Through the dried Tethys Ocean Tour
5 days tour through the dried Tethys Ocean
Tour Details
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Period
April - October -
Total distance
890 km on-road & 345 km off-road -
Tour length and Participants
5 days (4 nights) / max 15 participants -
Price per person
$ 745 / person
Tour Highlights
The 5-day Mangystau group tour offers an immersive journey through Kazakhstan’s stunning natural landscapes and cultural landmarks. Day 1 kicks off with a visit to Torysh Valley and the Valley of Castles at Airakty, blending natural beauty with ancient history. Day 2 explores the Tuzbair salt flat and ends with a stay in a traditional yurt village. Day 3 unveils hidden gems like the Karaman Ata Underground Mosque and the striking Tiramisu Canyon. On Day 4, you’ll visit the spiritual Beket Ata mausoleum and the breathtaking Bozjyra landscapes. Finally, Day 5 offers serene views of Bozzhyra Park before returning to Aktau.
5 days Group Tours 2025
Start date | End Date | Status |
5-Apr | 9-Apr | Scheduled |
3-May | 7-May | Scheduled |
7-Jun | 11-Jun | Scheduled |
5-Jul | 9-Jul | Scheduled |
2-Aug | 6-Aug | Scheduled |
6-Sep | 10-Sep | Scheduled |
4-Oct | 8-Oct | Scheduled |
1-Nov | 5-Nov | Scheduled |
- Valley of balls torysh
- Jurassic clays Kokkala
- Sherkala mount
- Valley of castles Airakty
- Porous gorge Ybyk
- Yurt village
- Salt flat Tuzbair
- Tiramisu canyon Kyzylkup
- Bozjyra fangs formation
- Bozjyra dragon crest
- Bozjyra mars panorama
- Bokty mount
Tour Itinerary
- Meetup and Departure: Your adventure begins at 9 AM when you are met either at Aktau Airport (SCO) or your hotel. From there, you’ll set off on an exciting journey.
- Valley of Balls (Torysh): Your first stop is the Valley of Balls (Torysh). Here, you’ll find perfectly circular and half-sliced rock formations resembling dragon eggs. You’ll have lunch in this unique location.
- Jurassic Clays (Kokkala): Next on your itinerary is a walk through the lilac remnant rocks at Jurassic Clays (Kokkala). This area is known for its interesting geological features.
- Sherkala Mount: You’ll continue driving to Sherkala Mount, which has its own intriguing story. Some people say it looks like a yurt, while others compare it to a sleeping lion. Your guide will provide you with more information during the tour.
- Airakty Valley of Castles: Your next stop will be the Airakty Valley of Castles. Here, you’ll encounter castle-shaped hills with spires, making for picturesque views, especially during sunset and sunrise.
- Camp and Stargazing: Your camp for the night will overlook the castles. After dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to capture the night stars in the clear skies.
As night falls, you’ll have the chance to be enchanted by the mesmerizing starry sky, away from the city lights. It promises to be a breathtaking sight.
- Morning Hike to Castles: After breakfast, your group will embark on a hike to climb up to the castles. This promises to be an adventurous and scenic journey with the reward of amazing views of the castles once you reach the top.
- Camp Assembly: While the group is exploring the castles, your team will assemble the camp, ensuring everything is ready for your return.
- Visit to Karaman Ata Mosque: Following your descent from the castles, you’ll drive to Karaman Ata Mosque, where you’ll have lunch. This mosque likely holds historical and cultural significance.
- Exploration of the Underground Mosque: After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the biggest underground mosque in Mangystau. This should be a unique and intriguing experience.
- Drive to Porous Gorge Ybyk: Your journey continues to Porous Gorge Ybyk. This gorge is described as having similarities to the Red Canyon in Israel and Antelope Canyon in Arizona but with its own unique porous features that make it a must-see. It’s a natural wonder that words can’t quite capture.
- Arrival at Yurt Village: After exploring the gorge, you’ll drive to a Yurt Village, where you’ll spend the night. This promises to be a unique cultural experience. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in a yurt and enjoy the hospitality of Alfiya, a local chef.
- Dinner at Yurt Village: Alfiya will prepare an amazing dinner for everyone. It’s a chance to savor local cuisine and perhaps try some traditional dishes.
- Accommodation: You’ll share a yurt with fellow group members (5 beds per yurt), but if you prefer more privacy, you have the option for a single supplement at an additional cost.
Before dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to take a shower, ensuring you’re refreshed and comfortable after a day of exploration.
- Morning Departure: After breakfast, you’ll start your drive to Salt Flat Tuzbair.
- Refueling Stop: On the way to the salt flat, you’ll make a stop in the nearest town to refuel your cars. Make sure to fill up for the journey ahead.
