Exploring Mangystau’s Bozzhyra Gorge: A Comprehensive Visitor’s Guide
Bozzhyra Gorge: Kazakhstan’s Unique Tourist Destination
ALMATY – Bozzhyra Gorge, located in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region, has become one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations due to its otherworldly landscape. The gorge, situated in the Ustyurt Plateau, was once the bottom of the prehistoric Tethys Ocean, and visitors can still find fossilized remains of ancient creatures at the foot of its giant cliffs.
In 2020, Bozzhyra gained increased attention when plans for a new hotel construction project were announced, sparking concerns about potential damage to the region’s ecosystem. Residents, activists, scientists, and public figures voiced their objections, prompting President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to order a revision of the construction project after a public appeal in December 2020.
Despite the controversy, Bozzhyra has seen a rise in international visitors, drawn to its unique appeal. In November of last year, renowned Estonian slackliner Jaan Roose made history by becoming the first athlete to walk along a 500-meter rope suspended 200 meters above the ground between two hills in Bozzhyra.
The best time to visit Bozzhyra is during spring or fall when the weather is milder. Summers can be scorching hot, while winters can bring snow to the gorge. Traveling to Bozzhyra has become easier with the construction of a highway from Aktau to Zhanaozen. Locals recommend using off-road vehicles and planning trips during dry weather conditions.
Staying overnight in Bozzhyra is highly recommended, allowing visitors to experience the breathtaking sunset and sunrise. The area is also home to various wildlife, including gazelles, Ustyurt mountain sheep, lizards, and turtles. Flights to Aktau, the nearest city, are available from Astana and Almaty on a daily basis operated by Air Astana, Fly Arystan, and Scat Airlines.
While there are detailed routes available online for exploring the gorge, it is advisable to hire a local guide for a better experience. One-day trips in off-road vehicles start from 80,000 tenge (approximately US$180) per car, and additional services such as meals and drone shooting can be arranged for an extra fee.
The Mangystau region, where Bozzhyra is located, offers many other unique attractions. Visitors can explore the Caspian Sea beaches, visit underground mosques, observe pink flamingos, seals, honey badgers, and even leopards.
One such destination in the region is Karynzharyk hollow, situated in the Ustyurt National Reserve. Spanning over 223,342 hectares, the reserve is home to rare species of flora and fauna. Karynzharyk hollow stands out for its unique sand and clay formations, giving visitors the sensation of being on another planet. The lack of wind in the area adds to the serene and vast atmosphere.
Another remarkable sight in the Mangystau region is Torysh, also known as the valley of spheres. Located 100 kilometers from Aktau, this valley is covered in round-shaped stones that resemble dinosaur eggs. The origin of these spherical stones is still a mystery, with one theory suggesting that they formed due to electrical discharges in the Earth’s crust along tectonic fault lines.
Other notable attractions in the Mangystau region include Sherkala Mount, Kapamsay Canyon, and historical and sacred sites like Beket Ata, Shakpak Ata, and the Sultan Epe underground mosques.
Visiting Bozzhyra Gorge and exploring the fascinating wonders of the Mangystau region promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those curious about Kazakhstan’s remarkable landscapes.
