Kasachstan | Mangystau - Is THIS still EARTH ?

Mangystau is not simply a part of Kazakhstan; it is a different world, built upon the fossilised remains of ancient seas that once covered it. Limestone cliffs whose outcrops resemble the bones of prehistoric lizards, just waiting to rise up from the salt desert. The further you venture into these bizarre landscapes, the more you shed your previous life, your everyday routine, your worries and the noise. No crowds yet, and no staged viewpoints. Alongside colourful and whimsical rocks, the earth suddenly splits open and you catch sight of canyons and gullies, both large and small. Everywhere you go, you are alone with yourself and the world; you can pause and pay homage to nature and the impressive creations it has wrought here. Rather than interpretation, what is called for here is mindfulness. Instead of staying in luxury hotels, I slept in a tent, directly beneath the breathtaking rocks, often in the midst of storms and rain. Moments of pure bliss during the golden and blue hours rounded off this wonderful journey. In the shadow of rock formations whose colours look as though someone had painted them in bright hues, I explored Mangystau from the air, free as an eagle, to capture these beautiful landscapes for you.