Altyn-Emel Geopark
A geopark is a unique natural region that vividly reveals the Earth's geological history, the formation of local landscapes, the formation of rocks and mineral deposits, and the remains of ancient plants and animals.
In Altyn-Emel National Park, such geological objects are the Kalkans, Katutau, and, above all, Aktau Mountains.
Ancient Ocean Bottom
The Aktau Mountains are the main attraction of the Altyn-Emel National Park after the Singing Dune.
This unique geological formation is the bottom of a dried-up ancient ocean (according to one theory, the Tethys Ocean), which once filled the Ili River basin.
The Aktau Mountains (translated from Kazakh as "white mountains") received their name from the predominantly white color of the rocks.
Location
The Aktau Mountains are located in the southeastern part of the Altyn-Emel National Park.
Distance from the village of Basshi: 72 km.
Distance from Almaty: about 320 km.
Dimensions
The Aktau Mountains stretch 30 km from east to west and up to 2 km from north to south.
The total area is approximately 50 sq. km.
Formation
The Aktau Mountains were formed during the Cretaceous period, the final period of the Mesozoic Era (145-66 million years ago).
Over time, tectonic and erosional activity created beautiful gorges and canyons composed of ribbon-like sedimentary rocks of various colors: green, red, blue, and white. The sediments reach heights of up to 1,000 meters.
Aktautitan and Other Paleontological Finds
Remains of ancient plants and animals have been discovered in the Aktau Mountains.
Several large sites of Cenozoic faunal remains have been identified. Excavations have uncovered numerous skeletal fragments of ancient animals that lived during various eras of the Cenozoic Era (approximately 50 million years ago): marsh rhinoceroses (brontotheres), crocodiles, mollusks, turtles, a giant rhinoceros, mastodons, and deer.
Tourist Attraction
Even from afar, as you approach the Aktau Mountains, unearthly, otherworldly landscapes greet you, reminiscent of a science fiction film set. The gorges and multicolored canyons of this mountain range form a long labyrinth. At the very entrance to the main canyon stands the famous striped mountain shaped like a yurt. There are several such "yurts" in Aktau.
The Aktau Mountains can only be entered from the village of Basshi.
