Manage cookies
We use cookies to provide the best site experience.
Manage cookies
Cookie Settings
Cookies necessary for the correct operation of the site are always enabled.
Other cookies are configurable.
Essential cookies
Always On. These cookies are essential so that you can use the website and use its functions. They cannot be turned off. They're set in response to requests made by you, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms.
Analytics cookies
Disabled
These cookies collect information to help us understand how our Websites are being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customise our Websites for you. See a list of the analytics cookies we use here.
Advertising cookies
Disabled
These cookies provide advertising companies with information about your online activity to help them deliver more relevant online advertising to you or to limit how many times you see an ad. This information may be shared with other advertising companies. See a list of the advertising cookies we use here.
Desert Expedition
Embark on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Mangystau Peninsula, Kazakhstan’s most otherworldly and awe-inspiring region. This off-road 4x4 expedition on rugged terrain is your chance to explore surreal landscapes, ancient history, necropolises and untamed wilderness, all while enjoying the thrill of rugged off-road travel. Perfect for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, the trip will also offer the chance of local cultural immersion. Mangystau, located in southwestern Kazakhstan, is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural history waiting to be explored.
physical rating:
/
/
Desert Expedition
theme:
Adventure
period:
April - May
language:
English, German, French
region:
Mangystau, West Kazakhstan
comfort level:
10 MAX
group size
4000 CHF
price/person
11
days
Highlights
  • Visit Aktau, the largest Kazakh city on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
  • Marvel at the breathtaking Bozjyra white cliffs rising dramatically from the desert floor.
  • Explore the Sherkala Mountain, a sacred and mysterious natural formation.
  • Walk across the shimmering Tuzbair Salt Flats that stretch endlessly to the horizon.
  • Visit ancient underground mosques like Beket-Ata and Shakpak-Ata.
  • Journey to Karynjaryq Depression where surreal sand dunes and salt pans collide.
  • Witness one of Kazakhstan’s most iconic landscapes that feels like another planet.
Flight Tickets
Food at Hotels and Restaurants
Not included in the price:
Hotels, Resorts, Glamping Sites, Camping Tents, Yurts
Accomodation:
Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners
Meals:
Minivan, 4x4
Transportation:
Includes:
Insurance
Activites:
  • Off-Road Adventure
  • Outdoor Camping
  • Underground Mosques
  • Necropolis Tours
  • Wildlife Spotting
  • Hike at National Parks
  • Dining in Nature
  • Panoramic Views
  • Observation Decks
  • Hot Springs
  • Swimming (Optional)
  • Stand Up Paddle (Optional)
  • Horse Riding (Optional)
Gallery
Route
Aktau
Kyzylkum
Ustyurt Reserve
Mount Bokty
Gorge Bozjyra
Airakty Gorge
Torysh Valley
Shakpak Ata
Cape Jygylgan
Port Bautino
Blue Cove
Aktau
Route
Aktau
Kyzylkum
Ustyurt Reserve
Mount Bokty
Gorge Bozjyra
Airakty Gorge
Torysh Valley
Shakpak Ata
Cape Jygylgan
Port Bautino
Blue Cove
Aktau
Route
Aktau
Kyzylkum
Ustyurt Reserve
Mount Bokty
Gorge Bozjyra
Airakty Gorge
Torysh Valley
Shakpak Ata
Cape Jygylgan
Port Bautino
Blue Cove
Aktau
Important Notes
  • All listed departures and tours are guaranteed
  • Maximum group size is 10
  • 500 chf/person is required for the deposit
  • One tour guide will accompany the guests the whole trip
  • Private tour option for this itinerary is available for couples and families
  • Citizens of most countries can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days
  • Get in touch for recommended flights and airlines
Itinerary
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 a resort for the check-in. Reservations at the local favorite restaurant 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 resort.

Accommodations: Hotel, Resort or similar
Day 2: Aktau - Karagiye Depression - Shopan Ata
After breakfast at the Glamping resort, you will start your unforgettable journey by heading out to Kyzylkum desert. 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. After a full day excursion, we will stay at a local village guesthouse for the night.

