Mangistau Day Tour
Day Tour to Mangistau from Aktau
Tour Details
-
Period
All year round -
Tour length and Participants
1 day / 1 - 9 participants -
Price from
$110 / person (group of 6 people)
Tour Highlights
During the tour, you will experience the magnificent sights of Western Kazakhstan Mangystay. Mangistau is a land of fantastic landscapes where you can feel like you are on Mars. The reason for the odd views is that this desert area used to be sea floor in the history.
A day tour is designed according to the destinations that can be reached and to still return back to the Aktau within a day. The program can be modified according to your preferences but adding more, especially destinations that are located further, can easily lengthen the total duration of the day trip.
Mangystau Day Tour Itinerary
Option 1. Bozjira National Park
Pickup from the hotel or airport at 8:00 AM to the office. In the office will complete any remaining payments and receive a pre-tour briefing, covering essential details about the itinerary, safety guidelines, and what to expect throughout the day. The adventure officially kicks off at 9:00 AM, as the group departs for the first destination.
Leaving the city behind, the first stop is Tiramisu Canyon, an extraordinary geological wonder characterized by its striped rock formations that resemble a layered dessert. Here, travelers will have time to explore the unique terrain, take in the surreal scenery, and capture incredible photos.
The journey continues to the Bozjyra Mars Panorama, a landscape so otherworldly that it resembles an alien planet. The vast, rugged terrain and the mesmerizing play of light and shadow make this a truly breathtaking stop.
Next, the tour moves to the Bozjyra Dragon Crest Top View, one of the most striking formations in the region. The sharp ridges and dragon crest-like silhouette create a dramatic and unforgettable sight, offering a perfect vantage point for panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
The final highlight of the day is the Bozjyra Fangs Formation, an iconic natural landmark that has become a symbol of Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region. A short climb rewards travelers with breathtaking views of the beige-walled formations and the untouched beauty of the landscape.
After a full day of exploration and discovery, the journey back to Aktau begins. Upon arrival, travellers will be conveniently dropped off at either their hotel or directly at the airport, depending on their chosen service.
A delicious lunch is included in the tour, ensuring participants stay energized throughout this unforgettable adventure.
Option 2. Northwest of Mangystau
Pickup from the hotel or airport at 8:00 AM to the office. In the office will complete any remaining payments and receive a pre-tour briefing, covering essential details about the itinerary, safety guidelines, and what to expect throughout the day. The adventure officially kicks off at 9:00 AM, as the group departs for the first destination.
The adventure starts at Torysh, famously known as the Valley of Balls, where travelers can explore the region’s mysterious spherical rock formations. These natural stone spheres, scattered across the landscape, have fascinated geologists and visitors alike, making Torysh one of the most intriguing geological sites in Mangystau.
Next, the tour heads to Kokala, an area renowned for its colorful purple-hued gorges and ancient Jurassic clay formations. The striking landscapes provide a glimpse into the region’s deep geological history, offering a unique opportunity for photography and exploration.
The journey continues to Sherkala, a massive rock formation often referred to as the “Sphinx of Mangystau” due to its distinctive yurt-like shape. This natural wonder has a rich history, with legends surrounding its origin, making it a must-visit landmark in the region.
Driving through the Airakty region, travelers will witness the majestic castle-shaped mountains, which create a dramatic and almost surreal desert landscape. This scenic stop provides a final breathtaking view before heading back to Aktau city.
As the tour concludes, participants will be comfortably dropped off at their respective hotels in Aktau or, if needed, directly at Aktau Airport (SCO) for onward travel.
A delicious lunch is included in the tour, ensuring participants stay energized throughout this unforgettable adventure.
Tour Information
Included
- 4×4 comfortable jeep
- English-speaking local guide
- Mandatory insurance
- Entrance tickets
- Lunch
Not included
- Personal expenses
Price per car:
| Group | Price |
| 1 pax | $354 |
| 2 pax | $183 |
| 3 pax | $126 |
| 4 pax | $159 |
| 5 pax | $129 |
| 6 pax | $110 |
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 the tour operators.
