The Kyzylkup tract, also known as “Tiramisu,” is a group of bright and picturesque hills composed of red-and-white layers of ancient chalk rock, scattered for several kilometers across the yellow Kazakh steppe. The nickname “Tiramisu” was invented by local guides, as the slopes of these hills and cliffs resemble the famous Italian dessert.

In Kazakh, this toponym translates as “a lot of red” (kyzyl – red, kup – many). Like almost all attractions in Mangystau, the Kyzylkup tract owes its formation to the ancient Tethys Ocean (from 850 to 60 million years ago). But unlike other places, here the new seabed layers were periodically enriched with iron compounds, which gave them a red color. The rock layers also contain shades of yellow and brown, which appeared due to mixing with various minerals.