Visit to a canyon and Shakpak-Ata Necropolis
Tours to Mangyshlak

The Necropolis of Shakpak-Ata (10^th-13^th cc.) and its underground mosque are located on the Tupkargan peninsula, 15 km from Sarytash bay. The Shakpak-Ata mosque takes the shape of a Latin cross. It is cut into the slope of a stone outcrop between two ravines going down the face of Ungazy mountain. The cruciate shape of the mosque brings to mind another purpose of the mosque in pre-Islamic times. Shakpak-Ata mosque displays the best traditions of nomadic stone work.

The entrance to the mosque is formed as a portal arch, with several recesses for the entombing of revered imams cutout nearby. The mosque takes the shape of a regular cross with an elongated southern end. The corners of the central square hall are decorated with massive columns which support a high arch with a round opening in the middle. The arches between the columns have remnants of multi-colored murals.

In the western section of the mosque there are small rectories. The walls of the mosque's halls, portal and recesses are covered with painting from different times - contour images of horses and riders, bulls, open palms, and floral designs. A Sufi poem about this world's fragility and life's futility stands out among the other inscriptions.

The Program:

Travel itinerary: Aktau - Fort Shevchenko - Kapam-Sai valley - Shakpak-Ata mosque - Aktau

Day 1. Transfer: Aktau - Shakpak-Ata necropolis (130 km., 3 hours). Departure from Aktau. We drive in the direction of the small town of Fort Shevchenko on the coast of the Caspian Sea. At the 84^th km of the road to Aktau, Fort Shevchenko, we turn off into the long and narrow Kapam-Sai valley.

The road is covered with silicon chips. We arrive at a shepherd's stand, which looks like a garage with a number of old and useless cars; then we pass the old tomb and stop at the foot of a rocky mountain. From here we walk up limestone steps to Shakpak-Ata mosque, cutout of the slope. There is an ancient graveyard in front of the mosque.

Sightseeing and walking around. Lunch. Return to Aktau via the Shakhbagata-sai valley with picturesque colorful rocks, this is one of the most beautiful places in Mangyshlak. Walking tour rest of the day, then continue the drive to Aktau via Tauchik village (120 km).

Cost program includes:	Cost program does not include:
all transfers by "UAZ" car; guide services; entrance and ecological fees; lunch; mineral water along the way.	tips; medical expenses and health insurance; additional excursions not indicated in the program; personal expenses; alcoholic drinks; phone calls.

We hope you like the program and assure you that we are absolutely open to any suggestions to increase the range of our services for the entire satisfaction of our clients and are happy to meet your special requirements.

You can alter the duration of your tour and places of visits by adding one of the extensions. Our tour operator will work closely with you or your travel agent to carefully prepare an itinerary based on your stated interests.

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