Bozzhyra Canyon

The Bozzhyra Canyon is a natural feature located 300 km from the city of Aktau.

Geographical location

It is located 300 kilometers from the regional center of Mangystau Oblast, the city of Aktau, in the area of Karakiya district.

Description

The upper part consists of sandstone formations, desert landscapes, and prominent rocks reaching a height of 250 meters. In this area one can find fossilized shells, marine sponges, bellemnite brachiopods, and even a shark tooth that lived in the Tethys Ocean during the Mesozoic era. The ancient marine sandstones and reefs formed in the former ocean have become a pride "jewel" of Mangystau, and of Kazakhstan as a whole. The canyon contains archaeological monuments ranging from the Paleolithic to the early Middle Ages. The Bozzhyra Canyon is included in the list of specially protected areas of Mangystau region and is considered part of the Zhabayushkan State Natural Reserve, covering an area of 316,141 hectares.