This is a large-scale journey through Mangystau, showcasing many of the region’s natural wonders. Over the course of seven days, you will travel more than a thousand kilometers on both paved and unpaved roads. This fascinating adventure will make you feel like an explorer of new worlds, surrounded by alien landscapes, as you spend six nights in remote locations, experiencing all the challenges and rewards of life in the wild.
The route of this group tour through Mangystau takes you to places with mysterious names - Zhygylgan, Torysh, Airakty, Tuzbair, and Bozzhyra - each a unique geological formation shaped by the prehistoric Tethys Ocean tens of millions of years ago. In addition, the program includes sites that will offer insight into the region’s history through the lens of the Kazakh tribes who have lived here for the past 2,000 years.
Our 7-day Extended Mangystau group tour promises an unforgettable experience, and you may even form lasting friendships with fellow travelers as you explore this extraordinary world together. Review the itinerary in detail, carefully check the recommendations for desert conditions, and start preparing for your greatest adventure of the year.
Total distance: 1402 km (asphalt - 909 km, dirt roads and off-road - 493 km)
Tour itinerary:
In the morning (before 09:00), meet your guide-driver at your hotel or Aktau airport and begin an extended group tour of Mangystau. The first stop is a major natural attraction - the Zhygylgan Fault, which stretches for several kilometers. Here, you can descend to its base to see traces of animals that lived more than 10 million years ago. Next, you will travel to the Shakpak-ata Mosque, passing the colossal Kapamsay Canyon along the way. Upon arrival at the mosque, you will explore its hall, which is carved into the limestone rock, and climb to the top of the cliff for a panoramic view of the surroundings.
After sunset, set up camp. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent under the starry sky.
Meals: lunch, dinner
After sunset, set up camp. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent under the starry sky.
Meals: lunch, dinner
Breakfast. After breaking camp, transfer to the valley of stone balls, Torysh. Walk among the unique rock formations created by the ancient Tethys Ocean.
Next, drive to Sherkala Mountain, stopping for lunch amidst the vast landscapes of Mangystau. Along the way, take a short detour to the Kok-kala tract. Upon arrival at Sherkala, admire the mountain from different angles before continuing to the Airakty Valley, known as the "Valley of Castles". Travel along a dirt road winding through mountains with limestone formations that resemble man-made structures.
After sunset, set up camp. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent under the starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Next, drive to Sherkala Mountain, stopping for lunch amidst the vast landscapes of Mangystau. Along the way, take a short detour to the Kok-kala tract. Upon arrival at Sherkala, admire the mountain from different angles before continuing to the Airakty Valley, known as the "Valley of Castles". Travel along a dirt road winding through mountains with limestone formations that resemble man-made structures.
After sunset, set up camp. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent under the starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Early in the morning, even before breakfast, take a walk through the Valley of Castles - Airakty, with a short climb to enjoy a panoramic view from the heights.
After breakfast and breaking camp, head toward the Tuzbair Salt Marsh. Following a few hours of trekking, you will find yourself on a vast, smooth salt plain, bordered by towering white limestone cliffs to the north. This unique landscape offers incredible opportunities for dazzling photographs. Enjoy a field lunch right on the salt marsh.
Continue your journey across the salt marsh, stopping to visit the natural formation “Arka” and other stunning sights of Tuzbair. The rest of the day will be spent on the road, and by evening, you will arrive at the cozy Kogez Yurt Camp, where you can relax with a delicious dinner, take a shower, and sleep comfortably in a soft bed. Overnight in a yurt.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast and breaking camp, head toward the Tuzbair Salt Marsh. Following a few hours of trekking, you will find yourself on a vast, smooth salt plain, bordered by towering white limestone cliffs to the north. This unique landscape offers incredible opportunities for dazzling photographs. Enjoy a field lunch right on the salt marsh.
Continue your journey across the salt marsh, stopping to visit the natural formation “Arka” and other stunning sights of Tuzbair. The rest of the day will be spent on the road, and by evening, you will arrive at the cozy Kogez Yurt Camp, where you can relax with a delicious dinner, take a shower, and sleep comfortably in a soft bed. Overnight in a yurt.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, depart for the Karaman-ata Necropolis, home to an underground mosque. Continue the journey to Ybykty Canyon, also known as “Porous Gorge”.
Next, travel to the Kyzylkup Tract, often referred to as “Tiramisu” due to its striking red and white layered formations. Along the way, there will be a stop in the town of Zhanaozen for refueling, where you will also have the opportunity to buy souvenirs and enjoy coffee or tea.
Upon arrival in Kyzylkup, set up camp. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Next, travel to the Kyzylkup Tract, often referred to as “Tiramisu” due to its striking red and white layered formations. Along the way, there will be a stop in the town of Zhanaozen for refueling, where you will also have the opportunity to buy souvenirs and enjoy coffee or tea.
