Through The Dried Tethys Ocean In 5 Days - Group Tour
About this tour
GROUP SIZE: 3-15 pax
DISTANCE: 890 km. on-road and 345 km. off-road
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. VALLEY OF BALLS TORYSH
2. JURASSIC CLAYS KOKKALA
3. SHERKALA MOUNT
4. VALLEY OF CASTLES AIRAKTY
5. POROUS GORGE YBYK
6. YURT VILLAGE
7. SALT FLAT TUZBAIR
8. TIRAMISU CANYON KYZYLKUP
9. BOZJYRA FANGS FORMATION
10. BOZJYRA DRAGON CREST
11. BOZJYRA MARS PANORAMA
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Mangystau, Kazakhstan to Dzhigalgan, Kazakhstan
Day 1: Exploring Mangystau's Natural Wonders: A Journey through Torysh Valley, Jurassic Clays of Kokkala, Sherkala Mount, and the Enigmatic Valley of Castles at Airakty Meetup and Departure: Your adventure begins at 9 AM when you are met either at Aktau Airport (SCO) or your hotel. From there, you'll set off on an exciting journey. Valley of Balls (Torysh): Your first stop is the Valley of Balls (Torysh). Here, you'll find perfectly circular and half-sliced rock formations resembling dragon eggs. You'll have lunch in this unique location. Jurassic Clays (Kokkala): Next on your itinerary is a walk through the lilac remnant rocks at Jurassic Clays (Kokkala). This area is known for its interesting geological features. Sherkala Mount: You'll continue driving to Sherkala Mount, which has its own intriguing story. Some people say it looks like a yurt, while others compare it to a sleeping lion. Your guide will provide you with more information during the tour. Airakty Valley of Castles: Your next stop will be the Airakty Valley of Castles. Here, you'll encounter castle-shaped hills with spires, making for picturesque views, especially during sunset and sunrise. Camp and Stargazing: Your camp for the night will overlook the castles. After dinner, you'll have the opportunity to capture the night stars in the clear skies. As night falls, you'll have the chance to be enchanted by the mesmerizing starry sky, away from the city lights. It promises to be a breathtaking sight.
Day 2: torysh to SHERKALA MOUNT - VALLEY OF CASTLES AIRAKTY
Day 2: Unveiling Kazakhstan's Hidden Gems - From the Karaman Ata Underground Mosque to the Natural Splendors of Porous Gorge Ybyk, Ending with an Authentic Yurt Village Experience Morning Hike to Castles: After breakfast, your group will embark on a hike to climb up to the castles. This promises to be an adventurous and scenic journey with the reward of amazing views of the castles once you reach the top. Camp Assembly: While the group is exploring the castles, your team will assemble the camp, ensuring everything is ready for your return. Visit to Karaman Ata Mosque: Following your descent from the castles, you'll drive to Karaman Ata Mosque, where you'll have lunch. This mosque likely holds historical and cultural significance. Exploration of the Underground Mosque: After lunch, you'll have the opportunity to explore the biggest underground mosque in Mangystau. This should be a unique and intriguing experience. Drive to Porous Gorge Ybyk: Your journey continues to Porous Gorge Ybyk. This gorge is described as having similarities to the Red Canyon in Israel and Antelope Canyon in Arizona but with its own unique porous features that make it a must-see. It's a natural wonder that words can't quite capture. Arrival at Yurt Village: After exploring the gorge, you'll drive to a Yurt Village, where you'll spend the night. This promises to be a unique cultural experience. You'll have the opportunity to stay in a yurt and enjoy the hospitality of Alfiya, a local chef. Dinner at Yurt Village: Alfiya will prepare an amazing dinner for everyone. It's a chance to savor local cuisine and perhaps try some traditional dishes. Accommodation: You'll share a yurt with fellow group members (5 beds per yurt), but if you prefer more privacy, you have the option for a single supplement at an additional cost. Before dinner, you'll have the opportunity to take a shower, ensuring you're refreshed and comfortable after a day of exploration.
