Torysh Valley of Balls, Mangystau

Huge stone balls, ranging from 1 to 3 meters in diameter, are scattered across a vast area in the Torysh Valley. Some are flattened, some are split, and others appear to be glued together. This valley of stone balls is one of the iconic sights of Mangystau, attracting thousands of tourists every year.

At first glance, these balls might seem to have a mystical origin, perhaps created by giants for their games. In reality, they are a rare geological phenomenon known as "nodules." These spheres formed around 60 million years ago in the waters of the Tethys Ocean. Minerals and other elements layered around objects like shark teeth and shells, gradually increasing in size and fossilizing. As the ocean receded, these giant spheres emerged and weathered in the hot sun for millions of years, resulting in their cracked and split appearance.

Similar stone balls can be found in various parts of the world, including New Zealand, the Franz Josef Land archipelago in Russia, and California, USA. However, Kazakhstan boasts the largest number of these giant balls, with thousands, perhaps even tens of thousands, scattered across the region.

The Torysh Valley of Balls is located north of Aktau. To reach it, you first drive 105 km on good asphalt, followed by another 7-8 km on a dirt road to the largest cluster of stones. This Mangystau attraction can be visited on a one-day tour, which can also include other sights like the Shakpak-ata Mosque or Sherkala Mountain.