With 5-day Mangystau tour in Kazakhstan travelers will discover one of Kazakhstan’s most extraordinary natural regions. Renowned for its breathtaking and diverse landscapes, Mangystau offers travelers unforgettable impressions through visits to exceptionally beautiful and remote locations. The journey is conducted off-road in comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles, allowing access to otherwise unreachable sites. The experience is further enhanced by overnight camping beneath clear, starlit skies, creating a deep connection with the surrounding wilderness. With its dramatic scenery and surreal terrain, Mangystau presents a truly out-of-this-world travel experience.
Day 1: starts from Aktau
Shakpak Ata Underground Mosque
Visit Shakpak Ata, a centuries-old underground mosque carved into the cliffs, revered as one of Mangystau’s sacred pilgrimage sites.
*For Summer season: Lunch at the Sartas Visitor Center by the seaside, followed by 1 extra hour rest with refreshing cold drinks and Wi-Fi, before continuing the journey in cooler weather as midday temperatures can reach up to 45 °C.
Torysh – Valley of Balls
Explore the mysterious ball-shaped rock formations, a geological wonder that sparks curiosity and amazement.
Kokala – Jurassic Clays
Marvel at the colorful purple gorge and ancient geological formations at Kokala.
Sherkala Mount (panoramic view)
Visit Sherkala, known as the “Sphinx of Mangystau,” with its unique yurt-shaped appearance.
Airakty – Valley of Castle-Shaped Mounts
Walk through the castle-shaped mountains of Airakty and camp overnight under the stars in the dramatic desert landscape.
Day 2Tuzbair (Upper, Lower, and White Arch) – Yurt Etno Camp
160 km on-road & 105 km off-road
Tuzbair (Upper, Lower, and White Arch)
Explore the stunning salt flats and chalk formations at Tuzbair, including the famous White Arch, a naturally formed wonder.
Yurt Etno Camp
Stay at a traditional Yurt Etno Camp, experiencing the nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt
Day 3Karaman-Ata Necropolis
Visit the largest underground mosque in Mangystau, an important spiritual and historical site from the 11th century.
Ybykty – Porous Gorge
Explore the unique porous gorge, known for its unusual rock formations and scenic views.
Janaozen (Refuel and Market Visit)
Stop in Janaozen to refuel and explore the local market, where you can enjoy authentic Kazakh products and a cup of tea.
Bozjyra Dragon Crest Panorama (Tent Camping)
Camp overnight at the Bozjyra Crest, where jagged cliffs and endless desert views create an unforgettable star-lit experience
Day 4Bozjyra National Park (Mars Panorama)
Take in the otherworldly Mars Panorama of Bozjyra National Park, where red and white cliffs resemble the surface of another planet.
Bozjyra is the most vast and awe-inspiring landmark in the entire Mangystau region. It is best visited at the end of your journey, as all other locations seem to fade in comparison to its extraordinary beauty and monumental scale. To travel to Mangystau without seeing Bozzhyra would be comparable to visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower, or traveling to Egypt without exploring the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Bozjyra Fangs formation
Challenge yourself with a climb near the iconic Bozjyra Fangs, the twin limestone spires that rise dramatically from the desert floor.
Camping: Bozjyra Lower Part (camping under Fangs)
Set up camp in the lower part of Bozjyra, spending the night beneath the towering Fangs for a truly magical desert experience.
Day 5Bokty Mount
Admire the pyramid-shaped Mount Bokty, rising from the desert like a giant monument carved by nature.
Kyzylkup (Tiramisu) Canyon
Discover Tiramisu Canyon, named for its layered cliffs that look like slices of the famous dessert.
Shakpakty Panoramic View
Lunch stop
Final Destination: Return to Aktau
After your exploration, return to Aktau City to conclude your journey.
Finish your adventure with a comfortable return to Aktau.
Please note that all Mangystau tours start and conclude in Aktau. We would be pleased to arrange accommodation in Aktau for both the first and the final day of your tour upon request.
