Through the dried Tethys Ocean Mangystau Tour

5 days tour through the dried Tethys Ocean Mangystau Tour

Tour Details

Tethys Ocean Mangystau Tour Highlights

The 5-day Mangystau group tour offers an immersive journey through Kazakhstan’s stunning natural landscapes and cultural landmarks. You will visit 12 amazing sights:

Sphere Valley of Torysh – surreal landscape dotted with giant stone balls.
Jurassic Claylands of Kokkala – colorful clay formations reminiscent of the Jurassic era.
Sherkala Mountain – a lone, fortress-like peak rising from the steppe.
Castle Valley of Airakty – natural towers shaped like medieval castles.
Ybyk’s Hollow Gorge – porous canyon walls carved by wind and water.
Traditional Yurt Settlement – authentic nomadic dwellings in the open plains.
Tuzbair Salt Flats – dazzling white desert stretching endlessly.
Kyzylkup’s Tiramisu Canyon – layered cliffs resembling a giant dessert.
Bozjyra Fang Rocks – sharp limestone spires piercing the sky.
Bozjyra Dragon Ridge – a crest shaped like a mythical beast.
Bozjyra Martian Vista – otherworldly panorama evoking the surface of Mars.
Mount Bokty – striking pyramid-shaped mountain dominating the horizon.

Tour Dates

Schedule 2026

Start Date	End Date	Status
Sat, 28 Mar 2026	Wed, 01 Apr 2026	Available
Sat, 25 Apr 2026	Wed, 29 Apr 2026	Available
Sun, 24 May 2026	Thu, 28 May 2026	Available
Sun, 21 Jun 2026	Thu, 25 Jun 2026	Available
Sun, 05 Jul 2026	Thu, 09 Jul 2026	Available
Sun, 16 Aug 2026	Thu, 20 Aug 2026	Available
Sun, 30 Aug 2026	Thu, 03 Sep 2026	Available
Sun, 13 Sep 2026	Thu, 17 Sep 2026	Available
Sun, 25 Oct 2026	Thu, 29 Oct 2026	Available

Plces to visit

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

Day 1. Torysh Valley, Jurassic Clays of Kokkala, Sherkala Mount, and the Enigmatic Valley of Castles at Airakty

Your adventure begins at 9 AM with a pickup from your hotel, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.

The first destination is the Valley of Balls (Torysh), where perfectly round and sliced rock formations lie scattered across the steppe, resembling giant dragon eggs, and here you’ll pause for lunch surrounded by this surreal landscape. Continuing onward, you’ll explore the lilac-hued remnants of the Jurassic Clays at Kokkala, a site renowned for its unusual geological shapes.

The road then leads to Sherkala Mountain, a solitary peak steeped in legend—some say its silhouette resembles a traditional yurt, while others see the form of a sleeping lion, with your guide sharing stories that bring the landmark to life.

Next, you’ll arrive at the Airakty Valley of Castles, where natural hills rise like fortress towers and spires, offering breathtaking views that glow especially at sunrise and sunset.

As evening falls, your camp will be set overlooking these castle-like formations, and after dinner you’ll be treated to the dazzling spectacle of a star-filled sky, far from city lights, a mesmerizing finale to the day’s adventure.

Day 2. Karaman Ata Underground Mosque, Porous Gorge Ybyk, Ending with an Authentic Yurt Village Experience

After breakfast, the day begins with a morning hike to the castle-like formations, a scenic and adventurous climb that rewards you with breathtaking views from the top. While you explore, the team will be busy assembling camp so everything is ready upon your return. Once you descend, the journey continues to Karaman Ata Mosque, where you’ll pause for lunch and learn about its historical and cultural significance.

Afterward, you’ll visit the largest underground mosque in Mangystau, a fascinating site that offers a truly unique experience. The adventure then leads to Porous Gorge Ybyk, a natural wonder often compared to the Red Canyon in Israel and Antelope Canyon in Arizona, yet distinguished by its own porous rock features that defy description.

