Sherkala

Sherkala (Kazakh: Шерқала, romanized: Şerqala, شەرقالا) is a mountain in Mangystau Province, western Kazakhstan, close to the town of Shetpe (Шетпе, Şetpe, شەتپە). It has been described as looking like a piala, yurt^[2] or Sphinx with steep south and east sides and a more eroded northern side.^[3]

Sherkala
Şerqala Шерқала
Highest point
Elevation	332 m (1,089 ft)[1]
Coordinates	44°15′23″N 52°00′22″E
Naming
English translation	Lion's Castle[2]
Language of name	Persian
Geography
Sherkala (Шерқала) Location within Kazakhstan
Location	Mangystau Province, Kazakhstan
Parent range	Karatau Mountains

The mountain is sited between the central and western Karatau Mountains.

Remains of a medieval caravanserei^[1] and fort belonging to Jochi, Genghis Khan's elder son are on top and at the foot of the mountain.^[4][3] A tunnel can be used to access the summit.^[3]

The ruins of the medieval settlement of Kyzylkala^[5] and of Mankashlak (Mankyshlak), a Turkmen town^[2] on the Silk Road, are also nearby^[4] as is Torysh (The Valley of Balls).

The mountain was, according to legend, besieged by the Sheikh of Khoresm Astsyz after he had conquered Mankashlak. After four months the attackers dug a tunnel sideways through the mountain into the well shaft of the town above, cutting off their rope and forcing their surrender.^[2]

The name Sherkala is from Persian شیرقلعه, meaning 'Lion's Castle'.^[6]