Zhygylgan Fault, Mangystau

"Fallen Earth" is the translation of "Zhygylgan," a massive sinkhole in western Mangystau that plunges over 50 meters deep and sprawls across nearly 9 square kilometers. The name perfectly captures this natural wonder characterized by enormous rock formations that tumbled into place thousands of years ago. But what's the story behind this intriguing landscape, and what makes Zhygylgan so captivating?

Located about 110 km north of Aktau, Zhygylgan suddenly emerges on the horizon, interrupting the endless steppe with its sharp cliffs, reminiscent of a layered cake. Spanning over 2 km in width and 4 km in length, this geological marvel concludes at the Caspian Sea's shores. The rocky formations scattered throughout are 35-50 meters thick, predominantly made up of limestone.

Zhygylgan's formation is rooted in tectonics. Scientists believe that ages ago, a powerful horizontal shift caused the sturdier top layer, termed the "shell," to compress the softer clay and sand layers beneath it, driving them towards the Caspian Sea. This compression led the "shell" to collapse under its weight, breaking into fragments. This top layer comprises multiple sediment layers, remnants from the ancient Tethys Ocean and subsequent Sarmatian and Akchagyl seas.

Around 10-15 million years ago, when the seas withdrew, ancient horses and saber-toothed tigers roamed the once marshy terrains. Their footprints, imprinted on the dense mud, were left behind as the landscape dried and solidified. Today, Zhygylgan offers a glimpse of these bygone creatures' tracks, visible within the heart of its massive rock structures.

En route to Zhygylgan, travelers can explore ancient Kazakh necropolises like Kenty Baba, Akhshora, and Karagashty Aulie. Venturing through the village of Tauchik offers a detour to Kapamsay Canyon, and further on is another renowned Mangystau attraction: the Shakpak-ata Mosque. A typical day trip from Aktau usually combines a visit to both Zhygylgan and Shakpak-ata.

If you're planning a visit to the Zhygylgan fault, expect to spend several hours, especially if you decide to descend into its depths. Setting off early from Aktau is recommended. Equip yourself with sturdy hiking shoes, pack enough water, and some lunch. Prepare for a thrilling journey through the realms of geology and paleontology.