
Season
|
Mid April - mid October
|
Length
|
5 days tour around Mangystau: starts and ends in Aktau.
If you arrive in Aktau from another region, then plan at least a couple more days for arrival / departure and accommodation in the city before and after the tour. |
Service | Full service during the tour: 4x4 transport, guides, tent camping, meals Tickets to / from Aktau, accommodation and meals in Aktau before / after the tour are not included |
Schedule | This is a tour on request (there are no group tours schedule) You choose the dates and book a trip for yourself / your group |
![]() |
Day 1 |
Early in the morning in Aktau you will be met by our guide accompanied by cool off-road vehicles - only on such "ships of the desert" you can confidently travel around Mangystau. Our path runs north from the capital of the region, towards the famous Fort Shevchenko. The first stop is in the Tamshaly canyon, which is the best way to get acquainted with the fabulous land. Tamshaly is a huge karst sinkhole, from the bottom of which only sheer walls made of pressed clay layers are visible. Here, in the depths of the gorge, there is a cool spring. |
Day 2 |
Today we have a long busy day, which will begin with a tour of the Shakpak Ata underground mosque. This is a truly sacred place, which is known not only for its beautiful mosque and necropolis, but also for the oldest finds in Kazakhstan of the sites of the first people. The Shekpakatasai gorge is no less grandiose in beauty, along the bottom of which we will follow in the direction of the next location - the Valley of the Balls. |
Day 3 |
The morning of the third day we will devote to the study of the Airakty Shomanai tract, which is also called the Valley of Castles. The landscapes that open up from any gorge of these rocky mountains are amazing - pointed peaks appear in the form of impregnable towers, then hang over you in the form of fantastic animals. |
Day 4 |
The fourth day we will start with a visit to the famous Beket Ata underground mosque. It is so popular among pilgrims that a new road was even built here - straight as an arrow and leading to a descent into an oasis valley. Beket Ata is one of the most revered religious leaders in Western Kazakhstan, who lived in the 18th century. Sufi, educator and batyr, builder of many mosques and madrassas. It is here that he is buried. |
Day 5 |
The first impressions of this day come when geometric pyramid of Mount Bokty appears on the horizon, above the white salt marshes. Composed of layers of pink, yellow, red chalk, it looks like a puff treat cake. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Tour prices: upon request (please ask for the price by e-mail)
- jeeps for the entire route: driver and gasoline are included in the price
- comfortable camping, 4 nights: living tents, mats, dining and kitchen gear, tableware, lights, etc.
- meals (5 lunches, 4 dinners, 4 breakfasts)
- drinking water
- private guiding: English-speaking guide, which follows the group all the time
- tickets to/from Aktau
- accommodation, meals and entertainment in Aktau before and after a trip
- menu does not include alcohol/soft drinks and snacks
- rent of personal clothes, shoes and sleeping bag
- personal expenses (calls, souvenirs etc.)