In May 2027 we are running a new 8-day trip to Western Kazakhstan, exploring the remote landscapes of the Mangystau region, one of the most sparsely populated parts of Central Asia.
We begin in Aktau, Kazakhstan’s largest Caspian Sea port, before venturing into the surrounding desert landscapes. Along the way we visit several of Mangystau’s historic underground mosques, carved into the rock and dating back centuries.
As we head deeper into the region, we spend several nights wild camping on and around the Ustyurt Plateau including the Karyn-Zharyk Depression, an isolated basin of salt flats with views across the escarpment and towards distant mountains.
This remote region is known for its dramatic canyons and unusual rock formations, which we experience in the Boszhira Valley. Here we see the striking red-and-white striped Bokty Mountain and hike up to viewpoints overlooking the escarpment known as the “Dreadnought” cliffs.
From here we visit the salt flats at Tuzbair Lake, surrounded by white limestone formations, and continue on to the Kokkala Canyons and Airakty Valley, known as the “Valley of Castles”. In this part of the region we spend a night in a local yurt camp.
The final stage of the trip is spent in Torysh Valley, known for its large spherical rock formations, thought to have formed more than 120 million years ago. We then return to Aktau, where the journey finishes.
Arrive in Aktau in the morning, transfer to hotel for briefing.
We begin our trip with a short city tour of Aktau. In the afternoon we will walk part of the Rock Trail, a scenic coastal path along the Caspian Sea.
Overnight in Aktau.
Our journey deep into Mangystau takes us through the Karagiye Depression, the lowest point in Central Asia, reaching 132 meters below sea level.
Our first stop is the 14th century underground Shopan-Ata Mosque, the first of many fine medieval necropolises we will discover in the Mangystau region.
After further driving inland we will finally reach the Ustyurt Plateau where we will set up our first nights camp.
Overnight camping in tents.
Today we drive to the eastern part of the Ustyurt Plateau and the Karyn-Zharyk Depression.
Upon arrival, we will hike up to a mountain viewpoint, where a remarkable panorama opens up to a vast white expanse of salt, that makes the earth look like it has been frosted.
Overnight camping in tents.
An early start to allow photos of the sunrise over Karyn Zharyk, before driving north to the spectacular white canyons of Boszhira Valley.
En route we will stop at the ancient settlement of Kuduk and the sea the sands of Tuesu.
Our final stop before reaching Boszhira will be the colourful red-and-white stripped Bokty mountain.
Overnight camping in tents.
In the morning you will have the opportunity to take a 4km trek up the “Dreadnought cliff” of Boszhira Valley, witnessing the the dramatic “rock fangs” formation, which once lay beneath the ancient Tethys Ocean – millions of years ago.
The view from Dreadnought is considered one of the great panoramas on the planet.
After exploring Boszhira, we will depart for the underground 18th century Beket-Ata Mosque, a spiritual, historical, and architectural monument built by the revered Sufi saint Beket Ata.
We then continue to Tuzbair Lake.
Overnight camping in tents.
We will spend the morning exploring Tuzbair Lake. Tuzbair translates as “Salty Wall,” and takes its name from the white salt mountains that surround the vast white salt flat of the lake itself.
After lunch, we will depart for Airakty Valley, also known as the Valley of Castles. On the way, we will stop at Kokkala Canyons, whose name translates from Kazakh as “Blue City.”
These multicolored rock formations offer spectacular panoramic views, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy a short mountain trek.
Overnight at local yurt camp.
In the morning, we will visit Torysh Valley, famous for its giant spherical rock formations formed 180-120 million years ago.
We will then stop at Shakpakata Canyon and Kapamsay Canyon to enjoy their impressive panoramic views.
Finally, we will explore the underground Shakpak-Ata Mosque, known for its unique cross-shaped design dating back to the early Middle Ages.
We then return to Aktau for a final dinner.
Overnight in Aktau.
Transfer to airport.
End of trip.
