u00a0beautiful sculptural chalk cliffs, cliffs and depressions. It is believed\u00a0that Sora Tuzbair, along with plateaus, gorges and ravines, was\u00a0formed as a result of erosion of softer rocks.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-086cdde elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"086cdde\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-126e99d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"126e99d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Ybykty Sai <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-159ad01 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"159ad01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ybykty Sai Canyon, located in the Mangystau region of western Kazakhstan, is a hidden gem that showcases the rugged beauty and unique geological formations of the area. The canyon is also known as Porous Gorge Ybykty due to the porous nature of its rock formations, which have been carved over centuries by wind and water erosion, resulting in a dramatic and intricate landscape.<\/p><p>This canyon is notable for its towering cliffs, narrow gorges, and the winding paths that reveal layers of sedimentary rock in a variety of colors, from pale whites and yellows to rich reds and browns. The diverse shapes of the rock formations give Ybykty Sai a surreal appearance, with sharp ridges, pillars, and natural arches formed by the elements over time. The porous texture of the rock gives it a sculpted look, adding to the canyon\u2019s distinctive character.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3951a47 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3951a47\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad5c7b6 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ad5c7b6\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-edd5f0f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"edd5f0f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ybykty-Say\u200b-mangistau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-42955\" alt=\"Ybykty-Say\u200b, Mangystau tour\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ybykty-Say\u200b-mangistau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ybykty-Say\u200b-mangistau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ybykty-Say\u200b-mangistau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ybykty-Say\u200b-mangistau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e6e0eb e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1e6e0eb\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1bf063d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1bf063d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ybykty-Sai-Canyon-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-75795\" alt=\"Ybykty Sai Canyon Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ybykty-Sai-Canyon-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ybykty-Sai-Canyon-Mangystau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ybykty-Sai-Canyon-Mangystau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ybykty-Sai-Canyon-Mangystau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2048551 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2048551\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50fd522 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"50fd522\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fcaba99 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fcaba99\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ybykty Sai Canyon is also relatively remote and less frequented by tourists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and an authentic experience of Mangystau\u2019s wild landscapes. The surrounding desert adds to the canyon&#8217;s stark beauty, and visitors are often struck by the contrast between the flat desert plains and the dramatic rock formations within the canyon.<\/p><p>The Ybykty Sai area is also rich in biodiversity, with a variety of plant species adapted to the arid conditions, and it serves as a habitat for several species of desert wildlife. For adventurers and nature enthusiasts, the canyon provides excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploring the unique geology of Mangystau. The combination of natural beauty, isolation, and geological significance makes Ybykty Sai Canyon a must-visit for those exploring Kazakhstan\u2019s remote treasures.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ce4372 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"3ce4372\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-506bf36 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"506bf36\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">More Tours to Mangystau<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b28c85 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5b28c85\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c6b283 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9c6b283\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7c2e157 elementor-cta--skin-cover elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"7c2e157\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/kazakhstan-tours\/tethys-ocean-mangystau-tour\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Mangistau-5-day-tour-768x512.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Mangistau 5 days tour\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t5 days Through the dried Tethys Ocean\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBook now!\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-129a3c4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"129a3c4\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16147a9 elementor-cta--skin-cover elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"16147a9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/kazakhstan-tours\/jeep-tour-aktau-mangystau\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/maangistau-768x512.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Shrekala mountain from above in Mangyshlak, Kazakhstan\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t2 Days Mangystau Jeep tour\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBook now!\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2f1dd7 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b2f1dd7\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07a77a0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"07a77a0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34f37ad elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"34f37ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Kyzylkup Tract<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b2034b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6b2034b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Kyzylkup tract is smooth low hills composed of\u00a0rocks of various colors that alternate with each other, creating\u00a0a fascinating spectacle. The color of the layers is given by\u00a0impurities of various minerals. The white layers consist of\u00a0chalk, and the red ones contain iron. Because of its unusual\u00a0layered structure, the tract is often called &#8220;Tiramisu&#8221; by the\u00a0people.\u00a0<\/p><p>The official name of the tract was received from a reservoir, which was once located nearby.\u00a0The Ustyurt plateau used to be the bottom of the ancient\u00a0Tethys Ocean. And there was a constant accumulation of\u00a0precipitation on it: clay, sand, various organisms. Therefore, it\u00a0is not surprising that landscapes change their colors at\u00a0different times of the day. During the day, in sunny weather,\u00a0the landscape is snow-white, in the evening it acquires cream\u00a0shades, at sunset it turns purple.