Akmeshit Cave

From the outside, the small hidden entrance means it's hard to get an impression of what lies waiting for you inside Akmeshit Cave. But when you're standing deep within it, a colossal hall carved by nature from stone surrounds you. It's easy to see why it has become a place of legends - from stories of refugees sheltering here during a Dzungarian invasion, to tales of dragons being chased from the cave by prophet Suleiman.

As well as the stunning rock formations that you'll find within the cave, there's also an interesting microclimate that creates a much warmer interior compared to the outside. Trees cannot grow in or around the cave, and still, you will find an oasis.

In the Kazakh language Akmeshit means 'White Mosque' and it lives up to the name. The caves of limestone layers rise 25 metres into the air and are said to take away negative energy. For many, this is a spiritual and sacred place, and it's common for people to come here asking for miracles.