Day 1: Arrival in Aktau and City Tour

Salem! Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Aktau is a vibrant city and the perfect starting point for exploring the stunning Mangystau Peninsula. You will be picked up at the airport to be transferred to O’mir Glamping resort for the check-in. Since most international flights arrive in the morning, you will start your city tour after your breakfast. The tour will start from the Melovoy Lighthouse, a unique architectural monument that represents the spirit of Aktau and its residents. We will slowly head towards the city center where we will stop for lunch. Reservations at the restaurant Bozjyra will not disappoint you with delicious traditional kazakh cuisine that has a modern taste. After your lunch, you will head to the Mangystau Ethnographic Museum for a guided tour. In the evening, you will be invited for the welcome dinner organized at the Glamping resort.

Day 2: Aktau - Kyzylkum - Karagiye Depression - Shopan Ata - Ustyurt Reserve

After breakfast at the Glamping resort, you will start your unforgettable journey by heading out to Kyzylkum desert located 1 hour away. With our guide, explore the Bekdurdy Ishan Necropolis and Qumdy Lighthouse. The next stop is the Karagiye Depression, which is considered to be the lowest point in Central Asia. We will take a stroll in the area before returning for lunch that will be served at a temporary camp with a great view. Our adventure will continue at Mausoleum Kuyeutam and Shopan Ata Necropolis, holy and historical sights which are part of UNESCO World Heritage. After the tour of this location, we will continue in the direction of the breathtaking Ustyurt National Reserve. After a full day excursion, we will stay at the village Akkuduk guest house for the night.

Day 3: Akkuduk - Ustyurt Reserve - Karynjaryg Depression - Mount Bokty

Traditional kazakh breakfast will be waiting for you in the morning at the guest house. We will venture further to explore the area to reach Karynjaryg Depression, which is another gem in this location that will impress anyone who visits. Temporary camp will be set to have lunch with a view before we continue our journey to Mount Bokty. This colorful natural wonder is one of the most iconic sights of Mangystau Peninsula. Mount Bokty looks the most spectacular at sunset or sunrise, when the rocks reflect the light in a fiery glow. Admiring this colorful beauty, don’t forget to look under your feet; you will likely find fossilized teeth of ancient sharks, as this area used to be at the bottom of an ancient ocean. Dinner will be served at the camp with a perfect sunrise view in the morning.

Day 4: Mount Bokty - Beket Ata - Gorge Bozjyra

After breakfast with a stunning view of Mount Bokty, we will continue our trip to get to Gorge Bozjyra, which has been considered to be the crown jewel of Mangystau. On the way, we will stop by Beket Ata, a legendary underground mosque that is still regularly visited for prayers and pilgrimage. Lunch will be prepared and served at a temporary stop with a view for maximum enjoyment. Gorge Bozjyra is a magnificent creation of weathering and erosion, located on the territory of the Ustyurt Plateau. Upon arriving there, a camp will be set up to explore the area and experience the panoramic views. In the Mesozoic Era this area was covered by the Tethys Ocean, so now here you can find a lot of fossilized shells and teeth of prehistoric sharks. In the evening, dinner will be served at the camp under a sky full of stars and visible Milky Way.

Day 5: Gorge Bozjyra - Sor Tuzbair - Mount Shomanay - Airakty Gorge

In the morning, have breakfast with unforgetting views of Gorge Bozyra and surrounding valleys. We will continue our journey to Tuzbair Salt Flats, where reflection of the salty ground can mirror the sky, creating unforgettable landscapes. We will explore the area before returning for lunch at a temporary camp. After that, we will take a long drive to Mount Shomanay and Airakty Gorge. The renowned Ukrainian poet and artist Taras Shevchenko visited this region in 1851, where he created a collection of paintings and named it “The Valley of Castles”. We will explore these rock formations that used to be at the bottom of the ocean before heading to Kogez Yurts to spend a night in a beautiful and traditional setting. Dinner will be served in the yurts to celebrate the marking of the middle point of our off-road adventure.

Day 6: Airakty Gorge - Samal Gorge - Kokkala Tracts - Torysh Valley

After breakfast at Kogez Yurts, we will continue to explore nearby areas such as Kokkala Tracts and Samal Gorge. The Gorge attracts visitors with a freshwater brook that gives life to a small grove. In spring, the desert enjoys some rainfall and brooks become full of water and sometimes even turn into waterfalls. After the short hike around the area, a temporary camp will be set up to have lunch with a view of Mount Sherkala. We continue our off-road drive until we reach Torysh Valley. Nicknamed as “Valley of Balls”, the area features many spherical rock formations which have formed naturally across the landscape in the sedimentary rock, through a concretion process. Remnants of medieval settlement Kyzylkala are also nearby for exploration which makes it a perfect place to set up a camp to have dinner and spend the night.

Day 7: Torysh Valley - Shakpak Ata - Kapamsay Canyon

After breakfast at the valley, we will head out to Shakpaktysay Canyon and Shakpak Ata underground mosque that was directly carved into the canyon rock. This mosque also functions as a necropolis that has many Kazakh muslim saints buried in the area. Listen to the legends and stories that were passed about the history of the mosque and its creation. Lunch will be served near the mosque and we continue your journey in Kapamsay Canyon, to set up a camp. We will go for a short hike around the canyon before returning for a delicious dinner that will be waiting for you. We will stay the night in this location to continue our exploration in the morning.

