Akzhar, the mountains
Located near Ulytau village (Karagandy region). The Akzhar mountains consist of low hills of yellow and red shades, sharply contrasting with the surrounding steppe. Mountains are formed by loamy soils with an admixture of gypsum (crystal gypsum is abundant at the top of the hills). Apparently, the peaks of the hills have found their unique shade due to the abundance of the smallest amethyst crystals in the loam. On the territory of the massif there are vast caves, where you can find nests of large birds of prey. In ancient times and in the Middle Ages, Mount Akzhar was considered a sacred place. The area where the Akzhar Mountains lie is similar to the hills of Ularulu, located in Australia.
Martian landscapes of Akzhar are unique. Cretaceous hills are best seen during sunrise or sunset. It is at this time of day that many tourists seek out the unique natural beauty of the area. In the pagan Tengrian culture, the Akzhar Mountains were considered a sacred place. According to an ancient Turkic legend, the sons of the gods descended from these peaks to the mortals. Cretaceous Akzhar Mountains is an ancient natural monument testifying to the multi-million year history of creation of the land. The monument is an object of unique natural landscape, widely known and visited by the population.