Sherkala Mountain

Sherkala stands alone on a plain near Shetpe, a rounded hill of about three hundred metres whose name means lion fortress: from one direction the profile suggests a lying lion, from another a white yurt, and the shape has made it the emblem of Mangystau. It is a residual hill left as the surrounding rock eroded away, banded in white and ochre, with caves and hollows in its sides and traces of a medieval settlement at its foot; local tradition holds that it was fortified. A path circles the base and a steep route goes up part way, though the summit involves scrambling on loose rock. The Airakty valley of eroded formations lies nearby.

What you actually see

• The lion profile - the hill's outline from the approach road.
• Banded rock - the white and ochre layers in the slopes.
• Caves and hollows - the erosion features around the base.
• The Airakty valley - the eroded formations in the neighbouring valley.

When to go

April to May and September to October; summer heat here is severe and there is no shade. Spring brings brief green and tulips on the plain. Morning and evening light suit the banded rock.

Honest expectations

The climb is on loose, steep ground and the summit is not a walk. There is no water, shade or facilities. Access requires a vehicle capable of the track. The lion resemblance depends entirely on the angle of approach.

Nearby

Torysh and the Valley of Balls lie close; Bozzhira is south.