The journey begins at 9:00 AM, departing from your hotel, the airport, or another pre-arranged meeting point. From the very start, the landscape reveals its raw beauty—wide open spaces and endless horizons that seem to stretch into eternity. Today will be a day of discovery, blending stunning natural landmarks with ancient history, leaving you in awe of Mangystau’s timeless spirit.

Your first stop is Zhygylgan, a place where the land meets the sky in a breathtaking panorama. As you walk along the cliff edge, you will be immersed in the sweeping views of the rugged landscape below—a sea of stone and sand that whispers stories of ancient seas and forgotten times. Further along, you will arrive at Kozdykara, a colossal rock formation that rises like a forgotten fortress, scattered across the land as if dropped from the sky. Among these geological wonders, you will find a heart-shaped lake, a strikingly beautiful and unexpected gift of nature—a perfect spot to capture the magic of the moment.

Continuing the journey, the day takes a more spiritual turn at Shakpak-Ata, an underground mosque carved into the cliffs. Dating back to the 10th–13th centuries, this sacred site exudes mystery and tranquility. As you walk through its ancient chambers, lit by the soft glow of daylight filtering in, you can almost hear the echoes of prayers offered centuries ago. On your way to the mosque, you will stop at Kapam Say, the largest canyon in the region. The views here are magnificent—layers of rock cascading down into the canyon, revealing millions of years of history in their rugged beauty.

As night falls, the sky transforms into a canvas of stars. Far from the glow of city lights, the Milky Way shines brilliantly, concluding the day with a moment of pure wonder. Standing beneath the vast night sky, you will feel a deep connection to this ancient land, its stories now part of your own.

Highlights of the Day: 

• Explore Zhygylgan’s dramatic cliffs and endless horizons, where nature’s raw beauty and ancient stories unfold before you.
• Visit the mystical Shakpak-Ata underground mosque, a 10th-century sanctuary carved into the rock, radiating history and spiritual tranquility.

Travel Details: Expected Travel Distance: ~180 km; Overnight in a tented camp; (-/L/D).

Your adventure continues with a journey to Torysh, the Valley of Balls, one of the most mysterious places on the planet. Scattered across the landscape are hundreds of giant stone spheres, like artifacts from another world. Walking among them feels like stepping into an ancient mystery, with nature itself serving as the storyteller.

After enjoying a picnic lunch in nature, you’ll head to Kokala, where the Jurassic-era clays display stunning shades of lilac and red, transporting you back millions of years to a time when dinosaurs roamed this land. Each rock formation tells a story, connecting you to the prehistoric past.

Next, you will visit Sherkala Mountain, the symbol of Mangystau, rising proudly above the steppe. Its unique shape has inspired local legends—some say it resembles a massive yurt, while others see a sleeping lion guarding the land. As you stand before this magnificent formation, you will sense the power of this ancient site, which holds both natural beauty and cultural significance.

The final destination is Airakty Castle Valley, where rock formations rise like medieval castles from the desert floor. This magical landscape becomes even more breathtaking at sunset, as the warm light transforms the valley into a golden masterpiece. Your campsite for the night is located at the base of these majestic "castles." As evening falls, you’ll enjoy dinner beneath the open sky.

Highlights of the Day:

• Walk among the stone spheres of Torysh Valley, one of the most enigmatic geological wonders in the world.
• Travel through Kokala’s Jurassic clays, revealing prehistoric landscapes in shades of lilac and red.
• Marvel at Sherkala Mountain, the legendary steeped in local myths and ancient stories.

Travel Details: Expected Travel Distance: ~200 km; Overnight in Airakty at tented camp; (B/L/D).

The day begins with a journey to Karaman-Ata, the largest underground mosque in Mangystau. This ancient site is a true masterpiece of architecture, carved deep into the rock. As you descend into its dark, cool corridors, the air feels heavy with history. The profound silence is broken only by the guide’s stories about the mosque’s spiritual significance. The rock-cut chambers evoke a sense of awe, blending human devotion with the raw beauty of nature.

