A short one-day tour to Sultan-Epe and Shakpak-ata is an excellent excursion option from Aktau into the vast landscapes of Mangystau, focused on the religious and historical monuments of the Kazakh people. These are truly unique sites, carved deep into layers of limestone rock.
The trip will take place in a comfortable off-road vehicle, as both mosques and sacred places are located far from paved highways. The route does not involve steep climbs or descents, making the tour suitable for most travelers. One note for those with specific sensitivities: visitors may experience claustrophobia inside the underground halls of the Sultan-Epe Mosque, and those with trypophobia should be cautious near the entrance of Shakpak-ata.
The trip will take place in a comfortable off-road vehicle, as both mosques and sacred places are located far from paved highways. The route does not involve steep climbs or descents, making the tour suitable for most travelers. One note for those with specific sensitivities: visitors may experience claustrophobia inside the underground halls of the Sultan-Epe Mosque, and those with trypophobia should be cautious near the entrance of Shakpak-ata.
Total distance: 280 km (asphalt - 184 km, dirt roads - 96 km)
Tour Itinerary
09:00 – 11:00 Meet your guide-driver at your hotel. Depart from Aktau heading north toward the underground mosque of Sultan-Epe (9th–12th centuries). The route includes 84 km on a quality asphalt road, followed by another 35 km on a dirt road. Along the way, there will be several short stops at the necropolises of Ushtam (15th–17th century) and Kenty-Baba (10th–15th century).
11:00 – 13:00 Upon arrival at the underground mosque of Sultan-Epe, and following local tradition, you will first descend to the spring at the bottom of the gorge, where you may perform ablutions. Afterward, you will return uphill to visit the mosque. Here you will see the tomb of the saint Sultan-Epe and descend into the underground mosque, which consists of nine halls lit by natural light entering through openings in the ceilings.
13:00 – 13:30 Lunch from lunch boxes, served near the mosque.
13:30 – 14:30 Transfer to the underground mosque of Shakpak-ata – 26 km along a dirt road. En route, there will be a short stop at the scenic Kapamsay Canyon.
14:30 – 16:00 Guided tour of the Shakpak-ata Mosque (10th–13th centuries). You will explore unusual geological formations, limestone-carved halls of the mosque, and a small necropolis. Today, Shakpak-ata is regarded as one of the unique monuments of Sufism in Mangystau and western Kazakhstan.
16:00 – 18:00 Return to Aktau – beginning with 35 km of dirt road, which gradually transitions to asphalt, followed by another 100 km on a well-maintained highway. Arrival in Aktau. End of the one-day tour to the underground mosques of Sultan-Epe and Shakpak-ata.
Important Note! No special equipment is required for this tour, but please be aware that the itinerary includes ascents and descents on foot. If you have undergone surgery in the past, have life-sustaining implants (such as a prosthetic heart valve), or suffer from chronic conditions (such as asthma or high blood pressure), please inform us in advance. Likewise, if you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, including vegetarian or vegan diets, be sure to let us know when booking.
When visiting mosques and necropolises, please respect the spiritual significance of these places and observe the following guidelines:
- Dress modestly. Clothing should cover the body as much as possible. Women are expected to wear a long skirt, a blouse with long sleeves, and a headscarf or other head covering. Men should wear garments that cover both arms and legs (shorts are not permitted). A head covering for men is optional.
- Remove your shoes where required. This rule applies to all visitors, including tourists. In the summer, if you’re wearing sandals or flip-flops, we recommend bringing a pair of socks.
- Maintain silence and do not disturb the worshippers during prayer.
What to Bring for a Comfortable Trip:
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, cap, or panama;
- Loose, breathable clothing appropriate for the season;
- Comfortable, sturdy shoes with good tread for walking on uneven and loose surfaces.
Price includes:
- Transfer by four-wheel drive vehicle (maximum 4 passengers);
- Accompanying guide-driver;
- English-speaking guide;
- Lunch in lunch boxes;
- Bottled water (1 liter per person).
Price doesn't include:
- Visa to Kazakhstan;
- Domestic and international airfare to/from Aktau;
- Tips (optional and at your discretion).
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
Tour Enquiry
The tour is private with your personal guide. There will be no other people joining the tour.
Our guides will follow your own pace.
The starting time of the tour is up to you and may vary from 09.00 am to 16.00 pm.
We are happy to offer this tour for air/train passengers too. Our guide will meet you at the arrival station.
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