Prepare for an incredible tour to Mangystau, a region in Western Kazakhstan that feels like a different planet. This adventure will take you through some of the most surreal landscapes you've ever seen, and it all starts with a robust off-road vehicle as your trusty steed. You'll spend nights camping under a star-filled sky, traversing hundreds of kilometers over rugged terrain, and experiencing the rustic charm of life outdoors.
The rewards of this journey are immense. You'll encounter Mangystau's unique natural wonders that are simply breathtaking. Picture colossal cliffs, winding canyons, vast stretches of pristine salt marshes, and extraordinary formations from the ancient Tethys Ocean.
Dive into the detailed itinerary of our 5-day Mangystau tour and start gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable adventure! To help you prepare, we've included a list of recommendations and essential items for living comfortably in the Kazakh steppe at the end of the program.
Make your journey even grander and forge more friendships by combining the 5-Day Mangystau Group Tour with 8-day Classic Uzbekistan Group Tour.
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.
Dates & Prices, per person
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100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.
Group size: 1-15 persons
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Mangystau Group Tour Reviews
Author: Heiko | Rating: 502 August 2024
The tour was great. Everything went perfectly. We really enjoyed Mangystau and we will recommend the tour.
Visited July 2024
Visited July 2024
