Group Size: 1 - 9 people
This is the most extensive journey through Mangystau, showcasing nearly all of the region’s natural wonders. Over eight days, you will cover hundreds of kilometers across asphalt roads, dirt tracks, smooth salt flats, and rugged terrain. This is a true expedition, where you’ll feel like an explorer in a fantastic world of otherworldly landscapes, spending seven nights in a tent and experiencing all the joys of life in the wild.
The route takes you to grand and breathtaking locations such as Zhygylgan, Ayrakty, Karynzharyk, Bozzhyra, and Tuzbair, along with many fascinating geological formations featuring unique textures. You’ll visit the Valley of Stone Balls in Torysh, the layered tract of Kyzylkup, the porous Ybykty Gorge, and other remarkable sights. In addition, you’ll explore the cultural and religious heritage of the Kazakh steppe, including necropolises, underground mosques, ancient city ruins, and modern towns and villages.
Our 8-day group tour through Mangystau offers the perfect blend of adventure and discovery. This demanding yet exhilarating journey will leave a lasting impression on your heart. Review the itinerary, check the equipment recommendations, and start preparing for an unforgettable experience!
Total distance: 1,710 km (asphalt – 864 km, dirt roads and off-road – 846 km).
Tour itinerary:
Day 1: Aktau – Khanga-Baba Necropolis – Zhygylgan – Kenta-Baba Necropolis – Kapamsay Canyon – Shakpak-ata Mosque (110 km asphalt + 100 km dirt)
In the morning (before 09:00), meet your guide-driver at your hotel or Aktau Airport and begin your grand 8-day group tour of Mangystau. Your first stop will be the Khanga-Baba Necropolis, dating back to the Middle Ages.
Half an hour later, you’ll arrive at your first major natural wonder – the Zhygylgan Fault, a vast sinkhole stretching several kilometers. Here, you can descend to its bottom to see the fossilized footprints of animals that lived more than 10 million years ago.
Continuing the journey, you will head towards the Shakpak-ata Mosque, stopping along the way at the Kenta-Baba Necropolis and the colossal Kapamsay Canyon. Upon arrival at Shakpak-ata, you will explore its limestone-carved interior and climb to the top of the cliff for a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
After sunset, set up camp for the night. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent beneath a starry sky.
Meals: lunch, dinner
Half an hour later, you’ll arrive at your first major natural wonder – the Zhygylgan Fault, a vast sinkhole stretching several kilometers. Here, you can descend to its bottom to see the fossilized footprints of animals that lived more than 10 million years ago.
Continuing the journey, you will head towards the Shakpak-ata Mosque, stopping along the way at the Kenta-Baba Necropolis and the colossal Kapamsay Canyon. Upon arrival at Shakpak-ata, you will explore its limestone-carved interior and climb to the top of the cliff for a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
After sunset, set up camp for the night. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tent beneath a starry sky.
Meals: lunch, dinner
Day 2: Shakpak-ata – Torysh – Kok-kala – Sherkala – Kyzyl-Kala – Airakty (84 km asphalt + 66 km dirt)
After breakfast, break camp and set off for the Torysh Valley, home to the famous stone spheres. Take a walk among these unique rock formations, remnants of the ancient Tethys Ocean.
Next, continue your journey to Sherkala Mountain, stopping along the way for lunch amid the vast landscapes of Mangystau. A brief detour will take you to the Kok-kala Tract, offering another striking geological wonder. Upon reaching Sherkala, admire the mountain from various vantage points, appreciating its distinct shape and mystique.
Your next stop is Kyzyl-Kala, an ancient settlement that once thrived as a center of trade and craftsmanship along the Silk Road. From there, you’ll head to the Airakty Valley, also known as the "Valley of Castles". Drive along winding dirt roads through isolated mountain formations, where limestone cliffs rise like man-made fortresses.
As the sun sets, set up camp for the night. Enjoy dinner and spend another night under the vast, starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Next, continue your journey to Sherkala Mountain, stopping along the way for lunch amid the vast landscapes of Mangystau. A brief detour will take you to the Kok-kala Tract, offering another striking geological wonder. Upon reaching Sherkala, admire the mountain from various vantage points, appreciating its distinct shape and mystique.
Your next stop is Kyzyl-Kala, an ancient settlement that once thrived as a center of trade and craftsmanship along the Silk Road. From there, you’ll head to the Airakty Valley, also known as the "Valley of Castles". Drive along winding dirt roads through isolated mountain formations, where limestone cliffs rise like man-made fortresses.
As the sun sets, set up camp for the night. Enjoy dinner and spend another night under the vast, starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, break camp and embark on a long transfer to the Karynzharyk Depression, passing through Zhanaozen. The first three hours of the journey will be on a well-paved asphalt road.