Day 3: SALT FLAT TUZBAIR to KAZAKH VILLAGE
OVERVIEW SERVICES ITINERARY REQUEST 7. SALT FLAT TUZBAIR 8. TIRAMISU CANYON KYZYLKUP 9. BOZJYRA FANGS FORMATION 10. BOZJYRA DRAGON CREST 11. BOZJYRA MARS PANORAMA VALLEY OF BALLS TORYSH JURASSIC CLAYS KOKKALA SHERKALA MOUNT VALLEY OF CASTLES AIRAKTY POROUS GORGE YBYK YURT VILLAGE 5 DAYS (4 NIGHTS) 9AM - 6PM 1-15 PAX 100 % (Guaranteed departure - even for ONE person) 890 KM ON-ROAD 345 KM OFF-ROAD HIGHLIGHTS WARRANTY DURATION GROUP SIZE TOUR OVERVIEW DISTANCE INCLUDED 3 NIGHTS CAMPING INCL.: TENT, MAT, SLEEPING BAGS, BEDSHEET, PILLOW, AND 1 NIGHT IN A YURT GEAR INCL.: 5 BEDS IN ONE YURT, SHOWER, AND BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, AND WATER DURING TOUR ENGLISH SPEAKING LOCAL GUIDE MEETING AND SEEING OFF COMFORTABLE 4X4 JEEPS (3 PAX IN ONE CAR) TRAVEL INSURANCE (ONLY DURING TOUR PERIOD) ENTRANCE FEES CAMEL MILK PRODUCTS GUIDE ACCOMMODATION MEAL ADDITIONAL EXCLUDED VISA ITEMS OF PERSONAL HYGIENE INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC AIR, TRAIN TICKETS HOTEL ON ARRIVAL AND LEAVING DAY TIPS FOR GUIDE AND DRIVERS SERVICES Itinerary Day 1: Exploring Mangystau's Natural Wonders: A Journey through Torysh Valley, Jurassic Clays of Kokkala, Sherkala Mount, and the Enigmatic Valley of Castles at Airakty Day 2: Unveiling Kazakhstan's Hidden Gems - From the Karaman Ata Underground Mosque to the Natural Splendors of Porous Gorge Ybyk, Ending with an Authentic Yurt Village Experience Day 3: From the Enchanting Salt Flat Tuzbair to the Dramatic Beauty of Tiramisu Canyon Kyzylkup - Mangystau's Natural Wonders Unveiled Morning Departure: After breakfast, you'll start your drive to Salt Flat Tuzbair. Refueling Stop: On the way to the salt flat, you'll make a stop in the nearest town to refuel your cars. Make sure to fill up for the journey ahead. Lunch by the Salt Flat Tuzbair: By lunchtime, you'll arrive at the salt flat. You'll enjoy a quick lunch featuring Horse sausage and different salads. Before eating, you'll have the opportunity to take interesting photos on the snow-white salt field, which may remind you of Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. Visit the White Big Arch: After lunch, you'll continue your journey to a white big arch that resembles a large bone. This could be a great spot for more photos and exploration. Stop at White Limestone Canyons: You'll also make a stop at white limestone canyons, adding another fascinating natural wonder to your trip. Drive to Tiramisu Canyon Kyzylkup: Following your exploration of the white limestone canyons, you'll embark on a long drive to Tiramisu Canyon Kyzylkup. This might be a remote and beautiful location, providing unique landscapes for your adventure. Evening Arrival in Kyzylkup: You're expected to reach Kyzylkup by 8 PM. Here, you'll have dinner and spend the night, allowing you to rest and recharge for the next day's adventures.
Day 4: Ybyk Porous Gorge to TIRAMISU CANYON KYZYLKUP
Day 4: Visit the Beket Ata mausoleum and exploring Bozjyra Dragon Crest, and Bozjyra Mars Panorama Early Morning Sunrise: Those interested in catching the sunrise will have the opportunity to wake up early and witness this natural spectacle independently. Breakfast and Camp Assembly: After breakfast, your team will assemble the camp, ensuring everything is organized for the day's activities. Exploration of Tiramisu Canyon: The group will then embark on a walk through Tiramisu Canyon. This unique canyon is known for its striped dark brown and white colors, resembling the layers of a Tiramisu cake. Visit to Beket Ata Mausoleum: Your journey continues to the Beket Ata mausoleum. If you wish to visit the underground mosque, you'll have to walk 1.5 km down into the canyon and then make the same ascent back up. National Park Bozjyra: Next, you'll drive to the National Park Bozjyra, a natural wonderland with stunning geological formations. Lunch with Local Cuisine: On the way to the park, you'll have a quick lunch featuring Horse sausage and different salads, offering a taste of local cuisine. Bozjyra Mars Panorama: Your first stop within the park is the Bozjyra Mars Panorama. This location is said to resemble another planet with its unique and striking landscapes. Bozjyra Dragon Crest Top View: Your journey continues to the Bozjyra Dragon Crest Top View. This mount is known for its distinctive dragon crest-like shape and is often likened to a big ship. It's a unique geological formation. Camping: We've had enough for today, and now we're heading down to the Bozzhyra camping site nestled within the National Park's stunning canyons. At this campsite, you'll be treated to a mesmerizing view of the park's magnificent beige walls. Before dinner, you'll have the freedom to explore and take amazing photos of the sunset among park. Seize this perfect chance to capture the beauty of the landscape in the soft evening light. The name 'Boz,' signifying the soothing beige hue, and 'Jyra,' representing the grandeur of these natural formations, perfectly encapsulate the beauty that surrounds you. It promises to be an unforgettable experience, camping amidst these awe-inspiring natural wonders. Enjoy your trip, and may the beige walls of Bozzhyra take your breath away!
