One of America’s leading newspapers, The Washington Post, has dedicated a feature to the natural landscapes of Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region, highlighting their striking, almost otherworldly beauty. In the article, the country’s travel destinations are poetically described as the “lunar landscapes of the Silk Road.”

The author shares a personal journey through the region, introducing an international audience to the distinctive natural sites of Bozzhyra, Torysh, and the Zhygylgan Depression. Special attention is given to Torysh — the well-known “Valley of Balls,” where hundreds of stone spheres, ranging in size from pebbles to massive boulders, are scattered across the steppe. The origin of these formations remains a subject of scientific debate, and, as the author notes, the local legend describing the valley as the “playroom of the gods” sounds no less convincing.

Equally evocative is the description of the Zhygylgan Depression — a vast expanse filled with enormous rock blocks that from a distance resemble a shattered landscape. According to the author’s imagery, it feels as though a giant once sat on the shores of the Caspian Sea, crushing the ground beneath his weight.

The piece emphasizes Mangystau’s appeal as a destination for secluded and authentic travel, far from mass tourism. Growing interest from international media further confirms the region’s rising profile as a hub for adventure and educational tourism, a trend reflected in the increasing number of visitors.