Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region has drawn the attention of one of the world’s most influential media outlets. The Washington Post has published a feature describing the landscapes of western Kazakhstan as “lunar landscapes of the Silk Road”, presenting Mangystau as a destination unlike anything most travelers expect, DKNews.kz reports.
The author of the article shares a personal travel experience, noting that Mangystau feels less like a traditional tourist destination and more like a journey to another planet.
The Washington Post
Bozzhyra, Torysh and Zhygylgan: an unexpected Kazakhstan
The piece highlights several iconic natural sites of the Mangystau region – Bozzhyra, Torysh, and the Zhygylgan.
The Washington Post
Particular attention is given to Torysh, widely known as the “Valley of Balls”. “Torysh, or the Valley of Balls, is a place where hundreds of spherical stones – from pebbles to massive boulders – are scattered across the landscape. Scientists have yet to agree on how they formed; I prefer the local theory that the valley was once the playroom of the gods,” the article notes.
Zhygylgan is described as a vast, multi-kilometer depression strewn with stone blocks the size of buildings. From afar, the author writes, it looks as if “a giant once sat on the shore of the Caspian Sea and crushed the earth beneath him”.
A destination for solitude and authenticity
Beyond the dramatic visuals, The Washington Post emphasizes the experience of solitude and authenticity that Mangystau offers. The region is portrayed as a place far removed from mass tourism – with no crowds, no polished resorts, and landscapes that change dramatically from one kilometer to the next.
The Washington Post
According to the author, this is precisely what many international travelers are seeking today: quiet, space, and a sense of discovery that is increasingly hard to find in overcrowded destinations.
Why this matters for Kazakhstan
The appearance of Mangystau in The Washington Post is more than just positive publicity. It signals that the region is steadily gaining recognition as a destination for adventure and educational tourism on the global stage.
The Washington Post
Tourism experts note that international interest in Mangystau has been growing, a trend confirmed by rising visitor numbers. What was once a little-known corner of Kazakhstan is gradually emerging as a new point of attraction on the world’s travel map.
The “lunar landscapes of the Silk Road” may soon become one of Kazakhstan’s most distinctive images for travelers looking beyond the usual routes.
