Mangystau bottom of the ancient ocean in 5 days - Group tour
Mangistau Province, Kazakhstan
Crossing the Mangystau desert and spending 5 days with a small group
Five-Day Mangystau Adventure Tour from Aktau, Kazakhstan
This guided 5-day tour explores Mangystau’s unique geological landscapes and cultural sites, suitable for travelers in good physical condition and all ages.
Tour Highlights
- Torysh, Kokala, Sherkala, Airakty
- Tuzbair Plateau (Upper, Lower, White Arch), Yurt Etno Camp
- Karaman-Ata Necropolis, Ybyk Gorge, Janaozen Market, Tiramisu Canyon
- Bokty Mountain, Bozjyra Mars Panorama, Dragon Crest, Bozjyra Canyon Camp
- Bozjyra Fangs, Senek Dunes, Karagie Hollow, return to Aktau
Itinerary
Day 1 (164 km on-road, 62 km off-road, approx. 3 hours 40 minutes driving): Pickup from Aktau airport or hotel. Transfer to Redmaya Office for payment and briefing. Departure at 9:30.
- Torysh – Valley of Balls: Explore spherical rock formations.
- Kokala – Jurassic Clays: Walk through purple gorge and geological layers.
- Sherkala: View the “Sphinx of Mangystau” rock formation.
- Airakty – Valley of Castles: Hike among castle-like ridges, overnight tent camping.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 (230 km on-road, 90 km off-road, approx. 4 hours 30 minutes driving):
- Tuzbair Plateau: Upper viewpoint, salt flats, and White Arch chalk formation.
- Yurt Etno Camp: Experience traditional Kazakh nomadic life with overnight stay in a yurt.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 (260 km on-road, 68 km off-road, approx. 5 hours driving):
- Karaman-Ata Necropolis: Largest underground mosque and pilgrimage site.
- Ybyk Gorge: Porous rock formations and narrow passages.
- Janaozen: Visit local market and have tea.
- Tiramisu Canyon: Camp among colorful layered mountains, dinner and stargazing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 (62 km on-road, 50 km off-road, approx. 2 hours 47 minutes driving):
- Bokty Mountain: Isolated peak rising from the steppe.
- Bozjyra National Park: Mars Panorama and Dragon Crest ridge.
- Bozjyra Canyon Camp: Tent camping overlooking cliffs featured on 1000 KZT banknote.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 (294 km on-road, 40 km off-road, approx. 4 hours 15 minutes driving):
- Bozjyra Fangs: Morning climb of twin limestone towers.
- Drive through Bozjyra Cliffs: White plateaus and towering walls.
- Senek Dunes: Sahara-like dunes, optional sandboarding.
- Karagie Hollow: One of the world’s deepest depressions.
- Return to Aktau: Evening drop-off at hotels, tour ends.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
What Is Included
- Pickup from hotel or airport
- English-speaking local guide
- Three meals per day featuring local cuisine
- 3 nights tent camping with tent, sleeping bag, pillow, bedsheet provided
- 1 night stay in a Kogez yurt
- Accident insurance coverage
- All entrance fees
- Complimentary camel milk products
What Is Excluded
- Visa fees
- International and domestic airfare
- Accommodation on arrival and departure days
- Tips for guide and drivers
- First day breakfast and last day dinner
Important Information
- The tour involves no strenuous trekking and suits most travelers in good health and of all ages. Some restrictions may apply to specific groups.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund available if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance.
For best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera. The tour operates year-round; spring and autumn offer milder weather. Book in advance to secure your spot.
