Ayrakty – The Valley of Castles

The Valley of Castles (Ayrakty/Shomonai) is located on the Mangystau Peninsula, approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Aktau.

Scattered across a vast flat plain are several massive and picturesque limestone buttes with sheer vertical walls. Over time, rain and wind have sculpted these formations into fantastical castles with towers, columns, spires, and battlements. Each mountain resembles an impregnable fortress, which is why this area is known as the “Valley of Castles.”

You can also find unique petroglyphs here—depictions of camels, horses, and other animals typical of the steppe fauna. Among all the carved creatures, the most revered and sacred, according to local residents, is the powerful wild ram—the mouflon.

The valley is especially beautiful in spring when it is blanketed in greenery and flowers. Autumn is also a pleasant time to visit. Summer can be extremely hot, while winter is very cold and windy.

Just 10 kilometers to the west lies another famous Mangystau landmark—the majestic Sherkala Mountain.