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Author Natalya Novikova - Guide touroperating company "Tourist" LLP
THE SANDS OF MANGYSTAU
A considerable part of Kazakhstan's territory is occupied by deserts. These are the famous Kyzylkum and Betpak-Dala, the Altyn-Emel dune and the Taukum deserts, Big and Small Badgers, Ryn-Sands and Saryesik-Atyrau, the reserved Ustyurt and the new Aralkum desert. Deserts usually attract curious tourists and extreme motorists.
Mangystau is a different land, a different Kazakhstan! And it has such amazing landscapes, that take away your breath and make your heart beat faster.
Chinks, oddly shaped chalk outcrops, salt marshes, and takyrs–these are the first associations with the landscapes of Mangystau and the Ustyurt plateau. In addition to all the above, here in several places, you can find real sand dunes! The area of sandy coverage in some locations reaches several kilometers, and the height of particular dunes exceeds 25 meters.

Photo by Natalya Novikova.
These sands are called "nomadic" because they do not stand in one place, but gradually shift, trying to absorb the nearest settlements. The state is taking measures to reduce the movement of sand by planting vegetation on it, which should contain desertification.
Local strong winds, wandering dunes, and unpleasant sounds of sand, similar to the hissing of a snake, create problems for residents, but for tourists, this place looks very exotic and therefore attractive. Imagine a picture: on the one side – golden dunes with a height of thirty meters; on the other – chalk chinks, greenery, and camels moving freely near settlements.
Imagine a picture: on the one side – golden dunes with a height of thirty meters; on the other – chalk chinks, greenery, and camels moving freely near settlements.

Photo by Natalya Novikova.
The most famous and accessible to visit are the Seneca Sands (Tuyesu), which resemble the landscape of the Sahara. It is worth being careful because the sand here is so fine that there is a high chance of getting stuck in a quicksand trap.
This place has become a favorite of Mangistau residents not only for the beauty of nature but also for the opportunity to ride sand slides, knowing that with any method of rolling down the hill - whether you run or jump - silky sands will provide you a soft fall. These dunes are especially well-suited for extreme sports.


Photo by Natalya Novikova.
Sandy Cape is another universal place. It will impress those who are madly in love with the sea, those who would like to touch the harsh beauty of Kazakhstan's nature, lovers of extreme driving, fishers, and romantics tired of the city rush. It is one of the best coasts of the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan, where the combination of blue water and yellow sand is in perfect harmony.
These sands are not the only ones, there are also Kyzylkum and Akkum, Sholshagylkum and Bostankum, Sam and Zhilymshik sands.
And besides, after the recent rally raids, world-class foreign racers noted that they had never seen such huge dunes as the local ones.
Don't you believe that? Come to two-day tour "The magic of sand dunes" and see for yourself!

Photo by Natalya Novikova.
More interesting informations about Mangistau in our blog