Brief description
Mangystau in western Kazakhstan ranks among my top five destinations worldwide. After successfully organizing and guiding three groups through this region, I’m excited to lead more tours in 2026. The heart of our adventure is a jeep expedition through Mangystau, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes. This wild, remote area has a magical charm that captivates visitors.
We’ll spend three nights camping under the stars in picturesque spots, with magnificent sunrises and sunsets. Our 1,300-kilometer route crosses a remarkable variety of terrain—plateaus, valleys, steppes, deserts, and mountains. Along the way, you’ll discover some of the planet’s most extraordinary natural wonders. While the detailed program below lists every destination, no description can fully capture Mangystau’s beauty, so I strongly recommend watching the videos.
One full day will be devoted to three outstanding locations: the Karaman Ata Necropolis with its underground mosque, the scenic Ushkuy Canyon with ancient ruins, and the striking Aybuk Canyon—perfect for photography. During our stay in Aktau (formerly known as Shevchenko), you’ll have time to enjoy the beaches of the Caspian Sea. The itinerary also includes Lake Saura—the only freshwater lake in Mangystau—and Fort Shevchenko, a remote settlement with two excellent, meticulously curated museums.
We’ll fly to and from Aktau, Kazakhstan, via Istanbul. All photos in the program are from our previous trips to the region.
Basic Information
Travel period: Spring or Autumn.
Dates: 11–19 September 2026; 11–19 May 2027. 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 on dates that are convenient for you.
Duration: 7 nights / 9 days.
Group size: 5–6 people.
Price for the program in Kazakhstan (excluding flights): 1,660 euros per person (for a group of 5–6 people).
Included in the price: Tour leader; 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; 3 nights of wild camping in tents in the desert; camping equipment; all meals (excluding dinner on the last day of the safari); and 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 in your 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 anywhere in the world either 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’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag; everything else is provided. Once the group is confirmed, we’ll share detailed luggage instructions and other practical details.
This program provides an overview of the trip’s key details. If you need a solution tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us via email. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to the trip’s starting point, as well as airport/hotel transfers and any required documents. Our team will support you throughout the entire planning process. Feel free to reach out via email!
Program
Day 1 Flights to Istanbul and Aktau (Kazakhstan)
Today we fly to Istanbul, then continue to Aktau on the Caspian Sea coast of Kazakhstan (see schedule).
Day 2 Arrival in Aktau, the administrative capital of the Mangystau region in western Kazakhstan
Today we’ll explore Aktau on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Founded in 1961, the city is home to Kazakhstan’s largest Caspian port, which exports oil and other valuable products. This economic importance has made Aktau one of the country’s most developed—and most expensive—cities.
We’ll take a relaxing walk along the seaside promenade, enjoy a coffee break, and perhaps spend some time on the beach. We’ll spend the night in a hotel.
Days 3-6 - The Wild Nature of Mangystau
Today, we’ll board our jeeps and head into the wild steppes and deserts of Mangystau. Over the next four days, we’ll explore landscapes of otherworldly beauty, sleep under the stars, and watch spectacular sunrises and sunsets from stunning viewpoints—photographers will be delighted. These natural wonders will feel almost entirely ours, as the region remains wonderfully off the beaten path. Since words can’t fully capture this place, I encourage you to watch the videos below for a preview.
On our first day, we’ll travel about 350 km, visiting 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.
On the second day, we’ll travel another 300 km. We’ll take a refreshing 40-minute walk in the Ayraqty area, visit Shetpe village, and admire the stunning Tuzbair Salt Lake. We’ll end the day with another night of wild camping amid Mangystau’s rugged beauty.
On the third day, we’ll travel about 350 km across the Ustyurt Plateau to visit Becket Ata, a sacred site, and Bozhira, famed for its breathtaking panoramas. After taking in the views, we’ll descend from the plateau and set up camp for another night under the stars.
On our final safari day, we’ll cover another 350 km, starting with a hike through Bozhira’s stunning landscapes. Our jeeps will then take us to Bokty Mountain and the colorful Kyzylkup Mountain—affectionately nicknamed "Tiramisu" for its layered, dessert-like appearance. After photographing these remarkable formations, we’ll return to Aktau in the evening for a comfortable night at our hotel.
Day 7 Karaman Ata Necropolis and Underground Mosque; Ushkuy Canyon and Ruins; Ayebek Canyon
Our first stop is the Karaman Ata Necropolis and its underground mosque (13th–19th century). This remarkable site is one of the largest and best-preserved necropolises in the Mangystau region, where local tribes once performed sacrifices and swore sacred oaths.
Next, we’ll explore Ushkuy Canyon and an ancient settlement, with caves carved directly into the canyon walls. The site features impressive towers, fortress walls, and caves adorned with medieval inscriptions—an extraordinary blend of dramatic landscapes and historical heritage.
Our day ends at the striking Ayebek Canyon, a natural masterpiece of distinctive stone formations, elegant arches, and deep gorges. This photogenic location is a favorite among local photographers, and we’ll take time to capture its magnificent views. In the evening, we’ll return to our hotel in Aktau.
Day 8 Lake Saura and Fort Shevchenko Excursion
Today we’ll visit Lake Saura—Mangystau’s only freshwater lake—home to turtles and a variety of local wildlife. We’ll then explore Fort Shevchenko, a remote town with two fascinating, meticulously curated museums. We’ll spend the night in Aktau.
Day 9 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 work for you. You can also join the list for future trips—just send us your names. That’s it!
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