Explore Mangystau 6 Days Tour

6
Days
Zhygylgan, Shakpak-ata, Torysh, Kok-kala, Sherkala, Airakty, Karaman-ata, Ybykty, Tuzbair, Kyzylkup, Beket-ata, Bozzhyra

Get ready for a big six-day Mangystau tour that challenges the very notion of traditional tourism. This journey is for the bold traveler seeking truly unique experiences. You'll spend hours in a jeep, traversing hundreds of kilometers along speedy highways and remote dirt tracks. Your nights will be spent camping under the stars in the vast steppe, with meals enjoyed in the great outdoors, and evenings spent charging your photography gear and phone via generator.

This rugged adventure rewards you with breathtaking sights: the immense rock formations of the Ustyurt Plateau, the mysterious "Torysh" stone balls, the majestic Airakty Valley of castles, the pristine Tuzbair salt marsh, and the stunning cliffs of the Bozzhyra tract. Along the way, you'll explore unique underground mosques, savor local cuisine, and even sample camel milk products. Dive into the detailed program of this six-day Mangistau tour and gear up for what could be your most extraordinary trip of the year!

Highlights of Mangystau - Western Kazakhstan

  • Zhygylgan Cape is an enchanting location graced with majestic cliffs and intriguing lion footprints from a distant past. Prepare to be spellbound by the sweeping vistas and uncover extraordinary geological marvels that are sure to inspire a sense of wonder.
  • Kapamsay Canyon invites you to lose yourself in its awe-inspiring landscapes while you explore its challenging terrain, allowing you to witness the pinnacle of nature's magnificence.
  • Shakpak-ata Underground Mosque is a historical and cultural wonder that traces its origins to the X-XIII centuries. Delve into its intricate architecture, immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the region, and be in awe of the sanctity that envelops this concealed treasure.
  • Karaman-ata Underground Mosque beckons you to explore its subterranean depths, where you can behold the echoes of a distant era, immersing yourself in the profound spirituality and historical importance of this extraordinary location.
  • Ybykty Porous Gorge invites you to journey through this incredible canyon, showcasing porous geological formations reminiscent of famous canyons found across the globe. Let nature amaze you with its breathtaking creations.
  • Torysh invites you to discover the Valley of Spheres, renowned for its spherical rock formations that shape a surreal and otherworldly terrain, offering boundless chances for exploration and photography.
  • Kok-kala - Embark on a journey through time as you unearth the Jurassic Clays, ancient geological formations that harken back to the Jurassic period, providing a captivating window into the Earth's past.
  • Sherkala Mount beckons you to embark on an adventure to this unique geological wonder, boasting remarkable features. For hiking and climbing enthusiasts, it offers ample opportunities to pursue their passion while taking in the awe-inspiring vistas.
  • Airakty invites you to submerge yourself in the mesmerizing Valley of Castles, where colossal rock formations, reminiscent of grandiose castles, form a breathtaking backdrop for both exploration and photography.
  • Tuzbair Salt Flat beckons you to tread upon its pristine, snow-white salt expanse—a truly exceptional destination that offers captivating photo moments and an otherworldly ambiance.
  • Kyzylkup invites you to be awestruck by the enthralling beauty of Tiramisu Canyon, where the striking dark brown and white-striped rock formations compose a mesmerizing spectacle.
  • Bozjyra National Park offers the opportunity to explore the Fangs Formation, a well-known viewpoint within the park that showcases remarkable geological features. Allow yourself to be entranced by the Dragon Crest, a geological formation that bears resemblance to a dragon's crest or a majestic ship's bow. Lastly, get ready to be astounded by Mars Panorama, where the landscapes transport you to another world, leaving you in awe.
Start your unforgettable exploration of Mangystau Tour, beginning with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Aktau or at the airport. Depart from Aktau and head to Taushyk town for a delectable lunch. Your next stop will be the mesmerizing Zhygylgan Cape, offering panoramic views of towering cliffs and ancient lion footprints that have been preserved for over 100 million years. Explore colossal earth formations resembling houses and a heart-shaped lake, providing the perfect backdrop for stunning photographs.

After delving into the marvels of Zhygylgan Cape, make your way to the tranquil Shakpak-ata Mosque, where you'll spend the night in an old guesthouse adjacent to the mosque. En route to the mosque, make a pit stop at the observation deck of the largest canyon, Kapamsai Mangistau. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Kazakh tea-time and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. Step outside to witness the enchanting starry sky, far from the city lights, for an awe-inspiring sight.

Meals: lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: guesthouse.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, get ready to explore the captivating Underground Mosque of Shakpak-ata. Make sure to dress appropriately and have your camera handy to capture the impressive architecture of the mosque. Following this, continue your adventure to the extraordinary Valley of Balls - Torysh, where you'll encounter perfectly circular and half-sliced rock formations that resemble dragon eggs. Take the time to appreciate this unique landscape and relish lunch in this scenic location.

Then, take a peaceful walk through the lilac-colored remnant rocks at Jurassic Clays - Kok-kala, known for its fascinating geological features. Afterward, drive to Sherkala Mount, a remarkable formation with its own intriguing story, accompanied by your guide's fascinating insights.

Your journey continues to the enchanting Airakty Valley of Castles, where you'll be captivated by the castle-shaped hills with their distinctive spires, offering picturesque views, particularly during sunset and sunrise. Your campsite for the night will afford you a perfect vantage point overlooking the castles. Enjoy a delicious dinner and marvel at the beauty of the night sky, adorned with sparkling stars.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: camping in tent.