Kazakhstan travel information
Money & costs
Safety
Entry & exit
Best time to go
Health
Money & costs
Money & costs
The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Tenge (KZT), and the country boasts the most advanced banking system in the region. ATMs are widely distributed across major cities, including banks, hotels, and shopping centers; however, it’s important to note that most ATMs dispense cash only in the local currency. Exchange facilities are readily available in every city, offering services for various currencies such as the US dollar, Euro, Russian ruble, British pound, Chinese yuan, and Kyrgyz som. Exchanging US dollars or Euros for Tenge is a straightforward process in banks and exchange offices.
In addition, international credit cards find acceptance in the majority of hotels, restaurants, and large supermarkets. It’s worth noting that smaller merchants usually do not accept cards and often operate with limited cash reserves which can cause problems in providing the proper change from payments.
Safety
Safety
The current security situation is presently stable but bears the potential for deterioration. Recommendations encompass the following:
- Always carry an original form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, as law enforcement patrolling the streets may request verification.
- Steer clear of any demonstrations and political assemblies. In the event of becoming aware of nearby violence or unrest, it is advised to promptly vacate the premises.
- Incidents of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag thefts, and vehicle break-ins, are prevalent. Safeguard valuables discreetly and exercise vigilance, particularly during nighttime. When approached by a police officer, driver, or official, insist on the presentation of identification.
- Avoid solitary strolls and arrange transportation in advance. Refrain from utilizing unofficial taxi services.
- While on trains, ensure the security of personal belongings, including passports and travel documents, and utilize locks for compartments, especially on night trains.
- Exercise caution against online scams.
- Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is proscribed in proximity to schools, playgrounds, medical facilities, and public spaces (such as museums, public transportation, airports, train stations, and subterranean passages), as well as within vehicles carrying children.
- The possession or usage of illegal substances may result in protracted incarceration.
- Photography is restricted in the vicinity of military installations, border areas, airports, and specific official buildings. The sharing or publication of images that may be deemed disrespectful to religion, culture, or national symbols is discouraged.
- Same-sex relationships are not unlawful but may encounter varying degrees of tolerance, particularly outside major urban centers nationwide.
- Exercise caution by never leaving consumables unattended or entrusted to the care of unfamiliar individuals.
- Road conditions exhibit disparities across the country, with well-maintained infrastructure in major cities and their environs, while rural areas may experience neglect in road upkeep.
Entry & exit
Entry & exit
Kazakhstan implements diverse visa regulations tailored to passport holders from various countries. Comprehensive information regarding visas in Kazakhstan and whether they are requisite for your visit can find here.
Upon entry into the country, there may be a requirement for registration. For those entering visa-free, it is essential that their passport remains valid only for the duration of their stay. However, if you are utilizing a visa, it is imperative that your passport remains valid for the standard six months beyond the conclusion of your intended stay. To secure a tourist visa from the Embassy of Kazakhstan or to obtain an electronic visa, the initial step is procuring a Letter of Invitation (LOI).
Best time to go
Best time to go
Kazakhstan is characterized by severe weather conditions, especially during the winter months. The country experiences extreme climates in both summer and winter, with the most intense heat and cold being felt in the central steppe and around the capital, Astana. Temperatures can soar above 40°C in June-August and plummet to -20°C in December-February. Optimal times for visiting Kazakhstan are during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) to steer clear of scorching summers and snowy winters.
Health
Health
Prior to embarking on your journey, verify that your destination has the capability to offer the required medical assistance you may need. Ensure you possess suitable travel insurance that covers on-the-spot treatment or unforeseen medical evacuation. It’s noteworthy that medical staff often lack proficiency in English.
Non-prescription medications are easily obtainable. If you require prescription medications, a valid prescription from a local physician or a foreign prescription translated into Kazakh or Russian will be necessary.
Mangystau Group Tours in 2025
Tour updated 30.1.2025