Day 8: Kapamsay Canyon - Kenty Baba - Cape Jygylgan

Breakfast will be served at the camp near the canyon. We head out to further discover the area which hosts many more necropolises such as Sultan Upi, Kenty Baba, Akshora. We will continue our guided tour through these mysterious mausoleums from the middle ages to deepen your knowledge on nomadic cultural views on afterlife. We will have our lunch in a calm location nearby with a view as per tradition of this journey. We will reach Cape Jygylgan after setting up a camp for the night. “Jygylgan” means “Fallen Land” which correctly describes the scenery where giant rocks as big as houses have fallen in mass which created a hollow basin. Dinner will be served at the camp upon your return from the hike.

Day 9: Cape Jygylgan - Fort Shevchenko - Bautino

Have the first meal with a panoramic view of the shoreline of the Caspian sea. We will head out to reach the town of Fort Shevchenko, named after the famous Ukrainian poet, artist, and political figure Taras Shevchenko. Discover the fate of this legendary figure that left a deep cultural connection between Kazakh and Ukrainian people. Guided tour of the museum will further showcase the history of the poet and his time spent in Mangystau. We continue our journey and head towards Dubski gardens and hot springs that are located nearby. We will explore the area until we come back to the temporary camp for lunch. After further hiking around the area, we head out to Bautino to check-in to Chagala Hotel. Dinner will be served at the restaurant of the hotel.

Day 10: Bautino - Saura Gorge - Karakup Lake - Blue Cove

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head towards the Saura Gorge and Karakup Lake, the last stop before the final destination of this adventure. The rare oasis represents the biodiversity of the peninsula and you will explore the area until you are ready to continue your journey to the Blue Cove. The beautiful blue lagoons of the cove will be the perfect setting for our last lunch outdoors. After a memorable feast, we will continue traversing the shoreline until we reach Tenir Glamping hotel. Farewell Dinner will be waiting for you in the evening with entertainment and surprise gifts. Our unforgettable off-road adventure has come to an end.

Day 11: Departure from Blue Cove

You will be transferred to Aktau in the morning after breakfast. Our services are available if you need to transfer from the city center to the airport or a hotel.

What is Qazaqstan Premium Tourism?

Qazaqstan Premium Tourism specializes in curated travel experiences across Kazakhstan, offering premium tours such as cultural Silk Road tours, trekking in Altai, winter sports, and adventure expeditions. Our tours are guided by multilingual experts in English, German, French, and Italian.

Why should I choose Kazakhstan for my next trip?

Kazakhstan offers a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous activities. From the ancient Silk Road to breathtaking mountains, canyons, and alpine lakes, Kazakhstan provides an unforgettable travel experience.

What types of tours do you offer?

We provide a range of tours, including:
Culture: explore historic sites and nomadic traditions of Kazakhstan.
Adventure: off road journeys and expeditions to discover unique landscapes.
Trekking: discover pristine nature in long distance excursions on foot, horseback and 4x4.
Hiking: explore national parks for hiking, glamping, skiing, snowboarding and horse riding.
Grand Tours: grand tour around the largest landlocked country in the world.

Can I customize a tour?

Yes, we offer customization for private tour bookings to suit your preferences and needs.

Do you provide transportation?

Yes, we include transportation between destinations as part of our tour packages. This includes airport pickups, off-road vehicles for expeditions, and high-end minivans for group travel.

Can you arrange flights?

While we don’t directly sell flights, we can assist with recommendations and connections to travel agents who can book your airfare.

What kind of accommodation is included?

We offer a mix of boutique hotels, eco-resorts, and authentic yurts, ensuring extra comfort while maintaining a connection to Kazakhstan’s cultural and natural heritage.

What languages do your guides speak?

Our expert guides speak English, German, French, and Italian, catering to a diverse range of international travelers.

Are the guides certified?

Yes, all our guides are certified professionals with deep knowledge of the regions and a passion for sharing Kazakhstan’s beauty.

Are the activities family-friendly?

Many of our tours, such as The Silk Road and Cultural Exploration, are perfect for families. For more adventurous activities like trekking or hiking, we recommend age-appropriate participation.

Are the hiking tours suitable for beginners?

We offer hiking routes for all levels, from beginner-friendly trails near Almaty to more challenging paths of Kolsay Lakes or Charyn National Park.

What is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?

It depends on your interests:
• Spring (April-May): Ideal for adventure lovers and cultural tours.
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for trekking and exploring high-altitude lakes.
• Autumn (September-November): Great mild weather and golden landscapes.
• Winter (December-February): Best for holiday festivities, ski and snow-based activities.

How do I book a tour?

You can book directly through our website or contact us via email or phone to discuss your preferences and finalize your itinerary.

What is your payment policy?

We accept payments via credit card, online payment platforms or bank transfers. A deposit is required to confirm your booking.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 30 days before the tour receive a full refund. Late cancellations may incur charges based on our policy.

Is it safe to travel in Kazakhstan?

Yes, Kazakhstan is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. We ensure all tours prioritize safety, with experienced guides and well-maintained equipment.

Do you offer travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not included but can be arranged upon request through our partner providers.

How do I contact you?

You can reach us via:
• Email: info@myqazastan.com
• Phone: +7 (XXX) XXX-XXXX
• Website: www.myqazaqstan.com
For any additional questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to making your journey through Kazakhstan unforgettable!