Unforgettable 3 days in Mangystau Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included. 10% deposit, balance in cash at the start of the tour.
Unforgettable 3 days in Mangystau Tour Highlights
A compact 3-day small-group jeep tour from Aktau through the best of the Mangystau region: the white cliffs of Akespe, the stone balls of Torysh, the colourful Jurassic clays of Kokala, the castle-shaped mountains of Airakty, the layered Kyzylkup (Tiramisu) Canyon and the iconic limestone fangs of Bozjyra.
Two nights are spent in tents under the open desert sky, with three meals a day of local food cooked by the team. The tour starts with a pickup at Aktau Airport or your Aktau hotel on the first morning and ends back in Aktau on day 3. Groups are limited to 9 travellers.
Difficulty: Moderate 4–5.5 hours of driving a day including off-road tracks, short walks on uneven ground and two nights in tents; summer midday heat can reach 45°C.
Guaranteed departures
Every date runs as scheduled. Same price on all departures.
Guaranteed tour dates 2026
| Dates | Days | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| – Available | Fri – Sun | $480 |
|
| – Available | Sat – Mon | $480 |
|
Guaranteed tour dates 2027
Dates for 2027 are not published yet.
Tour Itinerary
Total distance: 185 km on-road & 40 km off-road | Approx. duration: 5 hours driving. The day begins with a pickup at 8:00 AM from Aktau Airport for arriving travelers, while guests staying in hotels will be picked up at 8:30 AM. All participants are transferred to the local office, where payments are completed and a short tour briefing takes place. This is also a chance to rest and prepare before departure. At 9:00 AM, the journey officially starts from the local 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 - the Valley of Balls, where visitors can explore the mysterious spherical rock formations that remain one of the area’s most fascinating geological features. The third stop is Kokala - the Jurassic Clays, known for its colorful purple gorge and ancient rock layers that showcase millions of years of geological history. Afterwards, the tour proceeds to Sherkala Mountain, often called the “Sphinx of Mangystau,” admired for its distinctive yurt-like shape and panoramic views. The final destination of the day is Airakty - Valley of Castle-Shaped Mountains, where travelers can walk among unique rock formations resembling ancient fortresses. The day ends with an overnight stay in tent camping under the open desert sky.
Akespe, Torysh – Valley of Balls, Kokala – Jurassic Clays, Sherkala Mountain, Airakty – Valley of Castles
- Aktau → Airakty – Valley of Castles (185 km)
Overnight: Airakty – Valley of Castles (Tent camping)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 210 km on-road & 110 km off-road | Approx. duration: 5.5 hours driving. The day begins with departure from Airakty and continues towards Zhanaozen City, where there is a planned stop for lunch at the Adal café. Here, guests can also refuel and visit a local market if needed. During the summer season, an additional one-hour rest is included at the café, allowing time 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 spectacular natural site known for its layered, dessert-like formations. The canyon’s vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange create a striking landscape that is ideal for exploration and photography. The journey then proceeds to Bokty Mountain, a dramatic and isolated rock formation rising sharply from the surrounding steppe. Its unique, fortress-like shape and changing colors make it one of the most impressive natural landmarks in the region. In the evening, the group arrives at Bozjyra – Under the Fang Formations, where camp is set up beneath the towering limestone cliffs. This remote location offers a peaceful atmosphere and unforgettable stargazing opportunities in the desert silence.
Zhanaozen, Kyzylkup – Tiramisu Canyon, Bokty Mountain, Bozjyra (Boszhira)
- Airakty – Valley of Castles → Bozjyra (Boszhira) (210 km)
Overnight: Bozjyra (Boszhira) (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 210 km on road & 40 km off-road | Approx. duration: 4 hours driving. Begin the day in the Bozjyra area (Upper viewpoint / Fang formations), where you’ll explore the iconic limestone spires that rise dramatically from the desert landscape—one of the most striking natural sights in the Mangystau region. Next, continue to the Mars Panorama viewpoint, where you can take in sweeping views of Bozjyra’s cliffs and terrain, resembling an alien or Martian surface when seen from above. After that, head to Dragon Crest, a rugged limestone ridge shaped like a dragon’s spine. This spot offers a memorable final viewpoint over the unique rock formations. At the end of the tour, return to Aktau City.
Bozjyra (Boszhira)
- Bozjyra (Boszhira) → Aktau (210 km)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Group Tour Price
What's included
Included
- English-speaking local guide
- Three meals per day (local food cooking)
- Two nights of tent camping (all tools included)
- Accident insurance coverage
- All entrance fees included
- Complimentary camel milk products
Not included
- Visa fees
- International and domestic airfare
- Expenses due to unexpected weather (e.g., extra hotel stays).
- Accommodation on arrival and departure days in Aktau
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
Bozjyra (Boszhira)
Tent camping or similar
Good to know
In case of unexpected weather conditions such as storms, heavy rain or strong winds, the group may be required to leave the campsite and move to the nearest guesthouse for safety. This alternative accommodation is at an additional cost.
Not allowed
- Luggage or large bags (luggage storage is included)
- Alcohol
Not suitable for
- Children under 6 years
- Pregnant women
- 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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