Brief description
This is one of my top 5 destinations. Having organized three successful groups already, I'm excited to lead more tours in 2025. The centerpiece of this adventure is our jeep tour through Mangystau—a region celebrated for its stunning natural beauty. This untamed, sparsely populated area holds an enchanting allure. We'll spend three nights wild camping in tents at scenic locations, where we'll witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Our 1,300-kilometer journey takes us across diverse landscapes: plateaus, valleys, steppes, deserts, and mountains. Along the way, you'll encounter some of Earth's most remarkable natural wonders. While you'll find all location names in the detailed program below, mere words can't capture this region's majesty—I encourage you to watch the videos.
We'll dedicate one day to exploring three remarkable sites: the Karaman Ata necropolis and underground mosque, the canyon and ruins of Ushkuy, and the photogenic Aybuk canyon. The trip includes time in Aktau (formerly Shevchenko) with a chance to relax on the Caspian Sea beach. You can also visit Saura, Mangystau's sole freshwater lake, and Fort Shevchenko—a remote town featuring two fascinating, well-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: 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/9 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: Company 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, 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 Flights to Istanbul and Aktau (Kazakhstan)
Today we are flying to Istanbul and Aktau on the shore of the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan (see schedule).
Day 2 Arrive in Aktau, the administrative capital of the Mangystau region in western Kazakhstan
Today, we'll explore the fascinating city of Aktau on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Founded in 1961, Aktau hosts Kazakhstan's largest Caspian port, which exports oil and other valuable products. This economic importance has transformed Aktau into one of Kazakhstan's most developed—and expensive—cities.
We'll take a relaxing walk along the seaside promenade, enjoy a coffee break, and perhaps spend some time on the beach to get acquainted with this unique place. We'll spend the night in a hotel.
Days 3-6 - The Wild Nature of Mangystau
Today we'll board our jeeps and venture into the wild steppes and deserts of Mangystau. Over the next four days, we'll explore areas of otherworldly beauty, sleep under the stars in wild camping spots, and witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets from incredible vantage points—photographers, take note! We'll have these remarkable natural landmarks almost entirely to ourselves, as this region remains wonderfully off the beaten path. Since words can't do justice to these magnificent places, I encourage you to watch the videos below for a preview.
On the first day, we'll cover approximately 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. When night falls, we'll make camp in the wilderness.
Our second day takes us on a 300 km journey. We'll enjoy a refreshing 40-minute walk in the Ayraqty area, visit Shetpe village, and marvel at the stunning Tuzbair salt lake. As the day ends, we'll once again embrace Mangystau's rugged beauty with a night of wild camping.
On the third day, we'll cover approximately 350 km across the Ustyurt Plateau to visit Becket Ata, a sacred site, and Bozhira with its breathtaking panoramas. After capturing photos, we'll descend from the plateau and set up our tents for another night under the stars.
On our final safari day, we'll journey another 350 km, starting with a hike through the stunning landscapes of Bozhira. Our jeeps will then take us to Bokty Mountain and the colorful Kyzylkup Mountain—nicknamed "Tiramisu" for its layered, dessert-like appearance. After photographing these remarkable formations, we'll return to Aktau for an evening arrival and 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 stands as one of the largest and best-preserved necropolises in the Mangystau region, where local tribes once conducted sacrifices and swore sacred oaths.
We'll then explore Ushkuy Canyon and its ancient settlement, where caves were carved into the canyon walls. The site features impressive towers, fortress walls, and caves decorated with medieval inscriptions—creating a stunning fusion of natural landscape and historical heritage.
Our journey concludes at the striking Ayebek Canyon, a natural masterpiece of distinctive stone formations, graceful arches, and deep gorges. This photogenic location has become a favorite among local photographers, and we'll take time to capture its magnificent views. As evening approaches, we'll head back 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 diverse local wildlife. We'll then explore Fort Shevchenko, a remote town featuring two fascinating, well-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 suit you. You can also join the list for future trips—just send us your names. It's that simple!
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