Upon arrival in Kyzylkup, set up camp. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
In the morning, after breakfast, take a walk through the Kyzylkup Tract (Tiramisu). You will have the opportunity to explore one of the gorges in depth or climb to its top for a panoramic view of the surroundings. Meanwhile, the team will pack up camp. Once you have finished exploring the striking red and white hills, the car will take you to the natural wonder, Mount Bokty.
Next, head to the highlight of the entire tour - Bozzhyra Valley. A field lunch will be served along the way. Upon arrival at Bozzhyra, visit the first observation platform, Martian Panorama, offering breathtaking views. Then, transfer to the Dragon’s Crest viewpoint, where you will experience the dramatic landscape from an impressive height.
Camp will be set up at the foot of one of the picturesque cliffs. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Next, head to the highlight of the entire tour - Bozzhyra Valley. A field lunch will be served along the way. Upon arrival at Bozzhyra, visit the first observation platform, Martian Panorama, offering breathtaking views. Then, transfer to the Dragon’s Crest viewpoint, where you will experience the dramatic landscape from an impressive height.
Camp will be set up at the foot of one of the picturesque cliffs. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking beauty of Bozzhyra Valley.
After breakfast, head to the Fangs viewpoint. Upon reaching the foot of the mountain by car, embark on a half-hour climb, which will reward you with spectacular panoramic views and a walk along towering hundred-meter cliffs.
Next, continue the journey deeper into Bozzhyra, taking a side dirt road to reach the base of the Fangs, offering a completely different perspective of the landscape.
Following this, enjoy free time to wander through the bottom of the tract, searching for stunning views at your own pace. In the evening, set up camp beneath one of the Bozzhyra mountains. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent under the starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, head to the Fangs viewpoint. Upon reaching the foot of the mountain by car, embark on a half-hour climb, which will reward you with spectacular panoramic views and a walk along towering hundred-meter cliffs.
Next, continue the journey deeper into Bozzhyra, taking a side dirt road to reach the base of the Fangs, offering a completely different perspective of the landscape.
Following this, enjoy free time to wander through the bottom of the tract, searching for stunning views at your own pace. In the evening, set up camp beneath one of the Bozzhyra mountains. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent under the starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Aktau, with several fascinating stops along the way. The first stop is at Senek Dunes, also known as Tuesu Sands, where you will have the opportunity to walk around and take photos of the striking desert landscape.
Next, visit a camel farm, where you can taste fresh camel milk and traditional foods such as shubat. You will also have the chance to see camels up close and learn about their significance in Kazakh culture. The final stop is the Karagiye Depression (“Black Mouth”), the deepest dry depression in Kazakhstan, located 132 meters below sea level.
Arrive in Aktau at 6:00 PM, marking the end of the 7-day Extended Mangystau group tour.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Next, visit a camel farm, where you can taste fresh camel milk and traditional foods such as shubat. You will also have the chance to see camels up close and learn about their significance in Kazakh culture. The final stop is the Karagiye Depression (“Black Mouth”), the deepest dry depression in Kazakhstan, located 132 meters below sea level.
Arrive in Aktau at 6:00 PM, marking the end of the 7-day Extended Mangystau group tour.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Price includes:
- All 4x4 vehicle transfers (max. 4 passengers);
- English speaking guide;
- 1 night accommodation at a shared yurt at ethno-village Kogez;
- Individual tent, sleeping bag, pillow;
- Full board meals (except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 7);
- Entrance fees for tour sites;
- Compulsory local insurance.
Price doesn't include:
- Visa for Kazakhstan;
- Domestic and international flight tickets to/from Aktau;
- Personal hygiene products;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated.
Essentials for a Comfortable Journey:
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap for sun protection;
- Season-appropriate, breathable clothing for both walking and sleeping in a tent;
- Sturdy shoes with good grip for walking on uneven surfaces;
- Personal hygiene essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel, wet wipes, etc.;
- Additional outdoor gear: a personal first aid kit, flashlight, and chargers.
*During tent setup, a 220V generator will be available for charging phones and cameras, and the campsite will be lit with floodlights.
Important Notes:
- As this tour includes our own camping and kitchen facilities, space in the vehicle is limited. Therefore, we kindly ask that you bring only small to medium-sized bags or backpacks (up to 40L) as carry-on luggage. If you have larger items, we recommend leaving them at your hotel, or we can store them at our office free of charge until your return to Aktau.
- Respect the local culture and religious beliefs; avoid alcohol consumption during the tour.
- Individual tents, sleeping bags, and pillows are provided. At the Kogez yurt camp, guests will stay in a 4-bed yurt, with a single occupancy option available for an additional $70.
- The tour includes walks over various terrains, suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
- If you have any musculoskeletal issues or dietary requirements, please inform us beforehand.
- In case of severe weather, tent camping may be replaced with stays in nearby guesthouses, at an extra cost.
Dates & Prices, per person
2025
Sun, 6 Apr - Sat, 12 Apr
Sold out
US$ 1,085
Sun, 13 Apr - Sat, 19 Apr
Sold out
US$ 1,085
100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.
Group size: 1-15 persons
Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.
We strongly recommend NOT to purchase airline tickets for 2026 tours without discussing it with your travel consultant.
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