Places
Airakty-Shomanai, the Valley of Castles
Isolated mountains that look like ruined fortresses, towers and walls.
The Airakty and Shomanai rocks were carved by wind and time out of layers of an ancient seabed. From afar they form castle silhouettes, and the summits open a wide view over the steppe.
The name “Valley of Castles” stuck thanks to drawings by Taras Shevchenko, who served his exile on Mangyshlak in the 19th century and sketched these mountains. Nearby are the chalky Sherkala and the colourful Kokkala gorge.
Tours to this place
Top01
Valley of Spheres & Valley of Castles
- Valley of Spheres
- Kokkala
- Sherkala
- Airakty-Shomanai
350–380 km10–12 hlunch included
120,000 ₸
for 3 guests · 40,000 ₸ per person
05
The Lace Canyon & Valley of Castles
- Ybyktysay
- Karaman-Ata
- Airakty-Shomanai
- Sherkala Mountain
350–380 km10–12 hlunch included
130,000 ₸
for 3 guests · 43,333 ₸ per person
06
Canyons, Spheres & Castles — a Two-in-One Day
- Kapamsay Canyon
- Shakpak-Ata
- Valley of Spheres
- Kokkala
- Sherkala
- +1
350–380 km12–14 hlunch included
150,000 ₸
for 3 guests · 50,000 ₸ per person
Top07
Ybyktysay, Castles & Spheres
- Ybyktysay
- Airakty-Shomanai
- Sherkala
- Kokkala
- Valley of Spheres (Torysh)
450–480 km12–14 hlunch included
150,000 ₸
for 3 guests · 50,000 ₸ per person
20
Zhygylgan & the Castles — a Two-in-One Day
- Zhygylgan
- Lake Kuzdykary
- Kapamsay Canyon
- Valley of Spheres
- Kokkala
- +2
400–450 km15–16 hlunch included
170,000 ₸
for 3 guests · 56,667 ₸ per person