National Geographic Qazaqstan, the esteemed scientific and geographic magazine, has turned its attention to the stunning natural wonders of Kazakhstan's Mangystau Region.
The magazine, which serves as the official publication of the Kazakh National Geography Society, recently published an article "Man Dala, Mangaz Meken" (Endless Steppe, the Place of Pride), providing a captivating portrayal of the region's treasures.
One of the focal points of the article is Tuzbair, an expansive salt marsh nestled at the foot of the western section of the Ustyurt plateau. Located approximately 250 kilometers from the city of Aktau, Tuzbair showcases awe-inspiring landscapes that captivate the imagination.
Described as a mystical world unlike any other, this unique and enchanting locale holds an irresistible allure for both domestic and foreign tourists, in addition to being revered as a sacred place by the Kazakh people.
Scientists believe that the Mangystau Region was once the bottom of the Tethys Ocean, sandwiched between the ancient supercontinents of Laurasia and Gondwana, some 250mn years ago. This hypothesis finds support in the discovery of shark skeletons and teeth within the region.
Over the course of time, the combined forces of wind and rain shaped the landscape, giving rise to breathtaking chalk rocks, cliffs, and cavities. Tuzbair, along with its neighboring plateau, gorges, and gullies, owes its existence to the gradual erosion of softer rocks.
Tuzbair experiences scorching temperatures that can exceed 45 degrees Celsius during the summer months. Despite the harsh desert environment, the area is home to a rich array of flora and fauna typically found in such arid regions.
For those interested in visiting Tuzbair, the article provides guidance on reaching this remarkable destination. Travelers who wish to admire scenic vistas from an elevated perspective can opt for a crossover vehicle. Taking the Aktau-Beineu highway, they should disembark at the 243rd kilometer and follow a level dirt road that leads to the western ridge of the Ustyurt plateau. Once there, visitors will be treated to an awe-inspiring spectacle: a seamless blend of three colors—dark clouds and white-gray hues against a backdrop of blue skies and yellow soil—accentuated by the presence of cracks, rocks, and ravines.
Maulen Gabdulkaliev, the head of the tourism department in the Mangystau Region, shared exciting news about future coverage of the region's unique attractions. He revealed that by the end of the year, National Geographic Qazaqstan plans to publish material on approximately 30 distinctive locations in Mangystau, each brimming with mysteries and appeal for tourists. In pursuit of this endeavor, the magazine's team embarked on a journey across the peninsula in June and is set to return in September to continue their exploration.
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