Leaving this sacred place, you continue to Ybykty Say, an awe-inspiring natural gorge known for its intricate rock walls. It is renowned for its unique textures and the shadows that dance across the stone. The gorge’s layered walls, almost organic in appearance, create a magical atmosphere.

In the afternoon, the landscape transforms dramatically as you arrive at Tuyesu, an endless sea of golden sand dunes. Stretching for 30 kilometers, the Tuyesu Sands resemble the Sahara, with their soft, fine grains shimmering under the sun. Walking among the dunes feels like stepping into another world, but tread carefully—beneath the surface, the sands are so fine that they create natural quicksand traps.

As evening approaches, your camp is set up in Ybykty Say, where you will sleep under the stars in comfortable, durable tents. The desert sky will once again unveil its full glory, with countless stars twinkling above. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Explore Karaman-Ata, the largest underground mosque, featuring its mystical rock-carved chambers that are rich in history and spirituality.
• Wander through Ybykty Say Gorge, a natural wonder with intricately woven rock walls and stunning plays of light and shadow.
• Walk across Tuyesu's vast sand dunes, an endless sea of golden sand reminiscent of the Sahara's landscapes.

Travel Details: Expected Travel Distance: ~150 km; Overnight in Ybykty Say at tented camp; (B/L/D).

An early start promises a day filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. After breakfast, you will set off toward Tuzbair, a vast salt flat that stretches endlessly, shimmering like a white desert under the sun. This natural wonder is one of Mangystau’s most striking landscapes—a place where the earth and sky seem to merge into a surreal, almost otherworldly panorama.

Upon arrival, the sheer whiteness of the salt plain is mesmerizing. Walking across this unique terrain feels like stepping into a dream, as the wide-open expanse reflects light in dazzling patterns. The scenery is reminiscent of Bolivia’s famous salt flats, offering a perfect setting for extraordinary photographs.

Lunch will be a picnic in nature, with fresh salads and traditional local delicacies, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region while appreciating the serene beauty of Tuzbair. It is a moment to pause, breathe, and feel the vastness of this incredible place.

As you explore further, the contrasting landscapes of Tuzbair reveal their ever-changing character—salt-crusted ground giving way to rock formations and small pools of water shimmering in the sunlight. Every angle offers a new perspective, providing a new way to experience the magic of this unique destination.

Highlights of the Day:

• Experience the vast Tuzbair salt flats, a surreal landscape of shimmering white that evokes the iconic salt plains of Bolivia.

Travel Details: Expected Travel Distance: ~160 km; Overnight at Tuzbair tented camp (B/L/D).

After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to Kyzylkup Canyon, a place of striking beauty and one of Mangystau’s hidden treasures. Nicknamed “Tiramisu,” the canyon’s striped rock layers resemble the famous dessert, featuring bands of color that alternate between light and dark, creating a mesmerizing pattern. As you descend into the canyon, you will be surrounded by a geological masterpiece formed over millions of years.

Nearby lies Mount Bokty, a stunning natural monument and a must-see destination in the Mangystau region. The mountain’s name, which means “pie” in Kazakh, playfully references its layered structure. The rocks in this area exhibit a range of colors, from light hues at the base to darker shades in the middle, creating a dramatic contrast. This unique formation attracts visitors with its ever-changing palette, making it a photographer’s dream and a geologist’s wonderland.

By evening, you will arrive at the Kyzylkup campsite, where a cozy dinner awaits. The meal will be served in traditional style, offering a chance to unwind and enjoy the warm atmosphere after an adventurous day. Surrounded by the tranquil desert, it is the perfect time to relax and reflect on the experiences of the past few days.

Highlights of the Day:

• Marvel at Kyzylkup Canyon (“Tiramisu”), with its layered rock formations that resemble a delightful masterpiece of nature.
• Explore the multicolored beauty of Mount Bokty, a natural wonder with striking contrasts and dramatic landscapes.

