The Aktau Chalk Mountains. Sedimentary layers of various colors remain from the time when the waters of an ancient sea lapped in the Ili Basin. Canyons and gorges were formed in the modern era by erosion.

The Aktau Mountains are one of the largest paleontological sites with Cenozoic deposits, four of which contain bone deposits of various ages, ranging from the Eocene (approximately 50 million years ago) to the present day, and one contains plant imprints. Excavations have uncovered numerous remains of ancient animals from various geological eras (late Eocene, upper Oligocene, early Miocene, and Anthropogene), including swamp rhinoceroses (Brontotherium), crocodiles, mollusks, turtles, a giant rhinoceros, mastodons, and deer. A complete brontotherium skeleton and three skulls were discovered during joint Kazakh-American expeditions in 1995-97 and represent the first and most complete fossils found in Kazakhstan. The animals are estimated to be 25-30 million years old. Judging by the preserved trunk remains and leaf imprints, the main vegetation here was xerophilous forests consisting of poplars—the ancestors of modern Asiatic poplars—oaks, and riparian woods.

Katutau Volcanic Mountains. Lava remains. The name of these mountains is variously translated as gloomy, empty, and dead. In ancient, timeless times (240 million years ago), these areas were home to volcanoes comparable in size to Mount Vesuvius and Etna in Europe, and Avachinsky in Kamchatka. They were located in the eastern and western parts of Katutau. The peaks of two volcanoes can still be seen today. Volcanic activity was confirmed by the discovery of the remains of mud volcanoes in the area adjacent to the mountains. A huge prehistoric reservoir was located at the foot of the volcanoes. The remains of the volcanic activity, which had by then died out, were gradually covered by sediments washed down from the mountains. The volcanic vents were buried. Millions of years passed, the reservoir disappeared, and the bottom of the reservoir gradually eroded under the action of wind and water. Buried volcanic vents, lava flows, volcanic ash, and bombs were exposed. And from all this, nature began to create bizarre sculptures, surreal compositions, and individual forms. The mountains contain radial dike launches (a dike is a magma-filled crack in the ground, formed by ground movement during an eruption or earthquake), which can extend up to 8 km.

The Singing Dune is a large sand dune located between two low mountain ranges, the Bolshoi and Maly Kalkan. The dune’s singsong are caused by the hum of sand, as thousands of grains rub against each other. It’s approximately 3 km long, and the sand dune is 150 meters high. According to the topographic map, the dune’s height is 667.4 above sea level, and its name is Akkum-Kalkan. It is said to have formed due to the wind pattern. Along the Ili River, the wind most often blows eastward, and along the mountains, westward. Therefore, the “sandbox” always remains in the same place.

Hot springs in Chundzha: The thermal water in the springs has a low mineral content, and its therapeutic properties are confirmed by a chemical-balneological report. According to it, the mineral waters are therapeutic table waters, slightly alkaline nitrogen waters of a complex composition, which have a beneficial effect not only on the digestive system but also on the body as a whole.

Temirlik Canyon: The Temirlik Canyons are located near Charyn Canyon, approximately 220 km from Almaty. Temirlik isn’t as popular as the Valley of Castles, but that’s part of its charm. Less-traveled trails and roads allow you to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness and enjoy the peace and beauty of this canyon. You can find vegetation here and camp in the shade of trees. The flora and fauna of this area are quite diverse. The river valley is covered with thickets of willow, oleaster, barberry, chingil, and tamarisk. Wildlife includes foxes, corsac foxes, hares, ibex, weasels, ermines, jerboas, and stone martens.

Bestamak Canyon. The gorge between the Temirlik River Canyon and the Valley of Castles is approximately 6 kilometers long. The exact meaning of the name Bestamak Canyon is difficult to translate. It has something to do with the color of this canyon. In Kazakh, “bes” means “five,” and “tamak” means “dish,” meaning five dishes. The canyon’s color scheme consists of five distinct colors. Furthermore, various sculptures formed by erosion can be seen in the canyon. A large “Teapot” sculpture stands out on the eastern slopes. Bestamak Canyon is very impressive due to its contrasting colors.