In Zhanaozen, the heart of the region’s oil industry, you will stop for lunch and have the opportunity to buy souvenirs. Afterward, continue on asphalt for a few more kilometers before transitioning to rugged dirt roads that cut through the vast steppe. Along the way, you’ll encounter stretches of sand and small solonchaks (salt flats), adding variety to the terrain.
Amidst this barren landscape, the striking Onere Spring will suddenly appear, its vibrant turquoise waters offering a refreshing contrast. On a hot summer day, you can take a dip to cool off before continuing the journey.
A few dozen kilometers later, you will reach the breathtaking Karynzharyk Depression. From a panoramic viewpoint, take in the awe-inspiring sight of the Kendirli Salt Marsh, with the towering “Three Brothers” mountain-islands rising dramatically from the salt flat.
As the sun sets, set up camp and enjoy the mesmerizing colors of the landscape. Dinner and overnight in a tent beneath the vast, star-filled sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
In Zhanaozen, the heart of the region’s oil industry, you will stop for lunch and have the opportunity to buy souvenirs. Afterward, continue on asphalt for a few more kilometers before transitioning to rugged dirt roads that cut through the vast steppe. Along the way, you’ll encounter stretches of sand and small solonchaks (salt flats), adding variety to the terrain.
Amidst this barren landscape, the striking Onere Spring will suddenly appear, its vibrant turquoise waters offering a refreshing contrast. On a hot summer day, you can take a dip to cool off before continuing the journey.
A few dozen kilometers later, you will reach the breathtaking Karynzharyk Depression. From a panoramic viewpoint, take in the awe-inspiring sight of the Kendirli Salt Marsh, with the towering “Three Brothers” mountain-islands rising dramatically from the salt flat.
As the sun sets, set up camp and enjoy the mesmerizing colors of the landscape. Dinner and overnight in a tent beneath the vast, star-filled sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
In the morning, after breakfast, break camp and retrace your route along the dirt road back to Zhanaozen to refuel. Enjoy lunch before continuing the journey toward the Kyzylkup Tract. The first part of the drive will be on a well-paved asphalt road, with a stop at the Seneka Sands, also known as Tuesu Sands. Here, you’ll have time to walk among the golden dunes and capture stunning photographs of this serene desert landscape.
Upon arrival at Kyzylkup, you’ll explore its striking striped hills, often referred to as “Tiramisu” Hills due to their distinct red and white rock layers. These formations create a surreal and picturesque setting, perfect for an evening stroll.
As the sun sets, set up camp and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. Dinner and overnight in a tent beneath the vast, starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Upon arrival at Kyzylkup, you’ll explore its striking striped hills, often referred to as “Tiramisu” Hills due to their distinct red and white rock layers. These formations create a surreal and picturesque setting, perfect for an evening stroll.
As the sun sets, set up camp and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. Dinner and overnight in a tent beneath the vast, starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, take a morning walk through the Kyzylkup Tract (Tiramisu Hills). You’ll have the opportunity to explore deep into one of the gorges or climb to a high vantage point for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Meanwhile, the team will pack up the camp in preparation for the next leg of the journey.
Once you’ve finished exploring, set off towards the natural wonder of Mount Bokty. This striking geological formation stands out with its unique layered structure, making it a spectacular sight along the route.
Next, continue to the highlight of the entire tour – the Bozzhyra Valley. Along the way, stop for a field lunch before arriving at Bozzhyra’s first breathtaking viewpoint, the Martian Panorama. From this elevated platform, take in the vast, otherworldly scenery stretching before you.
Afterward, transfer to another remarkable viewpoint, Dragon’s Crest, where towering limestone formations create an awe-inspiring spectacle. Both locations provide incredible opportunities to admire the surreal beauty of Bozzhyra from above.
As evening falls, set up camp at the foot of one of Bozzhyra’s stunning cliffs. Enjoy dinner and spend the night under a sky full of stars.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Once you’ve finished exploring, set off towards the natural wonder of Mount Bokty. This striking geological formation stands out with its unique layered structure, making it a spectacular sight along the route.
Next, continue to the highlight of the entire tour – the Bozzhyra Valley. Along the way, stop for a field lunch before arriving at Bozzhyra’s first breathtaking viewpoint, the Martian Panorama. From this elevated platform, take in the vast, otherworldly scenery stretching before you.
Afterward, transfer to another remarkable viewpoint, Dragon’s Crest, where towering limestone formations create an awe-inspiring spectacle. Both locations provide incredible opportunities to admire the surreal beauty of Bozzhyra from above.
As evening falls, set up camp at the foot of one of Bozzhyra’s stunning cliffs. Enjoy dinner and spend the night under a sky full of stars.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the breathtaking Bozzhyra Valley. After breakfast, set off for the Fangs (or Fang Formation) Viewpoint, one of the most iconic landscapes in the region. Upon reaching the base of the mountain by car, embark on a half-hour ascent to a spectacular vantage point, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views and the chance to walk along towering hundred-meter cliffs.
