Mangystau 4 day group tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included. $39 deposit, balance one month before tour starting date.
Mangystau 4 day group tour Highlights
See the best of Mangystau in western Kazakhstan on this 4-day small-group camping tour from Aktau. On the first day you drive through the white cliffs of Akespe Chalk Canyon to the stone balls of Torysh, the colorful Jurassic clays of Kokala and the yurt-shaped Sherkala mountain, and camp among the castle-like rocks of Airakty.
On day 2 you explore the upper and lower parts of the Tuzbair salt flat and its White Arch, then spend the night in a yurt at a traditional ethno camp. Day 3 leads via Zhanaozen to the layered Kyzylkup "Tiramisu Canyon" and the isolated Bokty mountain, with a night in tents beneath the limestone Fangs of Bozjyra. On the last morning you see the Fangs from above, the Mars Panorama and the Dragon Crest before returning to Aktau. The group is small, with a maximum of 9 travelers, and departures are guaranteed from one person.
Difficulty: Moderate Daily drives of about 4.5–5.5 hours in off-road vehicles, with 40–110 km off-road per day, short walks on uneven desert terrain, two nights in tents and one night in a yurt; summer midday heat can reach 45°C. Not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women or people with disabilities.
Tour Itinerary
The day begins with airport pickup at 8:00 AM for arriving guests, followed by hotel pickups at 8:30 AM. All participants are then transferred to the local office for payment processing and a short tour briefing. This is also an opportunity to relax and prepare for the journey ahead. At 9:00 AM, the tour officially starts from the office. The first destination is Akespe Chalk Canyon, famous for its striking white cliffs and dramatic chalk formations, creating one of the most unique landscapes in the Mangystau region. Next, the route continues to Torysh – Valley of Balls, a fascinating geological site known for its mysterious spherical rock formations scattered across the desert. The journey then proceeds to Kokala – Jurassic Clays, where visitors can admire colorful cliffs and ancient geological layers shaped over millions of years. Afterwards, the tour continues to Sherkala Mountain, often called the “Sphinx of Mangystau,” admired for its distinctive yurt-like shape and panoramic views. The final stop of the day is Airakty – Valley of Castle-Shaped Mountains, where guests explore surreal rock formations resembling ancient fortresses. The day ends with camping under the stars in this remote desert landscape.
Akespe, Torysh – Valley of Balls, Kokala – Jurassic Clays, Sherkala Mountain, Airakty – Valley of Castles
- Aktau → Airakty – Valley of Castles (225 km)
Overnight: Airakty – Valley of Castles (Tent camping)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a journey towards Tuzbair, one of the most striking natural landscapes in the region. Here, guests explore the vast salt flats and dramatic chalk formations across the upper and lower areas of Tuzbair. A highlight of the visit is the White Arch, a naturally formed rock structure that stands as one of the area’s most unique geological wonders. After exploring Tuzbair, the journey continues to a traditional Yurt Ethno Camp. Upon arrival, guests experience authentic nomadic hospitality and gain insight into the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakh people, surrounded by the peaceful steppe environment. The evening is spent at the camp, offering a cultural and immersive experience under the open sky.
Tuzbair Salt Flat, White Arch (Tuzbair), Kogez Ethno Village
- Airakty – Valley of Castles → Kogez Ethno Village (265 km)
Overnight: Kogez Ethno Village (Yurt camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a drive towards Zhanaozen City, where there is a stop for lunch at Adal café. This break also allows time for refueling and a visit to a local market if needed. During the summer season, an additional one-hour rest is included at the café, giving guests a chance to relax with cold drinks and Wi-Fi before continuing the journey in the cooler part of the day, as midday temperatures can reach up to 45°C. After the break, the route continues to Kyzylkup (Tiramisu) Canyon, a breathtaking natural site known for its layered rock formations that resemble a dessert. The canyon’s vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange create a striking and photogenic landscape. The journey then proceeds to Bokty Mountain, a dramatic, isolated formation rising from the steppe. Its fortress-like shape and unique coloring make it one of the most remarkable landmarks in the region. In the evening, the group arrives at Bozjyra – Under the Fang Formations, where camp is set beneath towering limestone cliffs. This remote location offers a peaceful atmosphere, with an unforgettable night under the stars in the desert.
Zhanaozen, Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon, Bokty Mountain, Bozjyra (Boszhira)
- Kogez Ethno Village → Bozjyra (Boszhira) (320 km)
Overnight: Bozjyra (Boszhira) (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The final day begins in the Bozjyra Middle Area, where guests explore the upper viewpoints of the famous Fang Formations. These towering limestone structures dominate the landscape and represent one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Mangystau. Visitors have time to walk around and take in the dramatic scenery. The journey continues to the Mars Panorama, offering sweeping views of surreal cliffs and landscapes that resemble the surface of another planet when seen from above. Next, the tour proceeds to Dragon Crest, a striking jagged limestone ridge that resembles the spine of a mythical dragon. This viewpoint provides one of the most memorable panoramas of the entire region and serves as a final highlight of the journey. After the exploration, the group begins the return drive to Aktau City, marking the end of the tour through Mangystau’s most remarkable landscapes.
Bozjyra (Boszhira)
- Bozjyra (Boszhira) → Aktau (304 km)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Group Tour Price
What's included
Included
- English-speaking local guide
- All transport during the tour, with pick-up at Aktau Airport or your hotel in Aktau on day 1 and drop-off in Aktau on day 4
- Three meals per day (local food cooking), except breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 4
- 2 nights tent camping (all equipment included)
- One night in a yurt at the ethno camp
- Storage for your luggage and large bags during the tour
- Accident insurance coverage
- All entrance fees
- Complimentary camel milk products
Not included
- Visa fees
- International and domestic airfare
- Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 4
- Accommodation on arrival and departure days in Aktau
- Expenses due to unexpected weather (e.g., an extra guesthouse stay)
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Where you'll stay
-
Night 1
Airakty – Valley of Castles
Tent Camping or similar
-
Night 2
Kogez Ethno Village
Yurt Ethno Camp or similar
-
Night 3
Bozjyra (Boszhira)
Tent Camping or similar
Good to know
- Daily schedule: The tour starts at 9 AM on day 1 (airport pick-up at 8:00 AM, hotel pick-up at 8:30 AM) and ends around 7 PM on day 4 back in Aktau.
- Weather: In case of unexpected weather conditions such as storms, heavy rain or strong winds, the group may have to leave the campsite and move to the nearest guesthouse for safety. This alternative accommodation is at an additional cost.
- Luggage: Suitcases and large bags cannot be taken on the tour; luggage storage is included.
- Not allowed: Alcohol.
- Not suitable for: Children under 6 years, pregnant women and people with disabilities.
What to bring
- Sunglasses
- Hiking shoes
- Towel
- Hygiene supplies
Kazakhstan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Kazakhstan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kazakhstan before booking.
The official currency is the tenge (KZT), and Kazakhstan has the most advanced banking system in the region.
ATMs and exchange
ATMs are widespread in the major cities, in banks, hotels and shopping centres, but most dispense only tenge. Every city has exchange offices for US dollars, euros, roubles, pounds, Chinese yuan and Kyrgyz som, and changing dollars or euros into tenge is easy at banks and exchange offices.
Paying by card
International cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and large supermarkets. Smaller shops usually take cash only and often have little change, so carry smaller notes.
The security situation is stable, but it can change. A few precautions go a long way.
Documents
Always carry original identification such as your passport, as police patrols may ask for it. When approached by a police officer, driver or official, ask to see their identification.
Crime and scams
- Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag theft and car break-ins is common. Keep valuables out of sight and be vigilant, especially at night.
- Never leave food or drinks unattended or with strangers.
- Be careful of online scams.
- Stay away from demonstrations and political gatherings, and leave the area if there is unrest nearby.
Getting around
- Avoid walking alone and arrange transport in advance. Do not use unofficial taxis.
- On trains, keep your passport and travel documents safe and lock the compartment, especially on night trains.
- Roads are well maintained in and around the major cities, but rural roads may be in poor condition.
Laws and customs
- Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is banned near schools, playgrounds and medical facilities, in public places such as museums, public transport, airports, stations and underpasses, and in cars carrying children.
- Possessing or using illegal drugs can lead to a long prison sentence.
- Photography is restricted near military sites, border areas, airports and some official buildings. Avoid sharing images that could be seen as disrespectful to religion, culture or national symbols.
- Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but tolerance varies, especially outside the major cities.
Kazakhstan's visa rules depend on your passport. Check whether you need a visa for your visit.
Passport
If you enter visa-free, your passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay. With a visa, it must be valid for six months beyond the end of your stay.
Visas and registration
For a tourist visa from an embassy or an electronic visa, you first need a letter of invitation (LOI). You may need to register after arriving in the country.
The best times to visit Kazakhstan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), avoiding the hot summers and snowy winters.
Summer and winter
Kazakhstan has a harsh continental climate, at its most extreme in the central steppe and around the capital, Astana. Temperatures can rise above 40°C in June to August and drop to −20°C in December to February.
Before you travel, make sure the places you are going can provide any medical help you might need, and that your travel insurance covers treatment and unexpected medical evacuation.
Medical care
Medical staff often speak little English.
Medicines
Non-prescription medicines are easy to buy. For prescription medicines you need a prescription from a local doctor, or a foreign prescription translated into Kazakh or Russian.
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