Day 5: Bozjyra, Aktau, Kazakhstan to Aktau, Kazakhstan
Day 5: Embracing the Morning Tranquility of Bozzhyra Park Canyons, Ascending to the Bozzhyra Fangs Formation Viewpoint, and Returning to Aktau City Bozzhyra Fangs Formation: Following breakfast, our journey takes us to the breathtaking Bozzhyra Fangs Formation. You'll then take a 20-minute walk to reach the Bozzhyra Fangs formation viewpoint. It's a popular spot within the park, known for its stunning views. Return to Aktau: It was the last viewpoint of the tour, now we will return to Aktau, which will take approximately 4-5 hours by car. Lunch in Zhanaozen: Lunchtime, you'll arrive in Zhanaozen city, where you'll have a late lunch. It's a chance to enjoy a meal and rest during your journey back. Continuation to Aktau: After lunch, you'll have approximately 2 more hours of driving ahead of you to reach Aktau city. Arrival in Aktau: You're expected to reach Aktau city by 6 PM. Your tour will conclude, and the group will be dropped off at their respective booked hotels or at the airport for those who are departing. With hugs and farewells, your memorable tour comes to an end, leaving you with incredible memories of the diverse landscapes and experiences you've encountered in the Mangystau region.
What's included
Start point: Dostyk Business Hotel at 10AM MEAL: You'll be provided with three meals a day, ensuring that you're well-fed and energized throughout the tour. Water during the tour will also be provided. MEETING & SEEING OFF: The package includes arrangements for meeting and seeing off participants at the airport or train station, making your arrival and departure hassle-free. LOCAL GUIDE: An English speaking local guide will accompany the group, providing valuable insights, information, and assistance throughout the journey. ACCOMMODATION: You'll spend three nights camping in tents, and the package includes a tent, sleeping bag, bedsheet, and pillow for your comfort. Additionally, there's one night in a Yurt, providing varied and unique accommodations. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is included, offering peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances. Transportation: You'll travel in a 4WD vehicle, which includes Japanese and American SUVs and a van. This ensures that you have suitable and reliable transportation for your journey. ENTRANCE FEES: All entrance fees to attractions and destinations as listed in the itinerary are included, allowing you to explore and enjoy the various sites without additional costs. CAMEL MILK: You can try camel milk drinks, sweets and cheese from local farm villages
Visa: The cost and arrangements for obtaining a visa, if required for your destination, are not included in the tour package. Items of Personal Hygiene: Personal hygiene items such as toiletries, soap, shampoo, and similar products are not provided as part of the package. International & Domestic Air & Train Tickets: The cost of airfare or train tickets for both international and domestic travel to and from the tour's starting and ending points is not included. Hotel on Arrival & Leaving Day: Accommodation on the days of your arrival and departure, which may be necessary if your flights or train journeys do not align with the tour's schedule, is not covered in the package. Tips for Guide & Drivers: Tips for your tour guide and drivers are not included. It's customary to provide tips as a token of appreciation for their services.
What to know
Attention important: We kindly inform you that, out of respect for Kazakh culture and religious beliefs, our tours do not contain alcohol. We appreciate your understanding in this matter. There is an option for a single supplement of $70 USD for a one-night Yurt stay, providing more privacy. Participants are required to provide their passport details for life insurance purposes after booking. The tour involves activities that do not require strong trekking or hiking, making it suitable for most people in good physical condition and all age groups. In case of unexpected weather conditions such as storms, heavy rain, or strong winds, the group may be required to leave the camp and seek shelter in the nearest guesthouses or hotel. (not included)
Route & locations
Mangystau, Kazakhstan to Dzhigalgan, Kazakhstan