Aktau Mountains
Ақтау таулары
Clay hills striped in white, red and orange, nicknamed the “Moon Mountains.” Ancient marine layers and fossils are visible in the canyons.
Aktau means “white mountain.” Located in the east of the park, it is made of clay and gypsum layers deposited tens of millions of years ago by ancient seas and lakes. Rainwater has carved these into tiers of white, red, orange and green gullies and small canyons. The landscape resembles the surface of the Moon, making it the most visually striking place in the park. Visitors usually walk from the parking area along a dry riverbed into the “White Aktau” canyon, then climb a small ridge to look down on the colored strata. There is also a “Red Aktau” viewpoint. Some layers contain fossils of ancient marine life and mammals (collecting is prohibited). It's about 130 km of dirt road from Bastau village. It is usually the main attraction on the second day of a two-day tour and is combined with the Katutau Mountains. Along the way you can often see wild asses and goitered gazelles.
Opening hours
Daytime (national park permit required)