Mystical Landscapes of Mangystau

Price: 1,685$

Duration:10

Complexity:

Route

Description

Explore the breathtaking and surreal landscapes of Mangystau, Kazakhstan, on this 8-day adventure.
Mangystau (Mangistau) is a region located in southwestern Kazakhstan.
It lies on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea and is known for its unique natural landscapes, which include deserts, mountains, and coastline.

Walk through the Saura, Tamshaly, and Zhygylgan Canyons;
Discover mystical underground mosques and ancient formations;
Marvel at the Valley of Balls, Sherkala Mountain, and Tuzbair salt flats;
Experience the otherworldly beauty of Bozzhira cliffs and the Baysary Labyrinth;
This tour is perfect for those who love off-the-beaten-path destinations, photography, and nature exploration.

Tour program

Open All Day

day 1

Aktau- Saura, Tamshaly and Zhygylgan Canyons

Adventure starts from Aktau and takes you through Saura Canyon, Tamshaly Canyon, and Zhygylgan, showcasing lush oases, unique rock formations, and breathtaking desert landscapes.

Saura Canyon: A hidden oasis with green vegetation amidst cliffs.
Tamshaly Canyon: A picturesque gorge with a spring flowing down rocky walls.
Zhygylgan: A dramatic collapsed limestone area with a mystical history.

End the day with a night under the stars in a scenic campground, embracing the wild beauty of Mangystau.
Meals: FB

day 2

Sartas- Sultan upe- Shakpak Ata- Canyon Kapamsay

Day through Mangystau’s sacred and scenic wonders.
Explore the Sultan-Epe cave mausoleum, marvel at the ancient Shakpak-Ata underground mosque and surrounding rock formations, hike through the picturesque Shakpaktasai and Kapamsai canyons, and enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in Sartas, complete with traditional Kazakh cuisine and stargazing.
Meals: FB

day 3

Chalk mountains Akespe – Valley of Balls – Kokkala Mountains – Mount Sherkala – Valley of Castles

A day exploring the otherworldly landscapes of Mangystau.
Visit the chalk mountains of Akespe, the mysterious Valley of Balls, the sharp peaks of Kokkala, and the iconic Sherkala mountain.
Conclude the day with the fairytale Valley of Castles at sunset before settling into a tent camp for the night.
Meals: FB

day 4

Black Canyon – Tuzbair (upper and lower panoramas)

Explore Mangystau’s dramatic landscapes:
Black Canyon (1.5-2 hours), offering stunning gorge views;
Tuzbair plateau’s upper panorama (1-1.5 hours) for lunar-like vistas;
and its lower salt marsh (1.5-2 hours) for reflective beauty and solitude.
Overnight stay in Kogez.
Meals: FB

day 5

Saikty-Saik - Father Karaman – Senek Sand Dunes

Explore Mangystau’s diverse scenery:
Saykty-Sayk canyon (1.5-2 hours) with its winding passages and ancient traces;
Father Karaman (1-1.5 hours), a significant historical and spiritual site;
and the Senek Sand Dunes (2 hours) offering a unique desert experience within the steppe landscape. Here you can walk barefoot on the soft sand, admire the dunes and even try to organize a small photo shoot against the sunset. The sand reflects the light, giving the landscapes a golden hue.
Depending on the time of year and the weather, you can see how the wind carries the dunes, creating constantly changing shapes.

Overnight in a tent camp.
Meals: FB

day 6

Kyzyl-Kup Tiramisu – Mount Bokty – Baysary Labyrinth – Lower panorama of Bozzhira

Explore Mangystau’s stunning formations: Kyzyl-Kup “Tiramisu” (1-1.5 hours), the colorful layered rocks; Mount Bokty (1-1.5 hours), a majestic free-standing massif; Baysary Maze (1-1.5 hours), a natural rock labyrinth; and Bozzhira’s lower panorama (2-2.5 hours) with its iconic white peaks.
You can walk among the stone formations, feel the scale and take amazing photos.

Overnight in a tent camp.
Meals: FB

day 7

Bozzhira (upper and middle panoramas) – Mount Naiza

Departure from Uzen. Transfer to the Bozzhira plateau (~40 minutes on the way).
Experience breathtaking views from Bozzhira’s upper (1.5 hours) and middle (1-1.5 hours) panoramas, showcasing its iconic white peaks and unique rock formations. Visit Mount Naiza (1-1.5 hours), the spear-shaped peak.
Return to Aktau and rest after active days.
In the evening, you can enjoy the starry sky, which is incredibly bright in these places due to the lack of urban illumination.
Meals: FB

day 8

Departure

Transfer to Aktau airport.

Tour conditions

What's included

  • Accommodation (tent camps, guest houses, hotel according to itynarary)
  • Transportation in comfortable vehicles according to the route (4x4)
  • Guide services
  • Meals according to the program
  • All activities and experiences described in the program
  • Airport transfers

What's excluded

  • International flights to and from the destination
  • personal expenses
  • single accommodation
  • travel (personal) insurance
  • camera and video charges
  • Any optional tours or activities not included in the main itinerary
  • visa fee if needed

Route

Get in touch

By submitting this form, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Tour Dates:

Seasonality:
Summer

Group:

10 pax

Complexity:

3 out of 5

LR 25-06

Price from: 1,685$

Tour booking form

By submitting this form, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Write us your question

By submitting this form, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.