Through the dried Tethys Ocean – 5 days Mangystau tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included. $49 deposit, balance one month before tour starting date.
Through the dried Tethys Ocean – 5 days Mangystau tour Highlights
Discover the desert landscapes of Mangystau in western Kazakhstan, once the floor of the ancient Tethys Ocean, on this 5-day small-group camping tour from Aktau. On the first day you drive through the limestone cliffs of Akespe to the giant stone balls of Torysh, the colorful Jurassic clays of Kokala and the lone Sherkala mountain, and camp among the castle-like rocks of Airakty.
Next you walk on the white Tuzbair salt flat and visit its White Arch before a night in a yurt at an ethno camp. Heading south, you see the underground mosque of Karaman-Ata and the sculpted walls of Ybyk Gorge, stop at the local market in Zhanaozen and spend two nights camping in Bozjyra, at the Dragon Crest viewpoint and beneath the famous limestone Fangs. On the last day you see the pyramid-shaped Bokty mountain and the layered cliffs of Kyzylkup, the "Tiramisu Canyon", 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 3–6.5 hours in off-road vehicles, with 50–105 km off-road per day, short walks on uneven desert terrain, three nights in tents and one night in a yurt. Not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women or people with disabilities.
Tour Itinerary
The journey begins with pick-up from Aktau Airport at 8:30 AM for arriving guests, while hotel guests are collected at 9:00 AM and transferred to the starting point for payment formalities, a briefing and a short rest before departure. At 9:30 AM, the tour officially starts as the group heads into the Mangystau desert. The first destination is Akespe Gorge, where tall limestone cliffs rise above winding canyon paths, creating a dramatic landscape shaped by time and erosion. The route then continues to Torysh (Valley of Balls), a unique natural site filled with mysterious spherical rock formations scattered across the desert floor. Next, the journey leads to Kokala (Jurassic Clays), known for its colorful layered rock formations that reveal ancient geological history. Afterward, visit Sherkala Mountain, a striking natural formation often called the “Sphinx of Mangystau” due to its distinctive shape. In the late afternoon, arrive at Airakty, the valley of castle-shaped mountains, where dramatic rock formations resemble ancient fortresses. Here, the day ends with camping under the stars in the desert landscape.
Akespe, Torysh – Valley of Balls, Kokala – Jurassic Clays, Sherkala Mountain, Airakty – Valley of Castles
- Aktau → Airakty – Valley of Castles
Overnight: Airakty – Valley of Castles (Tent camping)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a scenic drive covering 160 km on-road and 105 km off-road (approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes), heading toward one of Mangystau’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. The first stop is Tuzbair, where you will explore both the upper and lower sections of this vast salt flat. From the upper viewpoint, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of white cliffs and endless horizons, before descending to the lower plateau to walk across the striking salt formations. You will also visit the famous White Arch, a naturally formed rock structure that stands out against the surrounding landscape and offers excellent photo opportunities. After a full day of exploration, continue to a traditional Yurt Ethno Camp, where you will experience elements of the Kazakh nomadic lifestyle. In the evening, enjoy a local-style dinner and relax in the comfort of a yurt, surrounded by the peaceful desert environment.
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 covers 260 km on-road and 68 km off-road, with an approximate driving time of 5 hours, taking you through both cultural and natural highlights of the region. The first stop is the Karaman-Ata Necropolis, home to one of the largest underground mosques in Mangystau and an important spiritual site dating back centuries. You will have time to explore the area and experience its peaceful and historical atmosphere. The journey continues to Ybyk Gorge, a unique porous canyon known for its unusual rock formations and smooth, sculpted walls shaped by wind and time. Walking through the gorge offers a chance to appreciate the raw beauty of Mangystau’s desert landscapes. Next, there is a stop in Zhanaozen, where the group will refuel and visit the local market. This is a great opportunity to observe everyday life, try local products and enjoy a cup of tea before continuing the journey. In the afternoon, travel toward Bozjyra National Park, reaching the spectacular Dragon Crest Panorama. This dramatic viewpoint features jagged white cliffs and vast open desert views. The day ends with camping at this breathtaking location, where you can enjoy sunset, silence and a night under the stars.
