Tamdytau Mountains
A low, rocky range of ridges about 60 km long in the Kyzylkum desert, rising to 922 metres at Mount Aktau.
Nature
About the place
Tamdytau is a chain of bare rocky ridges and isolated hills running roughly east to west across the central Kyzylkum. It is about 60 km long and its highest point is Aktau, at 922 metres. The rocks are sandstones, shales and limestones cut by granite.
The climate is sharply continental: summer highs can reach 46–48°C and winter lows fall far below freezing. Sparse desert shrubs grow on the slopes and foothills.
Why go
- Rocky ridges in the middle of the Kyzylkum
- Wide desert views
- Far from any crowds