Brief description
This is one of my top 5 destinations. We've organized two groups so far, and I'm hoping for even more in 2025. The highlight of this trip is the jeep tour through Mangystau, a region renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The area is untamed, sparsely populated, and truly enchanting. We'll have three nights of wild camping in tents at scenic locations, allowing us to enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The tour covers approximately 1,300 km, taking us through plateaus, valleys, steppes, deserts, and mountains. During the journey, we'll witness some of the planet's most impressive natural wonders. You'll find the names of all the places in the program. Words can't do this region justice, so I urge you to watch the videos.
One day is dedicated to exploring the necropolis and underground mosque of Karaman Ata, the canyon and ruins of Ushkuy, and Aybuk canyon—one of the area's most photographed places. We'll also explore Aktau (formerly Shevchenko) and relax on the Caspian Sea beach. There's an opportunity to visit Saura, Mangystau's only freshwater lake, and Fort Shevchenko, a remote but fascinating town with two well-equipped, interesting museums.
We'll fly to and from Aktau, Kazakhstan via Istanbul. All photos in the program are from our previous trips to the area.
All photos are from our trips to the region.
Basic Information
Travel period: Spring or Autumn.
Dates: May 17-25, 2025; 21-29 September 2025. Please note that dates may change slightly due to flight schedules. If you have a group of at least 5 people, we can organize this trip for dates that are convenient for you.
Duration: 7 nights/8 days.
Group size: 5-6 people.
Price for the program in Kazakhstan without flights: 1,760 euros per person (for a group of 5-6 people).
Included in the price: Tour leader (myself), local guides, and jeep drivers for the jeep safari; transfers to and from the airport; transportation by jeeps (3 people per car); 4 nights in a comfortable 3-star hotel in double rooms with breakfast included, and 3 nights of wild camping in tents in the desert; camping equipment; all meals (excluding dinner on the last day of the safari); all national park fees.
Not included in the price: International flights; lunches and dinners outside of the jeep safari; travel insurance (you can purchase one from your own country or we can arrange it for you); and other personal expenses.
(1) Air tickets with Turkish Airlines:
Outbound: Istanbul 01.25 - Aktau 06.15.
Return: Aktau 07.30 - Istanbul 08.45.
We can book your flights from any location in the world to Istanbul airport, where the group will meet, or directly to Aktau.
Entry requirements for Kazakhstan: Citizens of the EU, UK, and USA do not need a visa.
For the jeep safari, you need to bring your own sleeping bag; everything else is provided. After the group is confirmed, detailed instructions for luggage and other details will be given.
This program offers an overview of the key aspects of the trip. If you require customized solutions based on your specific case and circumstances, please contact us via email. We can arrange flight tickets from any location worldwide to the trip's starting point. Furthermore, we can handle hotel transfers and any necessary documents. Our team will provide assistance throughout the entire organization process. Feel free to reach out to us without hesitation via email!
Program
Day 1: Arrive in Aktau, the administrative capital of the Mangystau region in western Kazakhstan
Today, we'll explore the unique city of Aktau on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Founded in 1961, Aktau boasts Kazakhstan's largest Caspian port, exporting oil and other valuable products. This economic significance has made the city well-developed and pricier than other Kazakh cities.
We'll take a leisurely stroll along the seaside streets, savor a relaxing coffee, and perhaps unwind on the beach to get acquainted with this fascinating place. We'll spend the night in a hotel.
Days 2-5 - The Wild Nature of Mangystau
Today we will hop on jeeps and head into the wild steppes and deserts of Mangystau. For the next four days, we will explore areas of otherworldly beauty, sleep in tents (wild camping), witness sunrises and sunsets from incredible locations (attention photographers), and overall enjoy a very rarely visited region with natural landmarks that fortunately still aren't on the mass tourist list. Words are poor to describe these places, so watch the videos that give some idea.
On the first day, we'll cover approximately 350 km, stopping at several remarkable sites: Konyen Kapamsay, the Shakpak-Ata underground mosque, Konyen, Shakpak-tasai, the Valley of the Ball's End, the colorful Jurassic clays of KokKala, and Mount Sherkala. As night falls, we'll set up camp in the wilderness.
Our second day involves another 300 km journey. We'll take a refreshing 40-minute walk in the Ayraqty area, visiting Shetpe village and the stunning Tuzbair salt lake. Once again, we'll embrace the rugged beauty of Mangystau with another night of wild camping.
On the third day of our journey, we will travel approximately 350 km. Our route will take us across the Ustyurt Plateau to reach Becket Ata, a sacred place, and Bozhira, a location with breathtaking panoramas. We will stop here to take photos before descending from the plateau and camping in tents for the night.
On the last day, we will once again travel about 350 km. Prior to that, we will enjoy a 90-minute hike through Bozhira to marvel at its incredible beauty. From there, we will continue by jeeps to Bokty Mountain and then to Kyzylkup Colorful Mountain (also known as Tiramisu due to its resemblance to the cake). After taking some pictures, we will return to Aktau, where we will arrive in the evening and spend the night at our hotel.
Day 6: Karaman Ata Necropolis and Underground Mosque; Ushkuy Canyon and Ruins; Ayebek Canyon
We'll start by exploring the Karaman Ata Necropolis and its underground mosque (13th-19th century). This site is one of the largest and best-preserved necropolises in the Mangystau region, once used by local tribes for sacrifices and oath-swearing ceremonies.
Next, we'll visit Ushkuy Canyon and its ancient settlement, featuring caves artificially excavated into the canyon walls. We'll observe towers, fortress walls, and caves adorned with medieval inscriptions—a picturesque blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.
Our final stop is the uniquely named Ayebek Canyon—an extraordinarily beautiful natural landmark boasting peculiar stone formations, arches, and deep gorges. This spot has recently gained popularity among local photographers for its stunning vistas. Naturally, we'll seize the opportunity to capture plenty of photos ourselves. In the evening, we'll return to our hotel in Aktau.
Day 7: Aktau; Optional Excursion to Lake Saura and Fort Shevchenko
Today is a free day to relax and enjoy the Caspian Sea beach. For those interested, there's an optional excursion to Saura, Mangystau's only freshwater lake, where you can spot turtles and other local wildlife. The tour also includes a visit to Fort Shevchenko, a remote yet fascinating town boasting two well-equipped, intriguing museums. (Note: This excursion is not included in the overall price and costs $60 per person.)
Day 8: Return Flight to Istanbul and Onward
Today we'll fly back to Istanbul or continue to our respective home destinations.
How to join us
Please email us for more information about this trip or to sign up. We'll respond promptly and keep you updated on all organizational details. If you're a group of 5–8 people, we can discuss dates that suit you. You can also join the list for future trips—just send us your names. It's that simple!
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