Torysh Valley of Stone Spheres, Mangystau

In the vast Torysh Valley, enormous stone spheres, some measuring up to three meters in diameter, lie scattered across a sprawling landscape. Some spheres are flattened, others cracked open, and a few even appear to have fused together. This is the famous Valley of Stone Spheres in Mangystau, a landmark visited by thousands of tourists each year.

The sight of these massive orbs invokes thoughts of ancient giants who might have crafted these stones for their games. Yet, these formations are not mystical relics but rather a rare geological phenomenon known as “concretions.” Around 60 million years ago, these spheres began to form in the ancient waters of the Tethys Ocean. Mineral layers gradually accumulated around shark teeth, shells, and other objects, causing the spheres to grow over time until they eventually fossilized. As the ocean receded, these giant spheres were left exposed to the elements, cracking and splitting under the intense heat of the sun over millions of years.

Though similar stone spheres can be found worldwide, they are rare and occur only in a few regions, including New Zealand, Russia’s Franz Josef Land, and California, USA. However, Kazakhstan boasts the largest collection of these giant spheres, with thousands—perhaps even tens of thousands—scattered throughout the region.

Torysh Valley is located north of Aktau, with a 105-kilometer drive on a paved road, followed by an additional 7-8 kilometers on a dirt track to reach the largest cluster of these unique stones. The Valley of Stone Spheres is accessible as a day trip and pairs well with other nearby attractions, such as the Shakpak-Ata Mosque or Mount Sherkala.