Mangystau Peninsula

The five-day tour of western Kazakhstan — the “Mangystau Peninsula” — will open up new, incredible, cosmic, otherworldly landscapes for lovers of active travel. It will introduce you to the history and traditions of this harsh, desert and hot land. In a pleasant, friendly atmosphere and in comfortable conditions, aboard a well-prepared 4WD vehicle, we set off in search of new impressions and views! On this tour we will visit the Tamshaly and Kapamsay canyons, set up camp in a secluded wild spot, build a campfire and cook dinner together. Walks through the canyons will fill you with new emotions and add unique nature photographs to your gallery. At the Sultan-Epe and Shakpak-Ata mosques we will learn about the history and the distinctive architecture of the underground mosques. On the way we will stop in the Valley of Balls for a light lunch, where you will have the chance not only to stroll around but also to study and reflect on the question: “How could a stone become such a perfect ball?”.
The salt lake of Tuzbair will bring new incredible impressions of just how beautiful and bizarre such landscapes can be — a true work of the artist-creator. And, of course, the culmination: we are transported to another planet, and its name is Bozzhyra. We will spend almost a full day there. We will walk, climb around and hunt for superb selfies. This private jeep tour of Mangystau suits both people who love walking and those who are not very keen on it, because almost everything can be seen without straying far from the vehicle. The most favorable months for a Mangystau tour are: April-June, August-November.

Bozzhyra
Tuzbair
Stone Balls
Kapamsay

“All-Inclusive” Tour Itinerary

Day one:

Departure from Aktau in the morning.
*Airport – Aktau transfer is paid separately.
Transfer to Fort Shevchenko, 1.5 hours,
Transfer to Tamshaly Canyon, 1.5 hours.
Walk through the canyon, about 1 hour. Packed lunch.
Transfer to the Zhygylgan landslide (Caspian shore), 1 hour. Walk, 1 hour.
Transfer to Sultan-Epe Mosque, 40 min. Sightseeing, 30 min.
Transfer to the overnight spot in Kapamsay Canyon. Overnight stop in tents.
Rest. Dinner. Sleep.

Day two:

Wake-up, hearty breakfast. Walk through Kapamsay Canyon, 1-2 hours.
Transfer to Shakpak-Ata Mosque, 15 min. Sightseeing, 40 min.
Transfer to the chalk mountains of Akespe, 2 hours. Asphalt road. Walk, 30 min.
Transfer to the Valley of Stone Balls, 1 hour. Walk through the valley, 1 hour. Lunch on the way.
Transfer to the castle valleys of Arykty and Shimanay, 2.5 hours. Dirt road.
Overnight stop at a tent camp.
Rest. Dinner. Sleep.

Day three:

Wake-up. Hearty breakfast.
Walk through the valley, 1-2 hours.
Transfer to the camel watering place, 15 min. Dirt road.
Photo stop, 30 min.
Transfer to the village of Shetpe, 2 hours. Dirt and asphalt road.
Lunch stop at a roadside cafe.
Transfer to the Tuzbair Salt Flat, 3 hours. Asphalt and dirt road.
Overnight stop in tents on the bottom of Lake Tuzbair.
Rest. Dinner. Sleep.

Day four:

Wake-up, hearty breakfast.
Walk across the Tuzbair Salt Flat, 1-2 hours.
Transfer to Bozzhyra Valley, 5 hours including stops. Dirt road. Packed lunch on the way.
Short stop at the Bozzhyra.
. Descent into the Bozzhyra Valley, 1.5 hours. Dirt road.
Overnight stop in tents in the valley.
Rest. Dinner. Sleep.

Day five:

Wake-up, hearty breakfast.
Walk to the Bozzhyra. 1.5 hours.
Transfer to the “Ships” rocks. Walk, 1.5 hours.
Return to Aktau, 5 hours including stops, with a stop at a roadside cafe for a light lunch or packed meal (depending on the situation).
*Aktau – airport transfer is paid separately.

h

Aktau – Fort Shevchenko – Tamshaly – Kapamsay – Arykty – Tuzbair – Bozzhyra – Aktau