<\/p><p>Over centuries, wind and water erosion have sculpted these layers into intricate shapes and patterns, resulting in a canyon landscape that&#8217;s as beautiful as it is dramatic. The soft, crumbly appearance of the rock formations combined with the vastness of the canyon provides a mesmerizing experience for visitors. The geology of the area reveals its ancient past, with each layer representing different eras of sediment deposition, and the canyon stands as a natural timeline of Mangystau&#8217;s geological history.<\/p><p>Hiking or driving along the Kyzylkup Track to Tiramisu Canyon offers an incredible opportunity for photography, and the quiet, untouched nature of the area enhances the sense of adventure. For those exploring Mangystau, the Tiramisu Canyon is a visual highlight, encapsulating the region\u2019s unique blend of rugged desert terrain and natural artistry.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1416c94 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1416c94\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0acb55f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0acb55f\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56f7e7f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"56f7e7f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kyzylkup-Tract-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-75803\" alt=\"Kyzylkup tract in Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kyzylkup-Tract-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kyzylkup-Tract-Mangystau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kyzylkup-Tract-Mangystau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kyzylkup-Tract-Mangystau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3e7f424 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3e7f424\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d94c90 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"0d94c90\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kyzylkup-Tract-Mangistau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-75804\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kyzylkup-Tract-Mangistau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kyzylkup-Tract-Mangistau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kyzylkup-Tract-Mangistau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kyzylkup-Tract-Mangistau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-59e7883 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"59e7883\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b5ee2e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"2b5ee2e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ed89f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8ed89f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Zhygylgan Fault \/ Fallen Earth<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b7df3d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4b7df3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Zhygylgan Fault is a geologically fascinating site and a must-visit for those interested in natural wonders. Often referred to as the &#8220;Fallen Earth,&#8221; Zhygylgan is a massive depression or sinkhole created by the collapse of a limestone plateau. Over millennia, tectonic shifts and erosion have shaped this unique landscape, giving rise to dramatic cliffs, caves, and rock formations.<\/p><p>The fault spans a large area along the northeastern shores of the Caspian Sea, and its cliffs drop steeply into the sea, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The area is dotted with large boulders and broken rock slabs, which have tumbled down from the plateau above. These formations, combined with the surrounding flat desert, make for a striking visual contrast. Some of the rock formations bear ancient petroglyphs, adding historical significance to the site.<\/p><p>Local legends often describe Zhygylgan as a mystical place, with stories of ancient battles and myths of giants contributing to its allure. It&#8217;s also home to archaeological remains, including fossils and ancient artifacts, which suggest that the site was used by early humans. Visitors to the Zhygylgan Fault not only get to witness a unique natural phenomenon but also step into a landscape rich with geological and historical significance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d6a2676 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d6a2676\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ddfdcfe e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ddfdcfe\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f542548 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f542548\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Zhygylgan-fault-hollow-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-72886\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Zhygylgan-fault-hollow-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Zhygylgan-fault-hollow-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Zhygylgan-fault-hollow-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Zhygylgan-fault-hollow.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b433ea e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5b433ea\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d8179e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"4d8179e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Zhigylgan-Fallen-Earth-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-75840\" alt=\"Zhigylgan Fallen Earth, Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Zhigylgan-Fallen-Earth-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Zhigylgan-Fallen-Earth-Mangystau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Zhigylgan-Fallen-Earth-Mangystau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Zhigylgan-Fallen-Earth-Mangystau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e72e43 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1e72e43\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72d5b88 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"72d5b88\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bbc208 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2bbc208\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Karynzharyk Depression<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c6bd173 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c6bd173\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Karynzharyk Depression in the Mangystau region of Kazakhstan is a vast and visually striking landscape, known for its immense salt flats, towering chalk cliffs, and unusual geological formations. This depression is located in the southwestern part of the Ustyurt Plateau and descends to one of the lowest points in the region, making it an iconic feature of Mangystau\u2019s rugged, otherworldly terrain.<\/p><p>At the heart of the depression is a massive salt pan, often dry and shimmering under the sun, but during wet periods, it transforms into a shallow lake, adding to the surreal beauty of the landscape. The white salt surface contrasts dramatically with the surrounding flat desert plains, creating a stark, almost lunar atmosphere. The depression is flanked by high chalk plateaus and mesas, which have been carved by wind and water erosion over millennia, giving the region its jagged, sculpted appearance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fd69e3 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6fd69e3\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e10c761 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e10c761\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4835cf8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"4835cf8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Karynzharyk-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-61182\" alt=\"Karynzharyk in Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Karynzharyk-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Karynzharyk-Mangystau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Karynzharyk-Mangystau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Karynzharyk-Mangystau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2836750 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2836750\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80929dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"80929dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"669\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Karynzharyk-depression-1024x669.