A Place Filled with Magic

One of the most mysterious and breathtaking places in Kazakhstan is Mount Boszhira and the surrounding Boszhira Tract. This place is imbued with a rare magic and unique spirit. Upon seeing this majestic creation of natural elements, it's easy to feel like a participant in ancient legends.

The Boszhira Tract is located on the Mangyshlak Peninsula in the Mangystau region of southwestern Kazakhstan, and each year it attracts more and more tourists.

If you plan to travel through Mangystau, the Boszhira Tract should be a must-visit destination. This place will leave you with special memories that will last a lifetime.

The History of the Tract

The mysterious formations of Mount Boszhira were created through the process of weathering limestone deposits that were once part of the seabed of the ancient Tethys Ocean, which existed more than 10 million years ago. Later, the climate dramatically changed, becoming dry and windy, causing the sea to recede and exposing the seabed, which eventually transformed into a picturesque desert. The limestone deposits that surfaced began to gradually erode under the forces of nature. Centuries of struggle between rock, water, and wind led to the formation of this unique and awe-inspiring landscape.

The Magic of Mount Boszhira

Travelers are greeted by the famous Boszhira Fangs—"Azhu Tisteri." These two monumental columns, standing 200 meters tall, rise skyward from the chalky scree. The base of "Azhu Tisteri" is the most popular spot in Boszhira, where tourists often set up camp and take photos. However, the main viewing point for photography is the plateau, which offers a panoramic view of the various rock formations, with sizes and shapes resembling ancient wizards’ citadels, a giant yurt, or the fang of a prehistoric giant.

The rocks take on a magnificent array of colors at sunset and sunrise, but it is only at night that one can witness true magic. The tract becomes filled with an "ancient, timeless magic," and the light of the moon and stars makes it easy to believe in fairy tales.

How to Get There

A trip to Boszhira typically involves a combination of driving and hiking through the valley.

The nearest major city with an international airport is Aktau, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Upon arriving in the city, you’ll need to rent a car. The distance from Aktau to Boszhira is approximately 300 kilometers. First, you need to drive from Aktau to the town of Zhanaozen. After about 20 kilometers, you’ll see a fork in the road with signs. The direction you need to take is towards the village of Senek (turn right). From the village, the road leads through the valley of Mount Bokty, another natural attraction. It’s worth noting that the roads are quite challenging, with sand and stones, so your vehicle should be equipped for serious off-road conditions.

Additional Recommendations

During the day, the rocks (mountain formations) get extremely hot under the scorching sun. When visiting, be sure to wear light headgear and bring a bottle of water. If you plan to stay for the night or evening, be sure to bring warm clothing, as it can get quite chilly after sunset.