- Lunch by the Salt Flat Tuzbair: By lunchtime, you’ll arrive at the salt flat. You’ll enjoy a quick lunch featuring Horse sausage and different salads. Before eating, you’ll have the opportunity to take interesting photos on the snow-white salt field, which may remind you of Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.
- Visit the White Big Arch: After lunch, you’ll continue your journey to a white big arch that resembles a large bone. This could be a great spot for more photos and exploration.
- Stop at White Limestone Canyons: You’ll also make a stop at white limestone canyons, adding another fascinating natural wonder to your trip.
- Drive to Tiramisu Canyon Kyzylkup: Following your exploration of the white limestone canyons, you’ll embark on a long drive to Tiramisu Canyon Kyzylkup. This might be a remote and beautiful location, providing unique landscapes for your adventure.
- Evening Arrival in Kyzylkup: You’re expected to reach Kyzylkup by 8 PM. Here, you’ll have dinner and spend the night, allowing you to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventures.
- Early Morning Sunrise: Those interested in catching the sunrise will have the opportunity to wake up early and witness this natural spectacle independently.
- Breakfast and Camp Assembly: After breakfast, your team will assemble the camp, ensuring everything is organized for the day’s activities.
- Exploration of Tiramisu Canyon: The group will then embark on a walk through Tiramisu Canyon. This unique canyon is known for its striped dark brown and white colors, resembling the layers of a Tiramisu cake.
- Visit to Beket Ata Mausoleum: Your journey continues to the Beket Ata mausoleum. If you wish to visit the underground mosque, you’ll have to walk 1.5 km down into the canyon and then make the same ascent back up.
- National Park Bozjyra: Next, you’ll drive to the National Park Bozjyra, a natural wonderland with stunning geological formations.
- Lunch with Local Cuisine: On the way to the park, you’ll have a quick lunch featuring Horse sausage and different salads, offering a taste of local cuisine.
- Bozjyra Mars Panorama: Your first stop within the park is the Bozjyra Mars Panorama. This location is said to resemble another planet with its unique and striking landscapes.
- Bozjyra Dragon Crest Top View: Your journey continues to the Bozjyra Dragon Crest Top View. This mount is known for its distinctive dragon crest-like shape and is often likened to a big ship. It’s a unique geological formation.
- Camping: We’ve had enough for today, and now we’re heading down to the Bozzhyra camping site nestled within the National Park’s stunning canyons. At this campsite, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing view of the park’s magnificent beige walls.
Before dinner, you’ll have the freedom to explore and take amazing photos of the sunset among park. Seize this perfect chance to capture the beauty of the landscape in the soft evening light.
The name ‘Boz,’ signifying the soothing beige hue, and ‘Jyra,’ representing the grandeur of these natural formations, perfectly encapsulate the beauty that surrounds you. It promises to be an unforgettable experience, camping amidst these awe-inspiring natural wonders. Enjoy your trip, and may the beige walls of Bozzhyra take your breath away!
- Bozzhyra Fangs Formation: Following breakfast, our journey takes us to the breathtaking Bozzhyra Fangs Formation. You’ll then take a 20-minute walk to reach the Bozzhyra Fangs formation viewpoint. It’s a popular spot within the park, known for its stunning views.
- Return to Aktau: It was the last viewpoint of the tour, now we will return to Aktau, which will take approximately 4-5 hours by car.
- Lunch in Zhanaozen: Lunchtime, you’ll arrive in Zhanaozen city, where you’ll have a late lunch. It’s a chance to enjoy a meal and rest during your journey back.
- Continuation to Aktau: After lunch, you’ll have approximately 2 more hours of driving ahead of you to reach Aktau city.
- Arrival in Aktau: You’re expected to reach Aktau city by 6 PM. Your tour will conclude, and the group will be dropped off at their respective booked hotels or at the airport for those who are departing.
With hugs and farewells, your memorable tour comes to an end, leaving you with incredible memories of the diverse landscapes and experiences you’ve encountered in the Mangystau region.
Tour Information
Trip price includes:
- English-speaking local guide
- Three meals per day (local food cooking)
- Three nights of tent camping (all tools included)
- One night’s accommodation in a Yurt
- Meeting and departure services
- Accident insurance coverage
- All entrance fees included
- Complimentary camel milk products
- 220V generator
- Bio shower and toilet
- Satellite phone
Trip price does not include:
- Visa fees
- International and domestic airfare
- Accommodation on arrival and departure days
- Tips for guide and drivers
USD per person $745
What to bring
- Sunglasses
- Hiking shoes
- Towel
- Hygiene supplies
Not allowed
- Luggage or large bags (luggage storage is included)
- Alcohol and drugs
Not suitable for
- Children under 6 years
- Pregnant women
- People with disabilities
Warranty: 100 % guaranteed departure – even for ONE person
Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Duration: 5 days (4 nights), starts at 9AM, ends at 7PM
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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.
Other tours in Kazakhstan
Tour updated: 4.10.2025