3-Day Mangystau Comfort Tour (No Camping)3 Days | Private | Saura, Zhygylgan, Kapamsay, Shakpak-ata, Torysh, Bozzhyra

A 3-day Mangystau Comfort Tour with overnight stays in hotels is the perfect option for travelers short on time who still want to enjoy their journey in comfort. Unlike traditional Mangystau tours that involve overnight camping in the wild, this program offers cozy hotel rooms with soft beds and the convenience of a shower at the end of each day. Some may enjoy the romance of tents – but with time, comfort often becomes a priority.
Your tour begins and ends in Aktau. Over the course of three days, you’ll explore Zhygylgan – a colossal rock collapse over 3 kilometers wide, where the land dropped dozens of meters; the mysterious Torysh Valley, scattered with spherical stone formations up to 3 meters in diameter; the limestone-carved mosque of Shakpak-ata; and the tour’s highlight, Bozzhyra Valley, famous for its surreal cliffs and dramatic peaks rising over 100 meters high. Browse the full itinerary and start planning your short but action-packed journey to the otherworldly landscapes of Mangystau.

Total distance: 914 km (asphalt – 693 km, dirt roads – 221 km)

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Aktau – Saura – Zhygylgan – Kapamsay – Sartas Visitor Center (83 km asphalt + 107 km dirt)

In the morning (before 09:00), meet your guide-driver at your hotel or Aktau Airport and begin your 3-day Mangystau Comfort Tour. Your first stop will be the Saura Tract, home to the picturesque Turtle Lake. Enjoy a short walk to the lake, then continue north to the enormous Zhygylgan Fault – a dramatic several-kilometer-wide collapse of the rock stratum. You’ll descend into the basin to find the footprints of animals that lived more than 10 million years ago, and see the romantic Kuzdykary Lake, also known as the “Heart.”
Your route then continues over the vast Kapamsay Canyon, with a few scenic photo stops along the way. The day concludes with a short drive to the Sartas Visitor Center on the Caspian Sea coast. Dinner. Overnight in a spacious guest room with private shower.
Meals: lunch, dinner

Day 2: Sartas – Shakpak-ata – Torysh – Zhanaozen (230 km asphalt + 54 km dirt)

After breakfast at 08:00, depart at 09:00 toward one of Mangystau’s most revered landmarks – Shakpak-ata Mosque. You’ll explore the chambers carved into limestone and climb to the cliff’s edge for panoramic views.
Next, drive to the Valley of Balls, known as Torysh, where you'll enjoy a walk among perfectly spherical stone formations shaped by the ancient Tethys Ocean. It’s a great photo opportunity – many visitors reenact Sisyphus pushing his stone.
Afterward, enjoy lunch in the field before heading to Zhanaozen. Along the way, stop briefly at Sherkala Mountain for sightseeing. Dinner and overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Zhanaozen.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Zhanaozen – Bozzhyra – Aktau (380 km asphalt + 60 km dirt)

After breakfast at 08:00, set off at 09:00 for the highlight of your tour – Bozzhyra Valley. Travel along a quality asphalt road until you reach this breathtaking natural amphitheater of cliffs and ridges. Upon arrival, visit three elevated viewing platforms, each offering sweeping views of Bozzhyra’s surreal landscapes.
After a scenic lunch in the field, descend to the lower part of the valley and take a short 20-minute hike (elevation gain approx. 100 meters) to the famous “Fangs” viewpoint – a jaw-dropping scene of vertical limestone spires that will remain etched in your memory.
Following this unforgettable finale, begin your return drive to Aktau. Arrival expected after 19:00. End of the 3-day Mangystau Comfort Tour.
Meals: breakfast, lunch

A list of things you need to take for a comfortable trip:

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a panama hat or cap;
Loose, breathable clothing appropriate for the season;
Comfortable, sturdy shoes with good tread for hiking on loose terrain;
Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel, wet wipes, etc.;
Essentials for field life: personal first aid kit, flashlight, and chargers.

Notes:

As this tour includes our own campsite and kitchen setup, vehicle space is limited. We kindly ask that you bring only small to medium-sized bags or backpacks (up to 40 liters) as hand luggage. If you have larger suitcases, we recommend leaving them at your hotel or storing them at our office in Aktau free of charge until your return.
Please respect the local culture and religious beliefs of your guide and driver by refraining from consuming alcohol during the tour. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Most tour locations involve walking on natural, uneven terrain with ascents and descents. These walks do not require special skills and are suitable for most age groups.
If you have musculoskeletal conditions or specific dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, allergies), please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

When visiting mosques and necropolises, please observe the following rules to show respect for religious customs:

Dress modestly. Clothing should cover the body as much as possible. Women: a long skirt, a blouse with sleeves down to the wrists, and a headscarf or other head covering. Men: full-length trousers and shirts with sleeves. Head coverings are optional.
Remove your shoes where required, including in all sacred interiors. If wearing sandals or flip-flops in summer, please bring socks.
Keep noise to a minimum and avoid disturbing worshippers, especially during prayer times.

Price includes:

All transfers by four-wheel drive vehicle (max 4 passengers);
Accompanying guide;
Shared accommodation in 2-bed rooms at Sartas Visitor Center and in a hotel in Zhanaozen;
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner), except for breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 3;
Compulsory insurance policy;
Entrance tickets to the sites included in the tour program.