Mangystau – a peninsula of treasures

Mangystau is a stunning region in southwestern Kazakhstan, bordered on the west by the Caspian Sea. It’s rich in natural resources, including oil, uranium, rare earth elements, manganese, mineral salts, chalk, limestone, and shell rock. But what truly makes Mangystau special are its surreal, otherworldly landscapes and massive natural formations that draw more and more visitors each year.

Over the course of 4 days, you’ll travel more than 1,000 kilometers and explore the most remarkable sights and scenic spots in Mangystau: Bozzhyra – the iconic landmark of Mangystau, a vast depression that was once the floor of an ancient ocean, featuring steep cliffs and towering chalk formations. Airakty and Sherkala – a group of isolated mountains whose walls resemble ancient castles or man-made structures. Torysh, the “Valley of Stone Balls” – a field scattered with thousands of giant spherical rocks, some over 3 meters wide. Tuzbair Salt Marsh – a massive salt lake with breathtaking, steep, snow-white chalk shores.

Ybykty Gorge – a beautiful canyon with delicate, lace-like walls carved from white limestone.

The tour ends with a relaxing swim in the warm waters of the Caspian Sea along a secluded 10-kilometer beach.

Tour program

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Fly to Aktau, a Caspian Sea port city and capital of the Mangystau region

This desert-meets-ocean landscape is rich in oil and mystery. Afternoon Explore:

Aktau’s seaside promenade and “Rocky Trail” along the cliffs
Monuments to Taras Shevchenko and WWII heroes
MiG-21 fighter jet monument,
Lighthouse atop a residential building
“Columbus Caravel” sculpture
Murals honoring female war heroes

Overnight in hotel.

Mangystau Jeep Safari – Shakpak-Ata Mosque – Torysh – Sherkala – Ayrakty – Kogez

Begin your off-road adventure into Mangystau’s heart. Highlights include:

Shakpak-Ata, a mosque carved into limestone cliffs
Torysh Valley, dotted with giant stone spheres (some over 3 meters wide)
Sherkala, a mountain shaped like a yurt, steeped in legend
Ayrakty’s “Valley of Castles,” with fortress-like rock formations

Spend the night in traditional yurts at Kogez ethno-village, under a canopy of stars.

Kogez – Black & Red Canyons – Tuzbair Salt Flat

Continue your desert odyssey to Tuzbair:

A vast salt flat in a 22 km long depression, bordered by 80-meter cliffs
Rainwater carves ornate patterns into chalk walls—balconies, paws, faces, trees
During rain, the salt flat transforms into a reflective lake, mirroring sky and mountains
Visit the Black and Red Canyons, each with distinct geological character

Return to Kogez for another night in yurts.

Kogez – Ybykty – Bozzhyra (Camping)

Drive to Bozzhyra, the crown jewel of Mangystau located on the Ustyurt Plateau, once the floor of an ancient ocean

Towering chalk monoliths (up to 200 m), sculpted by nature into surreal shapes
Named formations include “Fangs,” “Submarine,” “Aurora,” “Yurt,” “Castle,” “Dragon’s Crest”
Visit a canyon with walls resembling stone lace

Camp overnight at the base of Bozzhyra’s iconic towers.

Bozzhyra – Kyzylkup (Tiramisu Hills) – Sandy Cape – Aktau

Return to Aktau with scenic stops:

Kyzylkup, nicknamed “Tiramisu” for its layered red-and-white hills
Sandy Cape, a remote beach where dunes meet the Caspian Sea Enjoy a picnic and swim before heading back to Aktau.

Overnight in hotel.

Flight to Astana (or home)

Transfer to airport