Picturesque gorges in mountains of Eastern Karatau on Mangistau.

“After spending the night in Ausdubas, we headed back to Kara-tau, to Zharmysh, which lies about 25 versts east of Ausar and where a caravan should have been waiting for us. The space between the white chalk and the crystalline schists of the Kara-tau is narrower than usual here. This space is occupied by ridges of intergrown formations, the layers of which are inclined to the northwest, and the buttress closest to the Kara-tau represented a brightly colored suite of rocks, first noticed in Ausar; white and brick-red colors predominated in this suite, there were many gypsum intergrowths and in places layers of bad coal. In general, the brightly colored group apparently appears everywhere as a narrow strip along the northern side of the Far Kara-tau.”

"Through Mangyshlak and Ustyurt to Turkestan." Barbot de Marni. 1889.

Trip to Zharmy Gorge from Aktau.

Zharmysh Gorge is located at an altitude of 221 to 254 meters above sea level, in northern part of Eastern Karatau Range, 3 kilometers southwest of village of Zharmysh, 21.1 kilometers east of village of Shetpe in Mangistau district of region of same name. 
The Zharmysh Gorge is not long, its length of the expressed part of the gorge is 3.5 kilometers, it cuts through the northern part of the Eastern Karatau Range. The gorge begins at the seasonal reservoir located 2 kilometers west of the village of Zharmysh and ends in the northern part of the Kyzyltam valley.
The Zharmysh Gorge is one of the picturesque and little-known natural wonders of Mangistau. The gorge attracts travelers with its rugged beauty, unique geology and atmosphere of solitude. The gorge is located near the village of Zharmysh. An asphalt road leads to the village, but to get directly to the gorge, you need to overcome a winding country road leading up into the mountains.
It is best to use an SUV, as the path can be difficult, especially after precipitation. Local residents can tell you the way, but you can also focus on natural signs: the closer to the gorge, the more stones thrown out of the mountains by rain rivers and spring floods are found on the road.
The Zharmysh gorge is famous for its small but picturesque waterfall. Although it is not very powerful, its crystal clear water and surroundings create a special atmosphere. Some tourists believe that the waterfall is fed by underground springs or springs, as the water here is transparent and suitable for drinking.
In winter, the waterfall freezes, turning into long icicles, creating a fabulous landscape. In spring, melting snow and ice form streams that carry small stones into the steppe. In summer, the gorge can be hot, so the most pleasant time to visit is spring or autumn.
Zharmysh Gorge is a popular place among local tourists, especially in spring and autumn. It attracts with its natural beauty, the possibility of solitude and proximity to other attractions of Mangystau, such as the Karagie Depression, Mount Sherkala and the Kokala valley.
Zharmysh Gorge is a place where you can enjoy natural beauty, take a break from the bustle of the city and discover the unique landscapes of Mangystau.
Geographic coordinates of Zharmysh Gorge: N44°07'48 E52°25'21

Authority and photos by:
Alexander Petrov.