Our private Mangystau Classic Tour is an exciting journey into the world of natural monuments millions of years old, similar to locations from sci-fi movies about distant space. You are waiting for 5 intense days, dozens of landscapes, more than 1000 km of roads and off-road. In this tour you will see all popular attractions of Mangystau.
The journey starts from Aktau, and already on the first day you will see 4 locations: the valley of stone balls Torysh, bright Kok-kala gorge, massive Sherkala mountain and the valley of Airakty castles. On the second day, you will complete your exploration of Airakty and visit Tuzbair salt marsh, a smooth white salt field measuring 15x4 km. On the third day you will go to the picturesque tract Kyzylkup with red and white hills, and on the way you will visit the underground mosque Karaman-ata and the unimaginable beauty of the Ybykty Canyon with porous walls.
On the fourth day in the morning you can walk around Kyzylkup and visit Bokty mountain, and then go to the most famous attraction of Mangystau - Bozzhyra tract. This place amazes even an experienced traveler with its scale, and unimaginable precipices on three observation platforms will give you a real adrenaline charge if you come to the very edge. On the fifth day you will reach the climax of the trip at the third viewpoint of Bozzhyra and head back, and on the way you will visit the colorful Seneca sands and a colorful camel farm.
If you love nature trips away from civilization or want to feel like an explorer of alien worlds, our private 5-day Mangystau Classic Tour is exactly what you have been looking for!
If you want to save money, we suggest you to look at the 5-day Mangystau Group Tour with fixed dates, where you will be accompanied by the same fans of fantastic travel.
Total distance: 1244 km (asphalt - 923 km, dirt roads and off-road - 321 km)
Tour itinerary:
Start your day by meeting your guide at your Aktau hotel at 09:00-09:30 am. Driving to the first destination - the Torysh valley, renowned for its stone spheres formed from the ancient Tethys Ocean. After exploring, you'll proceed to Kok-kala - Jurassic Clays with the colorful purple gorge and ancient geological formation and to Sherkala Mountain is a “Sphinx of Mangystau,” has a unique yurt-shaped appearance. Continue to the valley of castles Airakty. Enjoy a scenic drive on a dirt road through mountainous terrain dotted with limestone formations. As the sun sets, set up your tent camp for the night. Enjoy dinner under a starlit sky.
Meals: lunch, dinner
Meals: lunch, dinner
An early morning walk through the Airakty valley of castles awaits, complete with a climb for panoramic views. Post-breakfast, pack up and head to the Tuzbair salt marsh, a highlight of the tour. The vast salt plain, bordered by towering limestone cliffs, offers stunning photo opportunities. Lunch is served in the field, followed by a visit to the Arka formation and other Tuzbair marvels. The day's journey concludes at the cozy Kogen ethno-yurt camp, where dinner, a shower, and a comfortable bed await. Here you have an opportunity to experiencing the nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, set off to the Karaman-ata necropolis and its underground mosque. Then, explore the breathtaking Ybykty Canyon, also known as the "Porous Gorge," with its unique rock formations.
The day ends with a drive to the Kyzylkup tract, known for its striking red and white layers, nicknamed "Tiramisu." Set up your tent camp here for the night.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
The day ends with a drive to the Kyzylkup tract, known for its striking red and white layers, nicknamed "Tiramisu." Set up your tent camp here for the night.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Explore the Kyzylkup tract after breakfast, choosing between a gorge walk or a hilltop view. After packing up camp, visit the nearby colorful natural wonder – Bokty Mountain, head to the tour's main attraction, the Bozzhyra tract, stopping for a field lunch en route. Marvel at the "Martian panorama" and "Dragon's Crest" viewpoints before setting up camp for the night at the base of a scenic cliff in Bozzhyra.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Begin with breakfast in camp, followed by a short climb to the "Fangs Formation" viewpoint. Capture unforgettable photos of the stunning cliffs and scenery. Drive to Senek Sands, also known as Tuyesu Sands, to walk on and take pictures. Continue to a Camel farm, where you can taste a fresh camel milk and traditional products like shubat, interact with the camels by learning about their significance in Kazakh culture. Our next stop should be the Karagiye Hollow (“Black Jaw”) is the lowest point in Kazakhstan, reaching 132 meters below sea level. The tour concludes upon arrival at your hotel in Aktau at about 18:00. End of 5-Day Mangystau Group Tour.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Meals: breakfast, lunch
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 $70.
- The tour includes walks over various terrains, suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
- If you have any musculoskeletal issues or dietary requirements, please inform us beforehand.
- In case of severe weather, tent camping may be replaced with stays in nearby guesthouses, at an extra cost.
Price includes:
- All 4x4 vehicle transfers (max. 4 passengers);
- English speaking guide;
- 1 night accommodation at a shared yurt at ethno-village Kogez;
- Individual tent, sleeping bag, pillow;
- Full board meals (except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 5);
- Entrance fees for tour sites;
- Compulsory local insurance.
Price doesn't include:
- Visa for Kazakhstan;
- Domestic and international flight tickets to/from Aktau;
- Personal hygiene products;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2024 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
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