Sherkala

Sherkala (Kazakh: Шерқала, romanized: Şerqala, شەرقالا) is a mountain in Mangystau Province, western Kazakhstan, close to the town of Shetpe (Шетпе, Şetpe, شەتپە).

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.

[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.