Mangystau expedition in 9 days: canyons, salt flats and the Caspian

Highlights

• Zhygylgan, the “fallen earth”, and the underground mosque of Shakpak Ata
• The white limestone canyon of Kapamsay
• Torysh, the Valley of Balls, and Sherkala mountain
• The Valley of Castles (Airakty) and Karaderben canyon
• The salt flats and white escarpments of Tuzbair
• Bozzhyra, the crown jewel of Mangystau
• Mount Bokty, the Kyzylkup “Tiramisu” hills and the Caspian shore

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1. Day 1Flight to Aktau

   Departure from your home country.

2. Day 2Aktau – Zhygylgan – Shakpak Ata – Kapamsay

   Arrival in Aktau, a modern city on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea and the gateway to Mangystau. Meet the local team over a welcome drink and set off.

   Zhygylgan, the “fallen earth”, is a great depression left by an ancient land collapse, with dramatic cliffs and what are believed to be fossilised footprints millions of years old. Shakpak Ata is an underground mosque carved into the limestone between the 10th and 13th centuries, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the region. End the day in the Kapamsay canyon, with towering white cliffs and narrow gorges. Night in tents.

3. Day 3Shakpaktasay – Torysh – Kokkala – Sherkala – Valley of Castles

   The limestone cliffs of Shakpaktasay, then Torysh, the Valley of Balls, where hundreds of perfectly round stone spheres lie scattered across the steppe. On to the coloured cliffs of Kokkala and Sherkala, a lone mountain that looks like a giant yurt from one side and a sleeping lion from the other, and the Valley of Castles (Airakty), whose rocks are carved by erosion into medieval fortresses. Night in a yurt camp or igloo tents.

4. Day 4Karaderben canyon – Tuzbair

   The hidden Karaderben canyon, with steep limestone walls and narrow gorges, then Tuzbair, a vast salt flat ringed by towering white escarpments and one of Kazakhstan’s most iconic desert landscapes. Night in tents at Tuzbair.

5. Day 5Bozzhyra

   A day at Bozzhyra, the crown jewel of Mangystau on the ancient Ustyurt Plateau, with white limestone cliffs, deep canyons and its famous twin pinnacles. Night in tents at Bozzhyra.

6. Day 6Mount Bokty – Kyzylkup

   Mount Bokty, a table-shaped mountain of striking layered rock rising from the desert, and the valley of Kyzylkup, the “Tiramisu Mountains”, whose hills are striped red, white and orange. Night in tents near Kyzylkup.

7. Day 7Saura oasis or Blue Bay

   Choose between Saura, a quiet oasis with a small freshwater lake among limestone cliffs and plenty of birds, and Blue Bay (Golubaya Bukhta), one of the loveliest beaches on the Caspian Sea, with clear turquoise water and a white rocky shore. Last night in tents.

8. Day 8Return to Aktau

   Late breakfast and a walk until noon, then back to Aktau and the hotel. Free afternoon to relax.

9. Day 9Departure from Aktau

   Transfer to Aktau international airport for your flight home.

Hotels, transport & meals

Gallery

Questions about this tour