Bozzhyra, Mangystau

Millions of years ago this land lay beneath the Tethys Ocean. Its limestone and chalk deposits, more than 250 metres thick, were later lifted and worn down by wind and rain, exposing fossils of shells, sea urchins and shark teeth. Ancient stone hunting enclosures called arans, built to corral wild animals, can be found at many stops.

Bozzhyra has been included in the regional list of sacred sites under the 'Sacred Geography of Kazakhstan' project. It lies within the Zhabayushkan reserve, managed by the Kyzylsai state regional nature park, and since 1 September 2026 visitors pay fees for using trails, camping and vehicle entry.

Mangystau is sparsely populated, and the area around Bozzhyra has no villages, shops or mobile signal. Pilgrims and travellers cross the region to visit underground mosques such as Beket Ata, which lies close to Bozzhyra, and tour operators from Aktau run multi-day jeep trips that combine natural sites with these sacred places and nights in camps or yurts.