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, Aktau and Katutau Mountains.
Extinct volcano
The Katutau Mountains (meaning "frozen" or "harsh mountains" in Kazakh) are the result of intense volcanic activity. The central part of the Katutau range is home to a large extinct volcano dating from the Permian period, the final period of the Paleozoic Era, which culminated in the Great Mass Extinction approximately 251.9 million years ago.
The products of its powerful eruptions occupied a large area and subsequently eroded, taking on intricate shapes. The volcano's solidified lava has become a unique natural monument.
Location
The Katutau Mountains are located in the eastern part of the Altyn-Emel National Park.
Distance from the village of Basshi: 47 km.
Distance from Almaty: about 300 km.
Distance from the Aktau Mountains: 25 km.
Dimensions
The Katutau Mountains stretch 40 km from east to west and 25-30 km from north to south.
The Katutau Mountains are the largest and highest desert mountains in Altyn-Emel (their upper limit reaches 1,630 m).
