Top places in Kazakhstan

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The Ybyktysai Gorge

The Ybyktysai Gorge

The Ybyktysay Gorge, a secluded canyon famous for its unreal, sponge-like rock textures and bizarre formations.

Ybykty is a hidden treasure of Mangystau. A small canyon several hundred meters long is covered with a network of holes reminiscent of a honeycomb or porous chocolate. The upper parts are decorated with overhanging cornices, and in the farthest part of the narrow corridor, the sun's rays never reach the bottom. This unusual place has an equally mysterious name: Ybykty.

Our start point

Formed by an ancient landslide, Issyk Lake shines with turquoise waters and mountain views, a true natural wonder near Almaty

Vast cliffs, winding gorges, and the iconic Valley of Castles, carved by nature over millions of years

Bewitching landscape of mysterious Bartogay lake

Lower Kolsay lake

One of the most stunning mountain lakes in Kazakhstan

Kaindy Lake is famous for its turquoise waters and submerged trees.

Middle Kolsay lake

The middle (second) Kolsai lake (Mynzhylgy) is located at an altitude of 2252, the largest of the three lakes.

Saty village is a gateway to Kolsay Lakes

A lifeline in the steppe — the Reservoir powers the region and fuels recreation, from fishing to beach adventures near Almaty

A natural wonder that emits a deep, resonant hum when the wind moves its sands—a rare and mysterious desert phenomenon

Oshaktas Steles

Mysterious monuments rise in the steppe—ancient altar or Mongol firepit? A silent enigma on the road to the Singing Dune in Altyn-Emel

700-year-old Willow Tree

The oasis around the magnificent tree offers shade, legend, and cool streams—a sacred stop between the fiery landscapes of Katutau and Aktau

Basepoint of any trip to the Altyn Emel National Park

Besshatyr Mounds

Explore the ancient grand Saka royal tombs rising from the steppe, still echoing the spirit of nomads from 2,500 years ago

Aktau Mountains

Hike through the otherworldly lanscape — a maze of colored cliffs and ancient canyons waiting to be explored in Altyn-Emel's wild heart

Katutau lava formations

Rising like frozen waves in the desert — a surreal volcanic landscape shaped by ancient eruptions in Altyn-Emel Park

Tanbaly petroglyphs

Tamgaly features ancient rock art and ‘sun deities.’

Karagiye Depression

Airakty - Shomanay Valley

Beket Ata Mosque

Kapamsay Canyon

Kenty Baba Necropolis

The Kenty Baba Necropolis is an extensive burial complex that preserves centuries of local funerary traditions and distinctive Mangystau stonework.

Kyzylkup (Tiramisu) Valley

Karaman Ata Mosque

The sacred Karaman Ata Underground Mosque, carved into the slope of a marl hill

Hidden spot of Charyn Canyon with Pliocene clays

Shakpak Ata Mosque

Shakpaktasay Gorge

Sherkala mountain

Sherkala is a famous limestone mountain-outlier in the Mangystau Region of Kazakhstan, known for its unique shape and historical significance.

Shopan Ata Mosque

Sultan Upi Mosque

The Kokkala Gorge

Kokkala, known for its rugged cliffs and endless horizons. Here, the desert comes alive: you may even encounter grazing camels wandering close by.

The Ybyktysai Gorge

The Ybyktysay Gorge, a secluded canyon famous for its unreal, sponge-like rock textures and bizarre formations.

Tuzbair salt flat

Valley of balls Torysh

Surreal landscape of perfectly round stone spheres