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-61181\" alt=\"Karynzharyk depression in Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Karynzharyk-depression-1024x669.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Karynzharyk-depression-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Karynzharyk-depression-768x502.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Karynzharyk-depression.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ae860c0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ae860c0\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7b0d3f elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a7b0d3f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-62a3e66 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"62a3e66\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>One of the most distinctive features of Karynzharyk is the presence of five prominent buttes or isolated rock formations, often referred to as \u201cislands,\u201d that rise abruptly from the flat salt plain. These formations, known locally as &#8220;islands of Karynzharyk,&#8221; are breathtaking to behold, particularly when viewed from above or from the rim of the depression, as they seem to float on the salt flats.<\/p><p>Karynzharyk also holds cultural and historical significance. The area has been inhabited by nomadic peoples for centuries, and remnants of their presence, such as ancient petroglyphs and burial sites, can be found throughout the depression.<\/p><p>The remoteness and isolation of Karynzharyk make it a perfect destination for adventurers seeking to experience the raw, untouched beauty of Kazakhstan\u2019s landscapes. The depression offers an unparalleled opportunity for photography, hiking, and off-road exploration, with its vast, open spaces and striking geological formations offering a sense of solitude and wonder.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9936832 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9936832\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f29d485 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"f29d485\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d9da5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8d9da5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">KOKALA - Jurassic clays<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff67890 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ff67890\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Kokala, also known as the Kok-Kala Tract, is a captivating geological site located in Kazakhstan&#8217;s Mangystau region. This small gorge is renowned for its vibrant, multicolored clays and rocks that date back to the Jurassic period, approximately 170-200 million years ago. The striking hues result from layers of limestone, clay, and ancient sediments that have been uplifted by tectonic activity and sculpted by natural erosion over millennia.<\/p><div class=\"relative inline-flex items-center\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Visitors to Kokala can observe a variety of unique geological formations, including layered hills, columns, and miniature canyons with intricately carved sides. While the area does not contain fossilized remains of dinosaurs, it offers a tangible connection to the prehistoric era through its ancient charcoal deposits, remnants of forests that once thrived during the age of dinosaurs.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"relative inline-flex items-center\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div><div class=\"relative inline-flex items-center\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Situated approximately 90 kilometers northeast of Aktau, Kokala is accessible via a combination of paved and dirt roads. Its proximity to other notable landmarks, such as Sherkala Mountain, makes it a worthwhile addition to a broader exploration of the Mangystau region. The vivid colors and unique geological features of Kokala provide a window into Earth&#8217;s distant past, making it a must-visit destination for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.<\/span><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d129f1 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5d129f1\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c72d786 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c72d786\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f839b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1f839b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/KOKALA-jurassic-clays-Mangistau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-75852\" alt=\"Kokal Jurassic clays in Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/KOKALA-jurassic-clays-Mangistau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/KOKALA-jurassic-clays-Mangistau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/KOKALA-jurassic-clays-Mangistau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/KOKALA-jurassic-clays-Mangistau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a4d6427 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a4d6427\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d732a9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5d732a9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/KOKALA-jurassic-clays-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-75850\" alt=\"Kokala jurassic clay formations in Mangystau\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/KOKALA-jurassic-clays-Mangystau-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/KOKALA-jurassic-clays-Mangystau-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/KOKALA-jurassic-clays-Mangystau-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/KOKALA-jurassic-clays-Mangystau.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8279a7 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d8279a7\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7eec054 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7eec054\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15914eb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"15914eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mangystau History<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc6e81a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bc6e81a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The region&#8217;s natural wonders were born at the ear of the ancient Tethys Ocean, which spanned the Earth for a billion years. Today, when you look closely at the foundational layers of the enormous limestone formations of Bozzhyra and Airakty, you&#8217;ll find mysterious patterns and designs that were once marine life of the Tethys Ocean. Shell remnants, some located over 200 kilometers from the Caspian Sea, and fossils like prehistoric shark teeth and ichthyosaur bones, from the Mesozoic era.