Heart of Mangistau - Karynzharyk Tour
Mangistau Karynzharyk Tour in 8 days
Tour Details
-
Period
April - August -
Tour length
8 day / 7 nights -
Distance
850 km. on-road and 900 km. off-road -
Group tour
1 - 9 people / Guaranteed departure - even for one person -
Price Per Person
$1,350 USD
Tour Highlights
On this journey, you will explore the ancient Khanga Baba Necropolis and Kenty Baba Necropolis, witness the dramatic Zhigalgan Fallen Earth, and marvel at the natural beauty of Kapamsay Canyon. Discover spiritual heritage at Shakpak Ata Cave Mosque, the unique rock formations of Torysh – Valley of Balls, and the striking Kokala – Jurassic Clays (Scaly). Adventure awaits at Sherkala Mount and the fairy-tale landscapes of Airakty – Valley of Castles, Karynzharyk Depression, and the refreshing Onere Water Source. Experience the vastness of Senek Sand Dunes, the sculpted beauty of Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon, and panoramic views from Bokty – Mount. Be amazed by the otherworldly scenery of Bozjyra, including the Mars Panorama, Crest Panorama, Fangs Upper Plateau, Under Crest, and Under Fangs. Finally, explore the striking Tuzbair Salt Flat, the dramatic Karagiya Hollow, and the geological wonder of Ybyk – Porous Gorge.
Sights you will visit during an 8-day group tour:
- Khanga Baba Necropolis
- Zhigalgan Fallen Earth
- Kenty Baba Necropolis
- Kapamsay Canyon
- Shakpak Ata Cave Mosque
- Torysh – Valley of Balls
- Kokala – Jurassic Clays (Scaly)
- Sherkala Mount
- Airakty – Valley of Castles
- Karynzharyk Depression
- Onere Water Source
- Senek Sand Dunes
- Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon
- Bokty – Mount
- Bozjyra – Mars Panorama
- Bozjyra – Crest Panorama
- Bozjyra – Fangs Upper Plateau
- Bozjyra – Under Crest
- Bozjyra – Under Fangs
- Tuzbair Salt Flat
- Karagiya Hollow
- Ybyk – Porous Gorge
Karynzharyk Tour Itinerary
Distance: 185 km on-road & 95 km off-road
Duration: [05:20:00]
Pick up form the hotel at 9 AM, breefing and balance payment in the office. Departure at 9:30 from the office.
First Stop: Hanga-Baba Necropolis
Explore this historic necropolis, rich in centuries-old secrets. A site of deep cultural and spiritual significance.
Second Stop: Zhygylgan (Fallen Land)
Discover an unusual geological phenomenon with ancient traces resembling the footprints of saber-toothed tigers.
Third Stop: Kenty-Baba Necropolis
Dive deeper into the region’s history. The unique architecture and ambiance make this necropolis a true gem of the itinerary.
Fourth Stop: Kapamsai Canyon Panorama
Admire a stunning natural canyon with steep cliffs and breathtaking views.
Fifth Stop: Shakpak-Ata Underground Mosque
Visit this ancient underground mosque carved into rock, filled with history and unique architecture.
Camping: Kapamsai Canyon
Stay in a picturesque campsite. Enjoy a hot dinner and a night under the starry sky.
Meals: picnic lunch, hot dinner.
Accommodation: Camping in tents.
Distance: 180 km on-road & 41 km off-road Duration: [05:30:00]
First Stop: Akespe Gorge
Sheer limestone walls tower above a winding path, creating a dramatic canyon where every turn reveals another spectacular rock formation.
Second Stop:Torysh – Valley of BallsExplore the mysterious ball-shaped rock formations, a geological wonder that sparks curiosity and amazement.
Third Stop: Kokala – Jurassic Clays
Marvel at the colorful purple gorge and ancient geological formations at Kokala.
Fourth Stop: Sherkala Mount
Visit Sherkala, known as the “Sphinx of Mangystau,” with its unique yurt-shaped appearance.
Fifth Stop: 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.
Dinner in a yurt at Kogez ethno village
Enjoy a traditional dinner in a Kazakh yurt at Kogez Ethno Village before returning to your tented camp for the night.
Camping: Airakty
Spend the night in a tented camp surrounded by a unique landscape.
Meals: Outdoor breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner.
Accommodation: Camping in tents.
Distance: 163 km on-road & 116 km off-road
Duration: [05:30:00]
First Stop: Guesthouse in Zharmysh village (lunch)
Pause for a hearty homemade lunch at a village guesthouse in Zharmysh, tasting the simple flavors of rural Mangystau life.
Second Stop: Tuzbair Syndy Upper View
Take in the breathtaking panorama of Tuzbair’s dazzling white salt flats and cliffs from the Syndy Upper viewpoint.
Third Stop: Tuzbair (Lower Salt Flat)
Relax with a picnic lunch at the Lower Tuzbair Salt Flat where the silence and harmony of nature provide an immersive experience of this extraordinary place.