Accommodations: Guest house, homestead or similar
Day 3: Ustyurt Reserve - Karynjaryg Depression - Mount Bokty
Traditional kazakh breakfast will be waiting for you in the morning at the guest house. We will venture to explore the Ustyurt National Park and 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. Dinner will be served at the camp with a perfect sunrise view in the morning.

Accommodations: Camping tent
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. Upon arriving there, a camp will be set up to explore the area and experience the panoramic views. In the evening, dinner will be served at the camp under a sky full of stars and visible Milky Way.

Accommodations: Camping tent
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. We will explore these rock formations that used to be at the bottom of the ocean before heading to yurt guesthouse 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.

Accommodations: Yurt stays, guest house or similar
Day 6: Airakty Gorge - Samal Gorge - Kokkala Tracts - Torysh Valley
After breakfast in a yurt, we will continue to explore nearby areas such as Kokkala Tracts and Samal Gorge. 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. 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.

Accommodations: Camping tent
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.

Accommodations: Camping tent


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 reach “Jygylgan” meaning “Fallen Land”, set up camp and have lunch before a hike around the area. Dinner will be served at the camp upon your return from the hike.

Accommodations: Camping tent


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. 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 a local hotel. Dinner will be served at the restaurant of the hotel.

Accommodations: Hotel, resort or similar
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.

Accommodations: Glamping site, resort or similar
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.
Plan your trip
Secure your journey with trusted travel insurance and flight recommendations.
Travel insurance:
Direct flights:
Milan - Almaty (non-stop)
Frankfurt - Almaty (non-stop)
Frankfurt - Astana (non-stop)
Dates & price
You can choose to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or book a private tour on the date of your choice
Private tours
Flexible & guaranteed departures
Small group tour
Fixed & guaranteed departures
Starting
Finishing
Languages
Price
Booking
1 Apr 2026
11 Apr 2026
English
4000 CHF
Soon
Coming
German/
French
4000 CHF
We had an unforgettable time exploring the Silk Road with Qazaqstan Premium Tourism. The historical sites in Turkistan and the stunning canyons near Almaty left us speechless. The company provided a perfect balance of adventure and culture, and the local food was simply delicious. Having a French-speaking guide was a huge plus for us. If you’re looking for a well-planned, immersive journey, this is the company to book with
Anna Schneider
Our trip to Almaty and Astana with Qazaqstan Premium Tourism was beyond our expectations! The landscapes were breathtaking from the canyons to the crystal-clear lakes. The guides spoke fluent German and made us feel welcome from day one. We especially loved immersive the cultural experiences, such as dining in a yurt and meeting Kazakh nomads. Highly recommended for Swiss travelers looking for something unique!
Lukas Meier
Client feedback
Our Altai hiking tour with Qazaqstan Premium Tourism was absolutely magical! The untouched nature, snow-capped peaks, and stunning valleys made every day feel like a dream. The Swiss-level organization and attention to detail made everything seamless. I was impressed by how professional and friendly the guides were, ensuring we had an authentic and unforgettable experience. I’m already planning my next trip back
Sophie Dubois
FAQ
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!


You might also like...
South Kazakhstan
10 people
9 days
from
4000 CHF
Almaty, South Kazakhstan
10 people
11 days
Embark on an Epic Almaty hiking tour through Kazakhstan’s breathtaking landscapes. From the vibrant city of Almaty, venture into the majestic Ile Alatau National Park, where hiking trails lead to some of the most beautiful panoramic views in Central Asia...
Epic Almaty
from
2500 CHF
Discover the wonders of Kazakhstan and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, a fusion of ancient traditions and modern hospitality. Experience the legendary warmth of Kazakh people as you explore their rich heritage through authentic food, traditional music...
Cultural Exploration
from
3500 CHF
Altai, East Kazakhstan
10 people
11 days
The Altai region in East Kazakhstan is a hidden gem, offering breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled adventure opportunities. Escape to one of the most breathtaking corners of the world...
Majestic Altai
Fill out the contact form to get in touch with us
Made on
Tilda