Off-road expedition to the Western chink of Ustyurt is a route to the second observation point of the Bozzhyra tract, which fundamentally changes the perception of this chalk valley. If the first viewpoint introduces the overall scale of the depression, here the traveler comes face-to-face with the rugged tectonics of the chink, the monumental geometry of residual table mountains, and the traces of an ancient nomadic civilization.
The second panorama of Bozzhyra no. 2 is located at an absolute elevation of 270 meters above sea level on the Western chink of the Ustyurt plateau in the Karakiyan district. It is separated from the first panorama of Bozzhyra no. 1 by just 3 kilometers across the upper plateau, yet the terrain of the tract is perceived deeper and more dramatically here.
The main landscape focal point is the 700-meter distance to a massive unnamed table mountain standing 266 meters high, rising in the middle of a stony terrace as if sliced by a giant knife. From the second viewpoint of Bozzhyra, a panoramic vista opens toward the western wing of the Ortasha plateau, the stepped terraces of the Zhogarly plateau (243.1 m), the cone of Shokytau, and the distant silhouette of mount Yurt (253.3 m).
The main archaeological value of the second panorama of Bozzhyra is a remarkably preserved ancient hunting aran located directly along the way to the cliff edge (200 meters from the start of the footpath descent). This monumental flagstone structure built by nomads features guiding stone walls that narrowed toward a pitfall trap on the brink of the abyss. Ancient hunters leveraged the natural fear animals had of heights, driving herds of saiga antelopes and goitered gazelles into the stone trap. The preserved stonework of the aran provides an effective foreground for landscape photographs against the abyss of the Ortasha plateau and the chalk cliffs of Bozzhyra.
A 4x4 jeep tour to the Bozzhyra tract is an exciting off-road journey to the chalk canyons of the Mangyshlak peninsula, where each observation point offers a new angle overlooking the bed of the ancient Tethys Ocean. You can explore the detailed 5-day tour itinerary across Mangystau, which includes a visit to the chink.
List of panoramic viewpoints in the Bozzhyra tract:
• First panorama of Bozzhyra (no. 1);
• Third panorama of Bozzhyra (no. 3);
• Fourth panorama of Bozzhyra (no. 4);
• Fifth panorama of Bozzhyra (no. 5);
• Sixth panorama of Bozzhyra (no. 6).
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How to get there and visit –
The second panoramic point of the Bozzhyra tract is situated at an elevation of 270 meters above sea level in the Karakiyan district of the Mangistau region, Republic of Kazakhstan. Geographically, the viewpoint is set on the Western chink of the Ustyurt plateau, 3 kilometers southeast of the first panorama.
GPS geographic coordinates of the second panorama of Bozzhyra no. 2:
43°27'32"N 54°03'48"E
Vehicle access ends at the brow of the upper plateau. Unlike the first panorama, driving directly up to the cliff cornice is not possible here. The final section of the route, measuring 552 meters in length, must be covered exclusively on foot. The trail descends along a sloping stony-marl terrace toward a narrow promontory of the Bozzhyra chink.
The ground underfoot consists of loose crushed stone and fragile limestone scree, making trekking shoes with grippy soles essential for the descent.
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Photography specifics and site tips:
• Angle for the aran: the best vantage point for shooting the historic aran is slightly above the stonework, capturing both the stone arrows of the ancient trap and the receding cliff edge of the Bozzhyra tract in a single frame;
• Light for the table mountain: the ideal window is 2 hours before sunset. Low rays of sunlight from the west reveal horizontal strata of sedimentary formations on the table mountain, creating deep shadows in the chasm between the observation point and the butte;
• Drone flights: exercise caution when flying around the table mountain—the massive rock face blocks radio signals when the drone enters the blind zone on the opposite side. Crosswinds sweeping through the gap between the chink and the mountain generate strong air turbulence above the Bozzhyra basin;
• Safety precautions: on the rocky ledge of the chink, the observation area narrows, and the limestone slabs feature voids underneath caused by wind erosion. Keep a safe distance from the open precipice, especially during gusty winds.
Tours and expeditions to the second panorama: a visit to the second panorama of Bozzhyra is included in the extended programs of our 4x4 jeep tours across Mangystau departing from Aktau. We handle the full organization of a self-sufficient field camp, provide reliable expedition 4x4 off-road vehicles, experienced local guides, and gear for safe pedestrian day hikes to hard-to-reach ledges along the Ustyurt chink.
Nearby attractions:
• Kertty tract;
• Fangs of Bozzhyra;
• Mount Yurt;
• Shatkal canyon;
• Akespe tract;
• Shomanay mountains;
• Mount Ushkiratau;
• Karashek salt flat lake;
• Mount Ulkenkeme;
• Mount Borly-Tau.
Photogallery:
