Mangystau photo tour

Pick-up: Start from your hotel in Aktau at 9 am. Khanga Baba Necropolis: Explore historical sites and delve into the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region. Cape Zhigylgan Fallen Earth: Walk down to Cape Zhigylgan and marvel at the geological wonder of the fallen earth. Observe the fascinating sabre-toothed tiger footprints embedded in the landscape, a testament to ancient times. Kozdikara Lake: Visit Kozdikara Lake, a heart-shaped salty lake, and enjoy its unique natural beauty. Capture memorable photos and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

Khanga Baba Necropolis, Zhygylgan – Fallen Earth, Kozdikara Lake

• Aktau → Kozdikara Lake

Overnight: Kozdikara Lake (Tent camping)

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Kenty Baba Necropolis: Begin your journey with a visit to Kenty Baba Necropolis, exploring its ancient historical sites and cultural significance. Kapamsay Canyon: Experience the rugged beauty of Kapamsay Canyon, marvelling at its dramatic rock formations and stunning vistas. Shakpak Ata Cave Mosque: Visit the Shakpak Ata Cave Mosque, an architectural marvel dating back a thousand years. Explore its intricate designs and historical significance. Taushyk Town: Stop at Taushyk Town to refuel and prepare for the day’s adventures. Torysh – Valley of Balls: Discover the ancient giant ball-shaped ammonites, a unique geological formation at Torysh – Valley of Balls.

Kenty Baba Necropolis, Kapamsay Canyon, Shakpak Ata Underground Mosque, Taushyk, Torysh – Valley of Balls

• Kozdikara Lake → Torysh – Valley of Balls

Overnight: Torysh – Valley of Balls (Tent camping)

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Morning photography session at Torysh. Kokala – Jurassic Clays (Scaly): Begin your day marveling at the unique purple-colored gorge and the distinctive burned mount formations at Kokala. Capture stunning photos of this geological wonder. Sherkala Mount: Next, visit Sherkala Mount, famous for its giant sphinx-shaped appearance and panoramic yurt-shaped views. Take in the breathtaking scenery from the top. Kyzyl Kala – Remnants Of The City: Explore the remnants of Kyzyl Kala, an ancient Silk Road city, and uncover its rich history and architectural remnants. Airakty – Valley Of Castle Shaped Mounts: Conclude your day at Airakty, where you’ll explore the Valley Of Castle Shaped Mounts. Marvel at the unique rock formations resembling castles dotting the landscape.

Torysh – Valley of Balls, Kokala – Jurassic Clays, Sherkala Mountain, Kyzyl Kala ruins, Airakty – Valley of Castles

• Torysh – Valley of Balls → Airakty – Valley of Castles

Overnight: Airakty – Valley of Castles (Tent camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuzbair Upper Panorama View to the Salt Marsh: Start your day with a breathtaking view of the salt marsh from the upper vantage point. Take in the expansive landscape and natural beauty. Nature Sphinx-shaped Rock: Marvel at the impressive natural formation resembling a sphinx as you explore the area. Tuzbair Lower – Salt Marsh: Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings of the salt marsh. Take a refreshing walk to the nearby white arch. Tuzbair Lower – White Arch: Embark on a walk to discover the picturesque white arch, capturing stunning photos along the way. Tuzbair Lower – White Canyons: Explore the striking white canyons on foot, admiring their unique geological features and pristine beauty.

Tuzbair Salt Flat, White Arch (Tuzbair)

• Airakty – Valley of Castles → Tuzbair Salt Flat

Overnight: Tuzbair Salt Flat (Tent camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuzbair Road Syndy – Unfinished Chalky Canyons: Begin your day exploring the unique Unfinished Chalky Canyons at Tuzbair Road Syndy. Marvel at the surreal landscapes and geological formations that make this area so distinctive. Janaozen Oil City: Later in the day, journey to Janaozen Oil City.

Tuzbair Salt Flat, Zhanaozen

• Tuzbair Salt Flat → Zhanaozen

Overnight: Zhanaozen (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Janaozen Oil City: Start your day in Janaozen Oil City by refueling and exploring the local market. Take some time to enjoy a cup of coffee and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Ustyurt Plateau: Embark on an adventurous off-road drive around Ustyurt Plateau, taking in the vast, rugged landscapes and unique geological features. Onere Water Source: Arrive at Onere Water Source by late lunchtime. Relax with a swim in the refreshing waters and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty. Karynzharyk Depression: After lunch, head to Karynzharyk Depression and admire the upper panorama of this stunning geological formation. Capture breathtaking views of the expansive depression. Karamaya – Three Brothers Mount: Experience the mesmerizing night view of the Three Brothers Mount, located on salt formations. Witness the unique landscape illuminated by the moonlight. Kendirli Salt Marsh: Take a leisurely walk inside Kendirli Salt Marsh, marveling at the salt formations and unique ecosystem of the area.

Zhanaozen, Onere Spring, Karynzharyk Depression, Karamaya – Three Brothers, Kendirli Salt Flat

• Zhanaozen → Karynzharyk Depression

Overnight: Karynzharyk Depression (Tent camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with a peaceful Sunrise walk at Karynzharyk Depression. Witness the morning light illuminating the expansive depression, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere. Back to Janaozen Oil City: Return to Janaozen Oil City to refuel and visit the local market. Take some time to explore and soak in the local culture before continuing your journey. Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon: Visit Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon, known for its colorful ferum-limestone mountain formations. Explore this unique geological wonder and capture memorable photos. High Peak Shakpakty: In the evening, head to High Peak Shakpakty to enjoy a spectacular sunset view. Witness the changing hues of the sky over the Mangystau landscape from this vantage point.

Karynzharyk Depression, Zhanaozen, Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon

• Karynzharyk Depression → Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon

Overnight: Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon (Tent camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day with a stunning sunrise walk amidst the vibrant ferum-limestone mountains of Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon. Enjoy the colors of dawn illuminating the unique geological formations. Bokty – Mounts: Explore the historic Bokty – Mounts, which are featured on local currency. Take a leisurely stroll around these iconic mounts, appreciating their cultural and natural significance.

Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon, Bokty Mountain

• Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon → Bokty Mountain

Overnight: Bokty Mountain (Tent camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Baisary Valley: Start your day with a scenic stop at Baisary Valley, enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings. Bozjyra – Under Crest: Discover the fascinating rock formations at Bozjyra – Under Crest. Witness the geological wonders and prepare for a sunset experience. Bozjyra – Under Fangs: Continue exploring at Bozjyra – Under Fangs, where you’ll encounter unique rock structures and another captivating sunset opportunity.

Baisary, Bozjyra (Boszhira)

• Bokty Mountain → Bozjyra (Boszhira)

Overnight: Bozjyra (Boszhira) (Tent camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bozjyra – Under Crest: Begin your day by exploring the impressive rock formations of Bozjyra – Under Crest at sunrise. Marvel at the natural beauty illuminated by the morning light. Bozjyra – Under Fangs: Continue your exploration at Bozjyra – Under Fangs, discovering the unique rock formations under the fangs during sunrise. Bozjyra – Canyon: Walk inside Bozjyra – Canyon, immersing yourself in its rugged beauty and geological wonders. Bozjyra – Cliff: Drive along the extreme road of Bozjyra – Cliff, enjoying breathtaking views of the plateau and surrounding landscapes. Bozjyra – Fangs Upper Plateau: Climb to Bozjyra – Fangs Upper Plateau for stunning sunset views. Capture the changing colors of the sky as the sun sets over Mangystau.

Bozjyra (Boszhira)

Overnight: Bozjyra (Boszhira) (Tent camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bozjyra – Fangs Upper Plateau: Begin your day with a sunrise climb to Bozjyra – Fangs Upper Plateau. Experience the serene beauty of the morning as you ascend to this elevated viewpoint. Bozjyra – Mars Panorama: Enjoy a picnic lunch at Bozjyra – Mars Panorama, where you can indulge in panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and geological formations. Bozjyra – Middle Panorama: Relax and take in the expansive views from Bozjyra – Middle Panorama, situated on the upper plateau of the area. Bozjyra – Dragon Crest Panorama: Admire the distinctive rock formations at Bozjyra – Dragon Crest Panorama, offering a stunning view of the dragon-ridge rock. Camping at Upper Panorama: End your day with a memorable camping experience at Upper Panorama. Enjoy stargazing under the clear night sky, unwind with a picnic dinner amidst the tranquil surroundings, and settle in for an overnight stay.

Bozjyra (Boszhira)

Overnight: Bozjyra (Boszhira) (Tent camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Camel Farm: Visiting the local Camel Farm, where you can witness the camel milking process and sample camel delicacies such as the fermented drink known as shubat. Sand Dunes Senek: Continue your desert adventure at Senek Dunes, exploring and walking on the Sahara velvet sand dunes. Yurt Village Kogez: In the evening, arrive at Yurt Village Kogez for an authentic Kazakh experience. Overnight in traditional Kazakh Yurt accommodations, immersing yourself in the local culture and hospitality. Note: Yurts are shared accommodations with a hostel-style setup, hosting up to 5 travellers, including guests not associated with your group. A private yurt can be arranged on request for an additional charge.

Senek Dunes, Kogez Ethno Village

• Bozjyra (Boszhira) → Kogez Ethno Village

Overnight: Kogez Ethno Village (Yurt camp)

• Shower: Yes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Karaman Ata underground mosque: The largest underground mosque of Mangystau dating back to the 11th century. Explore its historical significance and architectural marvels. Ybyk – Porous Gorge: Continue your journey to Ybyk – Porous Gorge, where you can immerse yourself in the unique geological formations and natural beauty of the gorge. Karagiya Hollow: Stop at Karagiya Hollow, the third deepest hollow in the world. Take in the impressive geological features and stunning landscapes. Return to Aktau City: In the late afternoon, return to Aktau City and check-in at a comfortable 3-4 star hotel. Relax and unwind after a day of exploration.

Karaman-Ata Underground Mosque, Ybykty Sai, Aktau

• Kogez Ethno Village → Aktau

Overnight: Aktau (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Drive Around the City to Explore: After breakfast you will a drive around Aktau City to get acquainted with its layout and mixed architecture. Visit a Sturgeon Farm or Aquarium: Learning about the Caspian Sea’s marine life and conservation efforts. Explore the Local Bazaar (Market): Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Aktau’s local bazaar. Discover traditional Kazakh goods, crafts, and local produce. Lunch at a Kazakh Traditional Foods Restaurant: Enjoy a delightful lunch at a Kazakh traditional foods restaurant, savoring authentic dishes like Beshbarmak, Plov, or Kuyrdak. Afternoon: Attend a Felt Product Workshop: Participate in a felt product workshop, where you can learn about the traditional Kazakh art of felt-making and create your own souvenir. Evening Seaside Walk at Promenade Rock Path: Relax with an evening seaside walk along the Promenade Rock Path. Enjoy the fresh breeze and scenic views of the Caspian Sea. View War Hero Murals on Buildings: As the sun sets, take a moment to admire the War Hero murals on buildings throughout Aktau City, honoring local history and heroes. Drop-off: Return to Hotel or Airport: Conclude your day by being dropped off at your hotel or the airport, reflecting on your cultural exploration and experiences in Aktau City.

Aktau

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch