AkMeshit Cave

ach year, thousands of travelers journey to the Turkestan region, seeking to connect with sacred sites that promise healing from ailments and the restoration of inner peace. The Baidibek Hollow, or Ak-Meshit Cave, stands as one such revered place. This unique natural landmark is located 90 kilometers from Shymkent, just five kilometers from the village of Kenestobe.

The cave—known variously as Baidibek Hollow, a sinkhole, or even a chasm—features a 30-meter-wide opening. Curiously, the entrance to the grotto is nearly invisible from a few dozen meters away. On either side of the road, hills rise steeply, but only upon following the trail upward does the opening reveal itself. From a distance, it seems small, yet as you approach, the entrance’s size grows impressive.

Legends about Ak-Meshit Cave are abundant. One popular story tells of the batyr (hero) Yesirkep Koigeldi: before embarking on a campaign against the Dzungars, rain poured down, forcing over ten thousand soldiers to take refuge in the cave. One of the warriors proposed naming the cave after their leader, but Yesirkep declined.

“This sacred region of the Karatau Mountains has given us shelter, not only for ourselves but for our horses. Here, we performed our prayers, and this pristine white cave has left an indelible mark on us. Its strength lies in its purity, and so I propose we call it ‘Ak-Meshit,’ meaning ‘White Mosque,’” said Yesirkep, according to one version of the story. Since then, the name Ak-Meshit has been passed down, referring to this revered “White Mosque.” However, the precise age of the cave remains unknown.

In 1973, geologists from Moscow who examined the cave theorized that it might have formed from a meteorite impact. Historians note that the rocks making up the cave date back to the Eneolithic period. Today, Ak-Meshit ranks among Central Asia’s largest caves.

Perched atop a hill, the cave boasts a surface area of 200 square meters. Descending 10–12 meters via a metal staircase, visitors step into an open space exceeding one hectare. The cave ceiling rises to 32–35 meters in height, with a length of 162 meters and a width of 64 meters. Sunlight enters only from the west in the afternoon, lending the cave a mystical, cathedral-like atmosphere.

In the cave’s center, mulberry trees grow, creating an impression of being in a forest grove rather than an underground space. Remarkably, there isn’t a single tree to be found for kilometers around outside. Curiously, the trees grow only at the cave’s heart, while the rest is blanketed in a natural carpet of sand, bird feathers, and debris. Over hundreds of years, nesting materials mixed with soil to create a springy, cushion-like surface underfoot. The air within the cave is distinct from that on the surface, maintained year-round at a comfortable 18–20 degrees Celsius. This natural thermostat keeps the cave cool in summer’s intense heat and warm even in the harshest winter.

In some places, water seeps through the rocks, though the source is unknown. This moisture sustains the lush greenery of trees and shrubs inside, even when temperatures soar outside. According to seasoned guides, visitors often note an immediate effect upon entering the cave. The air feels easy to breathe, and many report a surge of energy. Some find that their blood pressure stabilizes, while others experience relief from ailments like diabetes. Many visitors describe a “recharging” effect that helps dispel negative energy. Research studies have verified that just 15 minutes inside the cave can normalize blood pressure levels.

The Ak-Meshit Cave, with its tranquil beauty, legendary origins, and purported healing powers, offers not only a unique natural wonder but also a chance to experience renewal and balance in the heart of the Turkestan region.