Zhygylgan: The Fallen Earth

Zhygylgan, a geological marvel whose name translates from Kazakh as “fallen earth,” is an impressive sight to behold. Here, a massive stone slab measuring approximately 2 by 4 kilometers and as thick as 50 meters once plunged into subterranean voids, shattering into thousands of colossal fragments. This natural catastrophe occurred thousands of years ago, and the elements have gradually softened the remnants of this ancient upheaval.

The collapse of Zhygylgan is attributed to tectonic shifts. Scientists theorize that, in the distant past, a powerful horizontal shift forced a solid stone layer above to displace the softer rock beneath it towards the Caspian Sea. Under its own immense weight, the upper slab collapsed downward, fracturing into pieces.

Once part of the Tethys Ocean’s seabed, the landscape evolved as water levels receded, transforming it into shallow grounds roamed by ancient horses and saber-toothed tigers. Today, the floor of Zhygylgan reveals fossilized tracks of these prehistoric creatures, preserved on the broken slabs for an estimated 10 to 15 million years. To view these fossilized tracks, visitors are advised to descend from the southeastern edge, ideally wearing sturdy trekking shoes.

Situated almost at the edge of the Caspian Sea, Zhygylgan is about 110 kilometers north of Aktau. Half of the route is paved, while the remaining stretch consists of dirt roads. Forty-five kilometers west lies the town of Fort Shevchenko, and the same distance eastward is Shakpak-Ata Mosque, a frequent companion to Zhygylgan in one-day tours from Aktau.