By evening, you’ll arrive at a Yurt Village, where you’ll immerse yourself in nomadic culture and enjoy the warm hospitality of Alfiya, a local chef. She will prepare a delicious dinner featuring traditional dishes, giving you a taste of authentic cuisine.

Before dinner, you’ll have the chance to refresh with a shower, and later, you’ll settle into your shared yurt accommodation with fellow travelers (five beds per yurt), or opt for a single supplement if you prefer more privacy. This blend of exploration, culture, and comfort makes for a memorable day in Mangystau.

Day 3. Salt Flat Tuzbair, Dramatic Beauty of Tiramisu Canyon Kyzylkup

After breakfast, the day begins with a drive toward the dazzling Salt Flat Tuzbair. Along the way, you’ll pause in the nearest town to refuel, ensuring the vehicles are ready for the journey ahead.

By midday, you’ll arrive at Tuzbair, where the vast snow‑white salt field stretches endlessly, evoking comparisons to Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni. Here, you’ll enjoy a simple lunch of horse sausage and fresh salads, with time beforehand to capture striking photographs against the shimmering backdrop.

The adventure continues with a visit to the White Big Arch, a natural formation resembling a giant bone, offering another perfect photo opportunity. From there, you’ll explore the dramatic White Limestone Canyons, adding yet another geological wonder to the day’s discoveries. In the afternoon, the road leads to the remote Tiramisu Canyon of Kyzylkup, a landscape of layered cliffs and unique formations that promise unforgettable views.

By evening, you’ll reach Kyzylkup around 8 PM, where dinner awaits and accommodations are prepared, giving you a chance to rest and recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 4. Beket Ata mausoleum, Bozjyra Dragon Crest, and Bozjyra Mars Panorama

The adventure begins with a walk-through Tiramisu Canyon, a striking landscape of layered dark brown and white cliffs that resemble the tiers of a Tiramisu cake.

From there, the journey continues to the Beket Ata Mausoleum, where visitors may descend 1.5 kilometers into the canyon to explore the underground mosque before making the climb back up.

The road then leads to the National Park Bozjyra, a breathtaking expanse of dramatic geological formations. En route, you’ll pause for a quick lunch of horse sausage and fresh salads, sampling local flavors.

Within the park, the first stop is the Bozjyra Mars Panorama, a surreal vista that evokes the surface of another planet. Next comes the Bozjyra Dragon Crest Top View, a ridge whose shape recalls both a dragon’s spine and the silhouette of a great ship.

By evening, you’ll settle into the Bozjyra campsite nestled among the park’s canyons, where the towering beige walls create an unforgettable backdrop. Before dinner, you’ll have time to wander, capturing the sunset’s glow across the formations. The name “Boz,” meaning soothing beige, and “Jyra,” symbolizing grandeur, perfectly reflect the majesty of this place. Camping here promises a night of awe and wonder, surrounded by nature’s artistry.

Day 5. Bozzhyra Park Canyons, Bozzhyra Fangs Formation Viewpoint, and Returning to Aktau City

After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to the awe‑inspiring Bozzhyra Fangs Formation. A short 20‑minute walk brings you to the viewpoint, one of the park’s most popular spots, offering spectacular vistas of the jagged limestone spires. This marks the final highlight of your journey before beginning the return trip to Aktau.

The drive takes about 4–5 hours, with a stop in Zhanaozen for a late lunch and a chance to rest. From there, the road continues for another two hours toward Aktau, where you are expected to arrive by 6 PM. As the tour concludes, guests will be dropped off at their hotels or the airport, parting ways with warm farewells. The adventure leaves behind unforgettable memories of Mangystau’s diverse landscapes, unique geological wonders, and cultural encounters, a journey etched into your heart long after it ends.

Tour Information

Tour 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

Tour price does not include:

Visa fees
International and domestic airfare
Accommodation on arrival and departure days
Tips for guide and drivers

Price for 2026

Price per person is 810 USD

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

Duration: 5 days (4 nights), starts at 9AM, ends at 7PM

Check visa policy

Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kazakhstan.

Book your tour here

Date

Name

Number of participants

Nationality

Questions or additional information for the booking?

I have read and understood the Terms and conditions

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.