Ybykty Canyon: Discover the Hidden Red Cliffs of Mangystau, Kazakhstan

Among the vast, rugged landscapes of Mangystau, Kazakhstan’s desert region in the west, lies a spectacular yet little-known natural treasure — Ybykty Canyon. Often overshadowed by more famous sites like Boszhira and Sherkala, Ybykty offers visitors a quieter, more intimate experience with nature.

With its towering red cliffs, labyrinthine passages, and colorful layers of sandstone, Ybykty Canyon is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking a remote, untouched landscape.

Where Is Ybykty Canyon Located?

Ybykty Canyon (also spelled Ybykhty or Ыбықты шатқалы) is located in the Mangystau Region of southwestern Kazakhstan, approximately:

180 km east of Aktau (about 3.5 hours by 4WD)

Near the base of the Ustyurt Plateau

Easily combined with stops at Tuzbair Salt Flat or Bozzhira

Ybykty is remote and has no infrastructure, so travelers should go with a guide or experienced local driver.

Why Visit Ybykty Canyon?

Unlike the wide, open expanses of other Mangystau landmarks, Ybykty offers a more enclosed, vertical experience:

🟥 Unique Red and Orange Rock Formations

🪨 Tall narrow walls and winding canyons

📸 Perfect for golden hour photography

🧭 Ideal for light hiking and exploration

🌌 Incredible stargazing and peaceful camping

The canyon’s unusual shapes and silent atmosphere feel like walking through a natural cathedral carved by time.

What to See and Do in Ybykty Canyon

🧱 Hike the Canyon Floor

The main trail winds through the bottom of the canyon between sheer walls of red sandstone. The silence is surreal, broken only by the wind or footsteps on gravel.

📷 Landscape Photography

The sunrise and sunset light creates dramatic shadows and illuminates the cliffs in deep red, orange, and violet hues — perfect for photos or drone shots.

🌿 Observe the Subtle Desert Flora

Despite the arid climate, look for hardy desert plants growing in sheltered crevices. In spring, wildflowers sometimes bloom after rain.

⛺ Camp Under the Stars

The isolation of Ybykty makes it an unforgettable wild camping location. There is zero light pollution, offering pristine stargazing conditions.

Travel Tips for Visiting Ybykty Canyon

🚗 Vehicle: A 4x4 is required; no paved roads

📍 Navigation: GPS or local guide highly recommended

💧 Bring supplies: No water or services on-site

🏕️ Camping permitted, but leave no trace

☀️ Best seasons: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October)

How Was Ybykty Canyon Formed?

Geologists believe Ybykty was carved by ancient rivers and wind erosion over millions of years, leaving behind multi-colored sandstone walls, natural pillars, and deeply grooved paths.

The vivid coloration of the rocks comes from iron oxide deposits and mineral-rich sediments laid down during the Mesozoic era.

Combine Ybykty with Nearby Attractions

Many travelers visit Ybykty as part of a broader Mangystau nature route, including:

Tuzbair Salt Flat

Bozzhira Valley

Sherkala Mountain

Torysh Valley (Valley of Balls)

This combination offers a diverse taste of Mangystau’s otherworldly scenery — from glowing canyons to salt deserts and limestone cliffs.

Final Thoughts: Ybykty Canyon — A Hidden Masterpiece of Mangystau

If you’re looking for a less crowded, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful place in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region, Ybykty Canyon is a perfect choice. It offers a unique contrast to the open plateaus and wide valleys, immersing you in red-rock corridors and desert solitude.

Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and off-road adventurers, Ybykty is a reminder that some of the world’s most incredible landscapes are still waiting to be discovered.