4 Days 3 Nights Group Tour - Mangystau- Aktau To Aktau
About this tour
DEPARTURE TIME: 9AM
GROUP SIZE: 3-15 pax
DISTANCE: 970 km. on-road and 223 km. off-road
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. VALLEY OF BALLS TORYSH
2. JURASSIC CLAYS KOKKALA
3. SHERKALA MOUNT
4. VALLEY OF CASTLES AIRAKTY
5. YURT VILLAGE
6. SALT FLAT TUZBAIR
7. TIRAMISU CANYON KYZYLKUP
8. BOZJYRA FANGS FORMATION
9. BOZJYRA DRAGON CREST
10. BOZJYRA MARS PANORAMA
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Mangystau, Kazakhstan to FALLEN EARTH ZHYGYLGAN CAPE
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: UNDERGROUND MOSQUE - VALLEY OF CASTLES TORYSH - JURASSIC CLAYS to SHERKALA MOUNT - VALLEY OF CASTLES AIRAKTY
Day 2: From the Enchanting Castles to the Amazing Salt Flat Tuzbair, 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. Then 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. Arrival at Yurt Village: After exploring the canyons, 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: POROUS GORGE YBYK to KAZAKH VILLAGE
Day 3: Exploring Bozjyra Fangs Formation, Bozjyra Dragon Crest, and Bozjyra Mars Panorama Morning Departure: After breakfast, you'll start your drive to Tiramisu Canyon. 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. This unique canyon is known for its striped dark brown and white colors, resembling the layers of a Tiramisu cake. 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. 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. The name 'Boz,' signifying the soothing beige hue, and 'Jyra,' representing the grandeur of these natural formations, perfectly encapsulate the beauty that surrounds you.
Day 4: TIRAMISU CANYON KYZYLKUP - BOZJYRA NATIONAL PARK to Aktau, Kazakhstan
Day 4: 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
MEAL: 3 meals a day and water supply during tour GUIDE: English speaking local guide ACCOMMODATION: 3 nights in tent camping (all tools included), 1 night in Kazakh Yurt stay (shower, civilization etc.) ADDITIONAL: MEETING AND SEEING OFF COMFORTABLE 4X4 JEEPS (3 PAX IN ONE CAR) TRAVEL INSURANCE (ONLY DURING TOUR PERIOD) ENTRANCE FEES CAMEL MILK PRODUCTS
VISAS; snacks & drinks; items of personnel hygiene; domestic air & train tickets; hotel on arrival and leaving days;
What to know
THIS TOUR AVAILABLE: satellite telephone; national instrument “Dombyra” playing; ATTENTION: all tours are alcohol free; single supplement camping gear & one night Yurt stay - 65 USD; you should send your passport details for life insurance (after booking); not strong trekking and hiking; this tour is suitable for most people in good condition and for all ages; during the unexpected weather condition (storm, strong rain, reinforced wind) the group will be forced to leave the camp and go to the most nearby hotel or guesthouse. And this kind of unexpected expenses are not included.
Route & locations
Mangystau, Kazakhstan to FALLEN EARTH ZHYGYLGAN CAPE