Katutau Mountains

The Katutau Mountains are situated in the eastern part of the Altyn-Emel National Park. These are the most extensive and highest desert mountains in the region, with peaks reaching an elevation of 1,630 meters. Covering a total area of 646 sq. km, Katutau is 13 times larger than the neighboring Aktau massif, which is geologically considered a part of the same range.

• Length: 40 km from east to west.
• Width: 25–30 km from north to south.
• Total Area: 646 sq. km.

The silhouettes of these mountains are visible from afar as you travel through the park. They continue to flank the horizon even after you leave the official boundaries, accompanying travelers along nearly the entire road from the village of Basshi to the town of Zharkent.

An especially scenic section of the range can be seen where the highway crosses the mountains, about 30 km from the village of Koktal (a common route for those traveling from Charyn Canyon to Altyn-Emel). However, to fully appreciate their grandeur, one must stop and venture deeper into the massif.

In this area, different sections of Katutau have earned unique names based on their otherworldly appearance and colors:

• Turtle Mountains with rock formations that resemble the texture of a tortoise shell.
• Tiger Mountains with slopes adorned with striking, contrastingly striped patterns.

While the entire landscape is under the protection of the National Park, the volcanic (lava) mountains located deep within the official park boundaries are designated as a strictly protected zone.

The history of this land began hundreds of millions of years ago. The foundation of the Katutau Mountains consists of coastal-marine sediments from the Carboniferous period – witnesses to the era of the great Paleo-Tethys Ocean. Later, during the Mesozoic Era, it was succeeded by the Tethys Ocean, on the floor of which the neighboring Aktau Mountains would eventually form.

In the layers of Katutau, researchers discover traces of the planet’s primitive inhabitants: amphibians, ancient algae, and microscopic organisms known as foraminifera.

During the Permian period (approximately 250-300 million years ago), this region became an arena for massive volcanic eruptions. Although time and wind have long since eroded the classic shapes of the volcanic cones, the very structure of the Katutau Mountains and the ancient Konyrolen volcanic center betrays their turbulent past. Today, they consist of many kilometers of frozen lava flows and ash. In the central part of Katutau, a unique system of radial dikes has been preserved. These are magma flows that solidified within fissures in the Earth's crust, radiating up to 8 kilometers from the ancient centers of activity. One can also observe layers of pink, lilac, reddish-brown, and chocolate-colored volcanic tuffs (rocks).

The volcanic activity in this region coincided with a pivotal moment in Earth's history – the Great Permian Extinction (approximately 252 million years ago). Also known as the "Great Dying," it was the most devastating biological catastrophe ever, resulting in the loss of over 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial life.

While the primary volcanic events took place in what is now modern-day Siberia, the massive eruptions in this area were also part of these global tectonic processes. Erupting lava, ash clouds, and toxic gases forever altered the face of the ancient supercontinent Pangea.

The volcanic past has left behind a rich diversity of natural forms and minerals: agate and quartz geodes (crystals formed inside stones) occur within the rock, while the eastern part of the range features horizons of black vitrophyres (volcanic glass). In the western section of the massif, the rock surfaces are marked by vibrant green traces of copper (malachite staining).

In the southern part of the range, vast yellow-orange fields stretch out — the remnants of ancient thermal springs (solfataras). At this site, hot gases and waters once erupted to the surface, forming specific mineral deposits known as petrified geysers of Ashchybastau. The presence of certain trace elements, including fine-grained gold particles, serves as confirmation for scientists of the past heat of the Earth's interior and the intensity of hydrothermal processes.

The very name Katutau (translated from Kazakh as "frozen" or "harsh" mountains) perfectly captures the character of the entire massif.

Products of massive volcanic eruptions once covered a vast area here. Over millions of years, this material has been eroded and weathered, gradually taking on intricate and bizarre shapes. Today, the preserved lava outcrops of Katutau, with their reddish and deep-brown hues, stand as a unique natural monument.

Thanks to sites like Katutau, the Altyn-Emel National Park is rightfully considered a geopark — a special natural region where the geological history of the Earth is vividly revealed. Here, one can trace the stages of landscape formation, the creation of ancient rocks, and the development of mineral deposits containing the remains of prehistoric plants and animals.

Ancient rock carvings – featuring figures of argali, humans, and hunting scenes – have been preserved within the remote canyons of Katutau. These petroglyphs serve as vital historical evidence: they prove that since the Bronze and Iron Ages, these lands were centers of life for nomadic and semi-settled tribes.

Today, access to these sites is strictly limited. The standard tourist route in Katutau is restricted to visiting the famous lava outcrops, and the Katutau petroglyphs, Permian volcanoes, and the petrified geysers of Ashchibastau are located far from public trails. These are specialized routes open only to scientists and authorized experts.

The Katutau Mountains are located in a remote part of the national park, and a visit is typically planned in conjunction with a trip to the Aktau Mountains. To ensure your visit is comfortable and follows all regulations — please review the detailed instructions below:

• Self-Drive Trip to the Singing Dune and the Aktau Mountains — the optimal travel plan, essential route information, road conditions, and time estimates.
• How to Buy a Permit — up-to-date information on park opening hours, entry rules, and permit costs.