If you are in Kazakhstan, don’t miss out to see the iconic sight of Mount Bokty near the famous Bozzhyra Canyon on the Ustyurt Plateau. This mesmerizing mountain is 165 meters above the nearby plains. In certain lights, the mountain offers multiple shades of yellow, brown, coral, and white. Mount Bokty formation looks like a layered cake due to multi-colored deposits of clay and sandstone. The mountain is composed of chalky limestone and features sharp peaks and steep cliffs.
The present appearance of the mountain is triggered by incessant winds, erosion, and natural geological processes. Mount Bokty at its best peak during dawn and dusk, when the rocks reflect the light in a sizzling glow. It’s a fascinating natural wonder in the world; it stands out with its unusual shape and unique landscape, resembling a massive ship or fortress.
Although the fauna is poor, as this area was once a heaven for sharks in the ancient ocean. So, you may encounter the fossilized teeth of an ancient shark under your feet. Almost every Kazakh has seen an image of Mount Bokty. Since it is depicted on a 1000 tenge banknote. Many visitors compare Mount Bokty to an overturned ship. However, if you take a closer look from the other side, it looks like an artificial pyramid shaped by nature. Mount Bokty climate is sharply continental, with dry and hot summers and rarely rains in summer.
Mount Bokty is about 250 kilometers away from the nearest city, Aktu. It is highly recommended to take the service of a guide, as you can get lost in the middle of the desert if the GPS signal is lost. Hence, while visiting this remote location, pack the extra food, water, medicines, a tent, and most importantly, a spare tire and fuel.
First, you have to drive 152 kilometers to the town of Janaozen and then cover another 20 kilometers to the village of Kyzylsay. Thus, at the fork in the road in Kyzylsay, you have to turn right towards the Senek village. (Don’t forget to witness the Senek Sand dunes, which are roughly 100 feet high.).
After that, be prepared for dirt roads as the paved roads end here. After travelling another 25 kilometers, you will see an old cemetery in the Besokty area. From here, exit the dirt road and drive northeast through the desert with sparse vegetation. After 15 kilometers, you will encounter the most beautiful marvel in the world, Mount Bokty.
It’s visible from afar, and then the famous Bozjyra Tract, where you’ll see Mangystau’s most remarkable views, is just 20 km away, so be sure to visit it too. In winter, little snow is here; therefore, there are no green spaces except those characteristics of the desert.
You may encounter different animals and insects in the desert area, likelizards, scorpions, and grazing livestock. Moreover, the surrounding area is dried-up salt marsh, stretching wasteland in hundreds of square kilometers. Mount Bokty offers a tranquil escape and a chance to discover Kazakhstan’s lesser-known but spectacular natural treasures.