Travel Details: Expected Travel Distance: ~170 km; Overnight at Kyzylkup camp in a tent (B/L/D).

After an early breakfast, the camp is packed, and you set off toward the breathtaking Bozzhyra National Park—a place unlike any other on Earth. Often described as an open-air natural museum, Bozzhyra features a surreal landscape of limestone cliffs, iconic stone pillars, and ancient secrets hidden in the rocks.

Walking through the gorge, you might stumble upon fossilized snail shells and shark teeth—silent remnants of the prehistoric sea that once covered this land millions of years ago. It’s a humbling reminder of nature’s power and the deep history beneath your feet. The rock formations, towering up to 250 meters high, rise dramatically from the white plain, resembling fangs, fortresses, and mystical creatures shaped by time.

You will explore the lower, middle, and upper panoramas of Bozzhyra, each providing a unique perspective of this otherworldly landscape.

Bozzhyra is a geological wonder, a protected natural monument, and a true symbol of the region's untamed beauty. Respecting its fragile ecosystem is essential, and you’ll be reminded to leave no trace, preserving its magic for generations to come.

As the sun dips toward the horizon, the limestone cliffs turn golden, casting long shadows across the valley. This moment evokes a sense of quiet awe, serving as the perfect conclusion to a day filled with wonder.

Highlights of the Day:

• Explore Bozzhyra National Park, an open-air natural museum featuring surreal limestone formations and ancient fossils.
• Walk along Bozzhyra’s gorge, where you can discover prehistoric remains and admire its iconic “fangs” from various panoramic viewpoints, each providing a unique perspective on this magical landscape.

Travel Details: Expected Travel Distance: ~150 km; Overnight at Bozzhyra camp in a tent (B/L/D).

Your final day begins with a magical sunrise photo session in Bozzhyra National Park, where the first light of day casts a golden glow on the towering limestone formations. The peaceful stillness of the morning provides an ideal moment to take in the beauty of this breathtaking place one last time.

After capturing the sunrise, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast at camp before packing up and preparing for the journey back to Aktau. The 4–5 hour drive is a time to reflect on the week’s adventures, revisiting the stunning sights and experiences that have made this journey so special.

A light lunch will be served in Zhanaozen or outdoors, depending on the weather and timing. As you approach Aktau, the landscapes of Mangystau slowly fade into memory, leaving behind echoes of untamed beauty and stories written in the rocks.

Upon arrival in Aktau, you will be transferred to your hotel or the airport, depending on your travel plans. Although your journey may be coming to an end, Mangystau’s soul lingers within you—its vast horizons, ancient whispers, and fleeting moments of wonder now woven into your own story, a piece of this untamed land forever etched in your heart.

Travel Details: Expected Travel Distance: ~300 km; Tour ends in Aktau (B / L / -)

Cultural Consideration: Out of respect for Kazakh traditions and local customs, we kindly ask for your understanding that alcoholic beverages are not served and permitted during the tour.

Physical Requirements: The tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for participants of all ages with a good level of physical fitness. No strenuous trekking or hiking is involved.

Weather Conditions: In case of unfavorable weather—such as heavy rain, strong winds, or storms—the group may need to leave the camp and seek shelter in a nearby guesthouse for everyone’s comfort and safety.

We suggest to take with you: Sets of light clothing (shorts, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts); Set of warm clothes: fleece, windproof trousers, windbreaker (spring/fall) Thermal underwear (spring/fall); Headwear for different weather conditions: baseball cap/hat/panama hat from the sun; Trekking shoes or comfortable light shoes (sneakers) for walks; Personal hygiene products (towel, soap, wet wipes); personal medications (incl. analgesics, antiseptics, antibiotics, medications you need; personally, antivirals, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydron, patch); Sun and wind protection (cream, sunglasses); trekking poles (optional); photo and video equipment, spare batteries, power bank, tripod, drone (optional)