A region located in West Kazakhstan next to the Caspian Sea, Mangystau offers breathtaking landscapes with places so remote that modern civilisation seems non-existent.
What was likely beneath Tethys Ocean millions of years ago, the formations are now surrounded by barren lands sometimes occupied by nomadic shepherds. In some instances, one could find shark teeth and fossils of creatures that lived long ago.
Some interesting facts - Kazakhs here live as part of tribes with them remembering their ancestors of upto 12 generations. This region being predominantly desert grasslands, it's inhabited by mostly camels and occasionally horses. These are owned by shepherds and there are no wild ones.
Overall, it was an incredible experience to visit what's now a touristic place, but still very remote and not frequently visited.
"Mars Panorama" - view from Bozzhyra Canyon
Bozzhyra Fangs formation
The famous towering formation in the Bozzhyra Gorge
Yurt-like formation composed of salt and limestone sits in the middle of the desertland
Below Bokty Mountain
Kyzylkup a.k.a Tiramisu canyon
Kyzylkup a.k.a Tiramisu canyon
Kyzylkup a.k.a Tiramisu canyon
Sherkala - Lion's castle
Tunnels dug into the walls of Sherkala by invading Turks to transport water
Camels in front of a Muslim cemetery in the middle of the desert