Next, continue deeper into Bozzhyra, taking a side dirt road to the base of the Fangs, allowing you to admire these massive rock formations from a different perspective.
The rest of the afternoon will be yours to explore freely – wander along the valley floor, discover hidden vantage points, and take in the surreal beauty of Bozzhyra at your own pace.
As evening falls, set up camp at the foot of one of Bozzhyra’s majestic mountains. Enjoy dinner and another peaceful night under the endless starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Next, continue deeper into Bozzhyra, taking a side dirt road to the base of the Fangs, allowing you to admire these massive rock formations from a different perspective.
The rest of the afternoon will be yours to explore freely – wander along the valley floor, discover hidden vantage points, and take in the surreal beauty of Bozzhyra at your own pace.
As evening falls, set up camp at the foot of one of Bozzhyra’s majestic mountains. Enjoy dinner and another peaceful night under the endless starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, break camp and set off for the Tuzbair Salt Marsh. Begin by ascending a dirt road out of Bozzhyra, then continue nearly 100 km on smooth asphalt before transitioning to another 100 km of dirt roads leading to the vast, snow-white salt flat, measuring 15 km by 4 km.
Upon arrival, take in the unusual natural formations sculpted by time and the elements. You’ll have the unique opportunity to walk barefoot deep into the salt marsh, experiencing its striking texture and the surreal feeling of standing in this seemingly endless white expanse.
As evening approaches, set up camp beneath the towering Ustyurt Plateau, which rises dramatically above the salt flat. Enjoy dinner and spend your final night in a tent under the brilliant starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Upon arrival, take in the unusual natural formations sculpted by time and the elements. You’ll have the unique opportunity to walk barefoot deep into the salt marsh, experiencing its striking texture and the surreal feeling of standing in this seemingly endless white expanse.
As evening approaches, set up camp beneath the towering Ustyurt Plateau, which rises dramatically above the salt flat. Enjoy dinner and spend your final night in a tent under the brilliant starry sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After your final night in a tent, enjoy breakfast beneath the towering walls of the Ustyurt Plateau before beginning your journey back to Aktau.
The day starts with several dozen kilometers of dirt road, which suddenly gives way to a smooth asphalt highway. After driving 100 km on the highway, take a final detour onto a dirt road to visit the unique Ybykty Gorge, known for its distinctive porous rock walls.
After exploring the gorge, return to the highway and continue towards Aktau, passing through the Karagie Hollow, one of the lowest points below sea level in Central Asia. By evening, you will arrive in Aktau, marking the end of your 8-day group tour of Mangystau.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
The day starts with several dozen kilometers of dirt road, which suddenly gives way to a smooth asphalt highway. After driving 100 km on the highway, take a final detour onto a dirt road to visit the unique Ybykty Gorge, known for its distinctive porous rock walls.
After exploring the gorge, return to the highway and continue towards Aktau, passing through the Karagie Hollow, one of the lowest points below sea level in Central Asia. By evening, you will arrive in Aktau, marking the end of your 8-day group tour of Mangystau.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
A list of things you need to take for a comfortable trip:
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, panama hat, or cap;
- Loose, breathable clothing appropriate for the season, including outfits for walking and sleeping in a tent;
- Comfortable, durable shoes with good tread for ascending and descending on loose surfaces;
- Personal hygiene items – toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel, wet wipes, etc.;
- Other essential accessories for outdoor life – personal first aid kit, flashlight, chargers.*
*While setting up the tent camp, the guide will connect a generator with 220V, allowing you to charge your phone and camera. The camp will also be illuminated by 1–2 floodlights.
Notes:
- As this tour includes our own campsite and kitchen, vehicle space is limited. Please bring only small to medium-sized bags or backpacks (up to 40 liters) as hand luggage. If you have larger items, we recommend leaving them at your hotel or storing them at our office free of charge until your return to Aktau.
- We kindly ask you to respect the local culture and religious beliefs of our guides and drivers by refraining from consuming alcohol during the tour. We appreciate your understanding.
- Each guest will be provided with an individual tent, sleeping bag, and pillow.
- Many locations require walking with ascents and descents through natural terrain. However, these hikes do not require special skills and are accessible to most age groups.
- If you have musculoskeletal conditions or special dietary preferences, please inform us in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
- In the event of severe weather (storms, heavy rain, or strong winds), overnight camping may need to be replaced with accommodation in nearby guesthouses. In such cases, the cost of emergency lodging will be paid separately.
Price includes:
- All transfers by four-wheel drive vehicle (maximum 4 passengers per car)
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Tent, sleeping bag, and pillow provided
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) – except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 8
- Compulsory insurance policy
- Entrance tickets to all sites included in the tour program
Price doesn't include:
- Kazakhstan visa (if required)
- Airfare for domestic and international flights to/from Aktau
- Personal hygiene items
- Tips (not included and at your discretion)
Dates & Prices, per person
2025
100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.
Group size: 1-9 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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