Get ready for a big six-day Mangystau tour that challenges the very notion of traditional tourism. This journey is for the bold traveler seeking truly unique experiences. You'll spend hours in a jeep, traversing hundreds of kilometers along speedy highways and remote dirt tracks. Your nights will be spent camping under the stars in the vast steppe, with meals enjoyed in the great outdoors, and evenings spent charging your photography gear and phone via generator.
This rugged adventure rewards you with breathtaking sights: the immense rock formations of the Ustyurt Plateau, the mysterious "Torysh" stone balls, the majestic Airakty Valley of castles, the pristine Tuzbair salt marsh, and the stunning cliffs of the Bozzhyra tract. Along the way, you'll explore unique underground mosques, savor local cuisine, and even sample camel milk products. Dive into the detailed program of this six-day Mangistau tour and gear up for what could be your most extraordinary trip of the year!
Highlights of Mangystau - Western Kazakhstan
After delving into the marvels of Zhygylgan Cape, make your way to the tranquil Shakpak-ata Mosque, where you'll spend the night in an old guesthouse adjacent to the mosque. En route to the mosque, make a pit stop at the observation deck of the largest canyon, Kapamsai Mangistau. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Kazakh tea-time and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. Step outside to witness the enchanting starry sky, far from the city lights, for an awe-inspiring sight.
Meals: lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: guesthouse.
After enjoying a delightful breakfast, get ready to explore the captivating Underground Mosque of Shakpak-ata. Make sure to dress appropriately and have your camera handy to capture the impressive architecture of the mosque. Following this, continue your adventure to the extraordinary Valley of Balls - Torysh, where you'll encounter perfectly circular and half-sliced rock formations that resemble dragon eggs. Take the time to appreciate this unique landscape and relish lunch in this scenic location.
Then, take a peaceful walk through the lilac-colored remnant rocks at Jurassic Clays - Kok-kala, known for its fascinating geological features. Afterward, drive to Sherkala Mount, a remarkable formation with its own intriguing story, accompanied by your guide's fascinating insights.
Your journey continues to the enchanting Airakty Valley of Castles, where you'll be captivated by the castle-shaped hills with their distinctive spires, offering picturesque views, particularly during sunset and sunrise. Your campsite for the night will afford you a perfect vantage point overlooking the castles. Enjoy a delicious dinner and marvel at the beauty of the night sky, adorned with sparkling stars.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: camping in tent.
After lunch, take the opportunity to visit the largest underground mosque in Mangystau. This extraordinary experience is bound to be filled with intrigue and fascination. Next, head to Porous Gorge Ybykty, a natural wonder that is truly indescribable. Similar to the famous Red Canyon in Israel and Antelope Canyon in Arizona, this unique gorge showcases its own distinct porous features that make it an absolute must-see. Following your exploration of the gorge, continue your drive to a Yurt Village, where you will spend the night. This assures you of an indelible cultural journey, plunging you deep into the opulent traditions and way of life of the area.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: yurt camp.
Following lunch, your adventure continues to a remarkable white arch that resembles a colossal bone. This picturesque location provides excellent opportunities for more photography and exploration. Along the way, you'll also make a stop at the enchanting white limestone canyons, adding another captivating natural wonder to your trip.
As the day unfolds, you'll embark on a scenic drive towards the remote and stunning Tiramisu Canyon Kyzylkup. The landscapes here are truly one-of-a-kind, offering exceptional views and an unforgettable adventure. You're expected to reach Kyzylkup by late afternoon, where a delicious dinner awaits. You'll get the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate for the upcoming day's adventures while spending the night in this serene setting.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: camping in tent.
Continuing the adventure, your next destination will be the remarkable Bozzhyra National Park, a veritable paradise of natural marvels featuring awe-inspiring geological formations. As you make your way there, you'll enjoy a quick and satisfying lunch. Upon arrival at the park, your first visit will be to the Bozzhyra Mars Panorama, a location that truly mirrors an alien world, showcasing unique and captivating landscapes. Your journey will then take you to the Bozzhyra Dragon Crest Top View, a peak renowned for its distinctive shape resembling the crest of a powerful dragon, often likened to a majestic ship.
To conclude your day's adventure, you'll make your way down to the Bozzhyra camping site, tucked within the stunning canyons of the National Park. Here, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing vista of the park's majestic beige walls. Take your time to explore the area, capturing breathtaking sunset photos as it gracefully bathes the park in a gentle, golden glow. This presents the ideal moment to etch the beauty of the landscape into your memory and your photographs, fully immersing yourself in the serenity and natural splendor of the surroundings.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: camping in tent.
As our expedition draws to an end, we will commence our return journey to Aktau, a drive that will span approximately 4-5 hours by car. Our journey will include a rewarding lunch break in Zhanaozen before we continue onward to the vibrant city of Aktau. Upon reaching Aktau, we will conclude our tour by either dropping you off at your hotel or at the airport, marking the conclusion of the Explore Mangystau 6 Days Tour.
Meals: breakfast, lunch.
Accommodation: none.
Download the PDF brochure for the Explore Mangystau 6 Days Tour
Good to know:
Experience the Explore Mangystau 6 Days Tour with OREXCA. You will have an unforgettable experience discovering the natural wonders, rich history, and unique culture of this remarkable region. Mangystau, often referred to as Kazakhstan's hidden gem, has left an indelible mark on your travel memories. Throughout your journey, our experienced guides and local experts have strived to make this tour an enriching and immersive experience. We hope that you've not only seen the beauty of Mangystau but also felt its heartbeat and understood its soul. Thank you for choosing our Explore Mangystau 6 Days Tour.