Fourth Stop: Tuzbair (White Arch)
Discover the White Arch, a stunning natural formation resembling a majestic arch offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Fifth Stop: Tuzbair (Lower Canyons)
Walk through the rocky Lower Tuzbair Canyons carved over thousands of years. These canyons, with narrow passages and colorful walls, evoke a sense of antiquity and the power of nature.
Camping: Tuzbair
End the day camping in Tuzbair, enjoying a picnic dinner and stargazing under the serene desert sky.
Meals: Outdoor breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Distance: 240 km on-road & 68 km off-road
Duration: [05:00:00]
First Stop: Janaozen Market Visit
Experience the bustle of Janaozen’s local market, where traders sell fresh produce and daily essentials
Second Stop: Sherkala Hotel (Rest Day)
Relax and unwind at Sherkala Hotel after days on the road, enjoying a well-deserved rest day
Meals: Outdoor breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Distance: 160 km on-road & 95 km off-road
Duration: [05:30:00]
Drive through Ustyurt Plateau
Travel across the Ustyurt Plateau on an exciting off-road route through endless plains, showcasing nature’s tranquility and unique flora
First Stop: Onere Spring
A stop at Onere Spring where travelers can refresh themselves, enjoy the natural scenery, and relax with a light lunch
Second Stop: Karynzharyk Depression
Take in breathtaking views of the Karynzharyk Depression. The area’s unique geology impresses with dramatic elevation changes and unusual natural formations. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Three Brothers mountain range, renowned for its mystical atmosphere. These three majestic peaks, framed by vast salt flats, create a truly unforgettable landscape. Witness the stunning Kendirli Salt Flat, its dazzling white expanse evoking a sense of wonder and feeling almost otherworldly. There is also an optional evening walk to the Salt Flat, taking three hours back and forth
Camping: Karynzharyk
End the day camping in the Karynzharyk Depression. After an adventurous day, enjoy a cozy rest and a mesmerizing starry sky
Meals: Field breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Distance: 265 km on-road & 110 km off-road
Duration: [06:40:00]
First Stop: Zhanaozen City (Lunch Stop)
Second Stop: Bokty Mount
Admire the pyramid-shaped Mount Bokty, rising from the desert like a giant monument carved by nature
Camping: Kyzylkup (Tiramisu Canyon)
Discover Tiramisu Canyon, named for its layered cliffs that look like slices of the famous dessert, and enjoy a peaceful evening camping in this iconic location
Meals: Field breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Distance: 5 km on-road & 90 km off-road
Duration: [03:40:00]
First Stop: Bozjyra National Park (Mars Panorama)
Marvel at Bozjyra’s surreal landscapes from the Mars Panorama viewpoint, where the cliffs resemble another world
Second Stop: Bozjyra National Park (Dragon Crest)
Climb to the Dragon Crest viewpoint for sweeping views of jagged ridges shaped like a mythical dragon’s spine
Third Stop: Bozjyra Fangs
Stand before the iconic twin limestone ‘Fangs,’ the most photographed landmark of Mangystau
Fourth Stop: Bozzhira (Under the Fangs)
Venture into the underground world of Bozzhira beneath the iconic “Fangs,” where unusual rock formations evoke a mysterious realm filled with natural wonders
Camping: Bozzhira
End the day camping beneath the majestic “Fangs.” Spend the evening stargazing and enjoying a cozy picnic dinner, reflecting on the day’s adventures and savoring the desert’s tranquility
Meals: Field breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Distance: 310 km on-road & 80 km off-road
Duration: [06:35:00]
First Stop: Karaman Ata
Explore Karaman Ata, one of Mangystau’s underground mosques and a revered pilgrimage site carved into the rock
Second Stop: Ybyk (Porous Gorge)
Explore the unique geological formations of Ybyk’s Porous Gorge, where unusual rock shapes and deep fissures create an impressive landscape. This location offers a thrilling sense of antiquity and the power of nature
Return to Aktau
Conclude the journey by returning to Aktau. Upon arrival, participants will be offered a transfer to their hotel or the airport, depending on their onward plans
Meals: Field breakfast, picnic lunch
Accommodation: None (end of journey)
Karynzharyk Tour Information
Trip price includes:
- 4×4 comfortable jeep
- English-speaking local guide
- Mandatory insurance
- Entrance tickets
- Full board meal (except first-day breakfast and dinner on the last day)
The trip price does not include:
- Airport transfer
- Visa fees
Price per person: 1,350 USD
What to bring
- Sunglasses
- Hiking shoes
- Towel
- Hygiene supplies
- Comfortable shoes
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Book your tour here
If you would like to customize your tour please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to organize a custom tour or to provide a modified itinerary based on one of the tours provided by us or our cooperatives.
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Tour updated 30.10.2025