4-Day Mangystau Comfort Tour (No Camping)4 Days | Private | Zhygylgan, Kapamsay, Shakpat-ata, Torysh, Kok-kala, Sherkala, Airakty, Karadiirmen, Tuzbair, Bozzhyra, Bokty, Kyzylkup

The 4-Day Mangystau Comfort Tour with overnight stays in hotels and a yurt camp is a compact yet fulfilling journey through one of the most otherworldly regions of southwestern Kazakhstan. Known for its alien landscapes, Mangystau offers stunning natural beauty and historical heritage – and this route is designed to make the most of your time without compromise. In just four days, you’ll visit a wide range of iconic locations, including the Bozzhyra Valley with its dramatic observation platforms perched over 100-meter cliffs.
Along the way, you'll encounter the massive stone spheres of the Torysh Valley, the legendary Sherkala Mountain, and the fairytale-like landscape of Airakty’s castle-like formations. Each night brings a different kind of comfort: a visitor center on the Caspian Sea coast, a modernized Kazakh yurt equipped for a cozy overnight stay, and a comfortable hotel in Zhanaozen – the industrial heart of Kazakhstan’s oil and gas region.
Our 4-day Mangystau tour without tents is the perfect solution for travelers who want to explore the region but are short on time. Check out the detailed itinerary and travel notes to start planning your comfortable wilderness adventure.

Total distance: 1122 km (asphalt – 862 km, dirt roads – 260 km)

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Aktau – Zhygylgan – Kapamsay – Shakpak-ata – Sartas Visitor Center (83 km asphalt + 94 km dirt)

In the morning (before 09:00), meet your guide-driver at your hotel or at Aktau Airport and begin your 4-day Mangystau comfort tour. The first stop is the Zhygylgan Fault, a vast depression several kilometers wide. Here, you’ll walk to its bottom to see ancient animal tracks more than 10 million years old, as well as Lake Kuzdykary – romantically known as “the Heart”.
Next, you’ll head toward the Shakpak-ata Mosque, passing the colossal Kapamsay Canyon on the way. Upon arrival, explore the mosque’s hall carved into limestone and climb to the top of the cliff for sweeping views. A short transfer will then bring you to the Sartas Visitor Center on the Caspian Sea shore. Dinner and overnight in a spacious room with private bathroom.
Meals: lunch, dinner

Day 2: Sartas – Torysh – Kok-kala – Sherkala – Samal – Kogez Yurt Camp (79 km asphalt + 76 km dirt)

Breakfast at 8:00. Departure at 9:00. After an hour on the road, you’ll arrive at the Valley of Balls (Torysh), where you can walk among massive spherical formations created by the ancient Tethys Ocean.
Next, drive to Mount Sherkala. On the way, make a short detour to the Kok-kala Tract, with a stop for lunch in the field. After admiring Sherkala from several angles, take a short drive to the Samal Gorge, from where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Sherkala at sunset.
Later, transfer to Kogez Yurt Camp. The camp has over ten 4-bed yurts equipped with beds and air-conditioners, plus separate showers, toilets, and a large indoor restaurant. Dinner and overnight in a yurt.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Kogez – Airakty – Karadiirmen – Zhanaozen (320 km asphalt + 30 km dirt)

Breakfast at 8:00. At 9:00, depart for the Airakty Valley of Castles. Drive along dirt roads between rocky mountain outcrops that resemble man-made structures. If desired, take a short hike up one slope to gain a better view of the valley.
Continue on to Karadiirmen Gorge, where dramatic black cliffs evoke scenes from the highlands in The Lord of the Rings. After exploring the area, stop for lunch at the roadside café “Zharmysh”.
Then transfer to Zhanaozen, where you’ll spend the night in comfortable hotel conditions. During summer, if time allows, you’ll make a short detour to the Senek Sand Dunes (50 km) to enjoy a magical sunset. Return to Zhanaozen. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Zhanaozen – Bozzhyra – Aktau (380 km asphalt + 60 km dirt)

Breakfast at 8:00. Today’s highlight is the breathtaking Bozzhyra Valley. Departure at 9:00. Most of the route will be on a high-quality asphalt road.
On arrival, visit three upper observation platforms offering panoramic views of this unique landscape. After lunch in the field, transfer to the lower part of Bozzhyra and begin a 20-minute hike with a 100-meter elevation gain.
The reward is the iconic “Fangs” viewpoint – soaring vertical cliffs that are among the most stunning sights in Kazakhstan.
Afterward, begin the long drive back to Aktau. Arrival expected after 19:00. This marks the end of your 4-day Mangystau comfort tour with hotel stays.
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 (maximum 4 passengers per car);
Services of an accompanying guide;
Accommodation in Sartas Visitor Center, Kogez Yurt Camp, and a hotel in Zhanaozen (shared accommodation in 2-bed rooms and 4-bed yurts);
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 4;
Compulsory insurance policy;
Entrance tickets to all sites listed in the tour program.