<\/p><p>After the ocean retreated, dinosaurs roamed, later giving way to the age of mammals. In Mangystau&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.advantour.com\/kazakhstan\/mangystau\/zhygylgan.htm\">Zhygylgan depression<\/a>, you can find ancient footprints of predatory mammals and various birds, all pointing to the Miocene epoch.\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Ancient human traces found near the Caspian Sea coast suggest continuous habitation from the Paleolithic to Neolithic periods, indicating human presence here about 12 000 years ago. Notable sites include the area near Shakpak-ata and the Kulaly Island settlement.<\/span><\/p><p>Portions of the famed Silk Road passed through Mangystau, as evidenced by ruins of caravanserais, fortresses, and mosques. Yet, its harsh desert climate meant that not all ventures dared to traverse the vast stretches of the Ustyurt Plateau. The region&#8217;s first historical mention is from the 9th century by Arab geographer Al-Istakhri, referring to the land as Siyah-Kuh (&#8220;Black Mountain&#8221;). Yet, after Genghis Khan&#8217;s invasion, this route was abandoned, causing Mangistau to fade from historical records.<\/p><p>It wasn&#8217;t until the 18th century, amid Russia&#8217;s Central Asian conquests, that Mangystau re-emerged as a pivotal point. It became a stronghold for Russian military expeditions heading south. A series of name changes for key forts in the area culminated in Fort Shevchenko, named in honor of the renowned Ukrainian writer and poet Taras Shevchenko.<\/p><p>The 20th century ushered in a new chapter for Mangystau when vast uranium, oil, and gas reserves were unearthed. Rapid industrialization followed, with the region boasting some of Kazakhstan&#8217;s highest wages. Aktau is now celebrated as Kazakhstan&#8217;s oil capital.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dcc6d48 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"dcc6d48\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97689f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"97689f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Travel to Mangystau<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-652c145 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"652c145\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/destinations-kz\/aktau\/\">Aktau<\/a> is the usual starting point for tours in the region. Aktau can be reached by train or airplane. From Aktau you can take a car or <a href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/kazakhstan-tours\/jeep-tour-aktau-mangystau\/\">join a tour<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">The best times to visit are\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">autumn\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">and spring\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">since in the summertime the temperature can rise up to more than\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">+<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">40 C making the travel in the area fairly uncomfortable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e9b091 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7e9b091\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73d010d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"73d010d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Other sights near Mangystau<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0848e1b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0848e1b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d583778 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d583778\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d34198 elementor-cta--skin-cover elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"1d34198\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/destinations-kz\/aktau\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Aktau_statue-768x514.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Aktau statue by the shoreline of Caspian Sea\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAktau\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0db026e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0db026e\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-910d4bf elementor-cta--skin-cover elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"910d4bf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/destinations-kz\/ustyurt-national-preserve\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Ustyurt-plateau-768x512.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Ustyurt plateau\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tUstyurt National preserve\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca01e11 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ca01e11\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-624308f elementor-cta--skin-cover elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"624308f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/destinations-kz\/atyrau\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Atyrau_Kazakhstan-768x432.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Atyrau, Kazakhstan by the shoreline of Aral sea\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAtyrau\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d9416e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7d9416e\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5574185 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5574185\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-773c74b elementor-cta--skin-cover elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"773c74b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/central-asia-guide\/aral-sea\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Muynak_ships_aral_sea-768x400.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Abandoned ships in Moynaq, formerly a sea port.\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAral Sea\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a2acb5a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a2acb5a\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c8f562d elementor-cta--skin-cover elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"c8f562d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/kazakhstan\/destinations-kz\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/central-asia.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Kazakhstan_destinations-768x512.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Kazakhstan destinations &amp; sights\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item elementor-animated-item--grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAll Kazakh sights &amp; destinations\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6bfcf9b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6bfcf9b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73ce5e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"73ce5e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>Page updated 14.1.2025<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f848a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7f848a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MANGYSTAU Mangystau Mangystau\u00a0(or\u00a0Mangyshlak peninsula) is a land of fantastic landscapes where you can feel like you are on Mars or at the bottom of the sea (where you actually are).\u00a0This place would be perfect to shoot fantasy genre movies as the landscape is truly extraordinary with underground mosques and\u00a0poems\u00a0painted in the rocks.\u00a0Mangystau is located in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":748,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"unboxed","site-sidebar-style":"unboxed","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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