Karaman-Ata Underground Mosque, Ybykty Sai, Zhanaozen, Bozjyra (Boszhira)
- Kogez Ethno Village → Bozjyra (Boszhira) (328 km)
Overnight: Bozjyra (Boszhira) (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day covers 62 km on-road and 50 km off-road, with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 47 minutes, focusing on a deeper exploration of the breathtaking Bozjyra landscapes. The first stop is the Mars Panorama, where dramatic red and white cliffs create an otherworldly scenery that resembles the surface of another planet. From this viewpoint, you can take in wide, uninterrupted views of the surrounding desert formations. The journey continues to the iconic Bozjyra Fangs, a pair of striking limestone spires rising sharply from the desert floor. Here, you can explore the area on foot and take in the scale and beauty of one of Mangystau’s most famous natural landmarks. In the evening, descend to the lower part of Bozjyra, where the campsite will be set up beneath the Fangs. Surrounded by towering cliffs and vast open space, this location offers a truly unforgettable desert experience, with sunset views and a peaceful night under the stars.
Bozjyra (Boszhira)
- Bozjyra (Boszhira) → Bozjyra (Boszhira) (112 km)
Overnight: Bozjyra (Boszhira) (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The final day covers 305 km on-road and 90 km off-road, with an approximate driving time of 6 hours and 35 minutes, bringing your journey through Mangystau to a close. The first stop is Bokty Mount, a striking pyramid-shaped formation rising from the desert, offering a unique and photogenic landscape shaped by nature. The journey continues to Kyzylkup (Tiramisu Canyon), known for its beautifully layered, colorful cliffs that resemble the famous dessert. Here, you will have time to explore and enjoy the vibrant scenery. Afterward, stop at the panoramic viewpoint of Shakpaktysai Canyon for lunch, where you can relax and take in the surrounding landscapes before the final drive. In the afternoon, begin the return journey to Aktau. Upon arrival, participants will be dropped off at their respective hotels, marking the end of the tour.
Bokty Mountain, Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon, Shakpaktysai Canyon
- Bozjyra (Boszhira) → Aktau (395 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 at your hotel in Aktau on day 5
- Three meals per day (local food cooking), except breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 5
- 3 nights tent camping (tent, sleeping bag, pillow, bedsheet)
- 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
- Wet towels for refreshment
Not included
- Visa fees
- International and domestic airfare
- Expenses due to unexpected weather (e.g., extra guesthouse or hotel stays)
- Accommodation on arrival and departure days in Aktau
- Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 5
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
-
Nights 3–4
Bozjyra (Boszhira)
Tent Camping or similar
Good to know
- Daily schedule: The tour starts at 9 AM on day 1 (airport pick-up at 8:30 AM) and ends around 7 PM on day 5 with drop-off at your hotel 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
Toilets, showers and electricity
Because of the remote desert environment, permanent shower facilities are limited in Mangystau. These options help you stay refreshed during the tour.
- Wet towels (included): disposable wet towels for basic body hygiene – up to 5 per person per night (200 × 280 mm), at no extra cost.
- Mobile camping shower (optional): a shower tent with a manual pump and watering can and 5 liters of water per person per day; one shower tent and one pump per group (1–9 people share one setup). Recommended for cycling, hiking, trekking and multi-day adventure tours. Price: 30 USD per car / per group (up to 3 people).
- Shower stops (optional): on the way you can take a shower at selected places – the Kogez Yurt Ethno Village, the Tuzbair lunch stop, Zhanaozen town and Kyzylsay village – for about 2–3 USD per person, subject to availability.
- Toilets: on the road and at the camps, toilets are in nature; a camping toilet can be provided for an extra charge.
- Electricity: a 12 V socket in the vehicle (charging may be slow) and, depending on the package, a 220 V generator at the camping stops. Please bring your own power bank.
Water is scarce in the region, so please use it responsibly. Availability may vary with the route, season and local conditions.
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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