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast before setting out on an exciting and picturesque climb to the castles. The journey promises thrills, and once you reach the top, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the magnificent castles. As you descend, continue your drive to Karaman-ata Mosque, where a delightful lunch awaits. This mosque holds significant historical and cultural value, enhancing the overall experience.

After lunch, take the opportunity to visit the largest underground mosque in Mangystau. This extraordinary experience is bound to be filled with intrigue and fascination. Next, head to Porous Gorge Ybykty, a natural wonder that is truly indescribable. Similar to the famous Red Canyon in Israel and Antelope Canyon in Arizona, this unique gorge showcases its own distinct porous features that make it an absolute must-see. Following your exploration of the gorge, continue your drive to a Yurt Village, where you will spend the night. This assures you of an indelible cultural journey, plunging you deep into the opulent traditions and way of life of the area.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: yurt camp.

After savoring a delectable breakfast, your exciting journey will kick off as you head towards the breathtaking Salt Flat Tuzbair. By noon, you'll arrive at this enchanting salt flat, where you can enjoy a quick and satisfying lunch. Don't miss the chance to capture unique and captivating photos on the snowy white salt expanse, reminiscent of Bolivia's famous Salar de Uyuni.

Following lunch, your adventure continues to a remarkable white arch that resembles a colossal bone. This picturesque location provides excellent opportunities for more photography and exploration. Along the way, you'll also make a stop at the enchanting white limestone canyons, adding another captivating natural wonder to your trip.

As the day unfolds, you'll embark on a scenic drive towards the remote and stunning Tiramisu Canyon Kyzylkup. The landscapes here are truly one-of-a-kind, offering exceptional views and an unforgettable adventure. You're expected to reach Kyzylkup by late afternoon, where a delicious dinner awaits. You'll get the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate for the upcoming day's adventures while spending the night in this serene setting.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: camping in tent.

For those eager to witness the awe-inspiring sunrise, the chance to wake up early and independently experience this natural wonder awaits. After a satisfying breakfast, your team will collaborate to set up the camp, ensuring that everything is in perfect order for the day's activities. Your adventure kicks off with a captivating hike through the mesmerizing Tiramisu Canyon, renowned for its striking striped patterns that resemble the layers of a delicious Tiramisu cake. Continuing your journey, you'll have the opportunity to visit the renowned Beket-ata Mosque. Should you choose to venture into the underground mosque, be ready for a 1.5 km trek down into the canyon, followed by the same ascent back up.

Continuing the adventure, your next destination will be the remarkable Bozzhyra National Park, a veritable paradise of natural marvels featuring awe-inspiring geological formations. As you make your way there, you'll enjoy a quick and satisfying lunch. Upon arrival at the park, your first visit will be to the Bozzhyra Mars Panorama, a location that truly mirrors an alien world, showcasing unique and captivating landscapes. Your journey will then take you to the Bozzhyra Dragon Crest Top View, a peak renowned for its distinctive shape resembling the crest of a powerful dragon, often likened to a majestic ship.

To conclude your day's adventure, you'll make your way down to the Bozzhyra camping site, tucked within the stunning canyons of the National Park. Here, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing vista of the park's majestic beige walls. Take your time to explore the area, capturing breathtaking sunset photos as it gracefully bathes the park in a gentle, golden glow. This presents the ideal moment to etch the beauty of the landscape into your memory and your photographs, fully immersing yourself in the serenity and natural splendor of the surroundings.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: camping in tent.

Following a delightful breakfast, we will commence our journey towards the stunning Bozzhyra Fangs Formation. A brief 20-minute stroll will guide us to the viewpoint, allowing us to savor the awe-inspiring vistas that this renowned location within the park has to offer.

As our expedition draws to an end, we will commence our return journey to Aktau, a drive that will span approximately 4-5 hours by car. Our journey will include a rewarding lunch break in Zhanaozen before we continue onward to the vibrant city of Aktau. Upon reaching Aktau, we will conclude our tour by either dropping you off at your hotel or at the airport, marking the conclusion of the Explore Mangystau 6 Days Tour.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.
Accommodation: none.

Download the PDF brochure for the Explore Mangystau 6 Days Tour

Good to know:

  • No special equipment or fitness level required for this tour! Just make sure to bring hiking shoes, slippers and weather-appropriate clothing (sun hat, sunglasses, sun cream for hot weather; jacket, windbreaker, or raincoat for cold or rainy weather, long-sleeve shirts and pants to shield against the sun and potential insects) and towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, personal hygiene items. Get ready for an amazing adventure!
  • In case of unexpected weather conditions such as storms, heavy rain, or strong winds, the travelers may be required to leave the camp and seek shelter in the nearest guesthouses.
  • Accommodation - camping in tents 3 nights (tent, mat, sleeping bag, bedsheet, and pillow), yurt camp 1 night and guesthouse 1 night;
  • Transportation throughout the tour;
  • English speaking local guide;
  • Entrance and eco-fees;
  • Meal as per the program (6 lunches, 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners);
  • International flight tickets before and after the tour;
  • Accommodation in Aktau;
  • Meals not indicated in the program;
  • Personal travel insurance;
  • Tips are not included (driver, guide, porter);
  • All other charges and services not mentioned under “Inclusions”.

Experience the Explore Mangystau 6 Days Tour with OREXCA. You will have an unforgettable experience discovering the natural wonders, rich history, and unique culture of this remarkable region. Mangystau, often referred to as Kazakhstan's hidden gem, has left an indelible mark on your travel memories. Throughout your journey, our experienced guides and local experts have strived to make this tour an enriching and immersive experience. We hope that you've not only seen the beauty of Mangystau but also felt its heartbeat and understood its soul. Thank you for choosing our Explore Mangystau 6 Days Tour.

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