The Bottom of the Ancient Ocean: An Expedition to Mangistau
NATURE · SACRED SITES · EXPEDITION
A place where, 350 million years ago, the Tethys Ocean lapped the shores. Today, it is a place of tranquillity, with chalk mountains and landscapes that look like photographs from another planet.
Mangistau is a unique region of Kazakhstan, featuring otherworldly landscapes of chalk mountains, canyons, traces of the Tethys Ocean and underground mosques.
The Bottom of the Ancient Ocean: An Expedition to Mangistau
Mangistau is rarely included in standard itineraries — and that is precisely why it remains one of Kazakhstan’s most authentic destinations. Bozhyra, Tuzbair, the Shakpak-Ata underground mosque — every stop on this itinerary has been carefully chosen so that you can experience the region not as a tourist, but as a pioneer.
from Aktau to Aktau
Distance: 970 km by road and 223 km off-road
4x4 jeeps
5 days
from $500 per person
The price is quoted ‘from’ and is for information purposes only. The final price is calculated on a case-by-case basis and confirmed by a manager at the time of booking.
Arrival in Aktau, meet-and-greet at the airport and group transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel and time to rest after the flight.
day 01
ARRIVAL IN AKTAU
A tour of the region’s most famous sites. Visits to the Shakpak Ata underground mosque, the Torysh Valley of Balls, the Kokkala Jurassic clay formations, Mount Sherkala and the Airakty Valley of Castles. Lunch and dinner en route. Overnight stay in a tented camp.
day 02
THE NATURAL WONDERS OF MANGISTAU
Discover one of Mangistau’s most impressive natural attractions. Visit the upper and lower Tuzbair plateaus, the White Arch and the ethno-campsite. In the evening, enjoy a concert of Kazakh folk music and spend the night in yurts.
day 03
THE TUZBAIR SALT FLAT AND KAZAKH TRADITIONS
A journey via Zhanaozen to the region’s most iconic landscapes. A visit to the Kyzylkup (‘Tiramisu’) Canyon, Mount Bokty and the Bozzyra tract, with views of the famous Klyki. An al fresco dinner and an overnight stay at a campsite or hotel in Zhanaozen.
day 04
Red Gorge and Bozgyra
A morning tour of Bozjyry’s best viewing points: panoramic views of Klykov, Mars and the Dragon’s Ridge. After lunch, return to Aktau, dinner at a restaurant and transfer to the airport for the evening flight.
day 05
PANORAMAS OF BOZHYRA AND THE RETURN
5 days
Day-by-day itinerary:
from $500 per person
a group of between 1 and 15 people
Places you will visit:
Coccala Jurassic clays
Mount Sherkala
The Valley of the Castles of Airakti
Tiramisu Canyon, Kyzylkup
Mount Bokty
Stories of those who saw the world differently
‘The sheer scale of the Bozzyra wilderness and the panoramic views of the Klyki and the Dragon’s Ridge really do make you feel as though you’ve landed on another planet.’
— Ruslan, restaurant owner
‘Walking amongst the Jurassic clays of Kokkala and the valley of the castles of Airakti is an incredible visual experience, reminiscent of a fantasy film set brought to life.’
— Alena, brand marketer
‘The itinerary turned out to be very packed. I was particularly struck by the canyons and plateaus, which I’d never even seen in photographs before. The few days flew by before I knew it.’
— Marat, founder of an IT company
‘What I liked most was that, in a single trip, I managed to see both natural attractions and historical sites. The landscapes look as if they’re on another planet.’
— Camila, SEO editor
‘The sunset at Bozjyr was one of the highlights of the trip. You rarely come across scenery like this, even outside Kazakhstan. Bozjyr alone is definitely worth a visit at least once.’
— Arman, property developer
‘Beket-Ata and Shakpak-Ata made the biggest impression on me. They are places with a wonderful atmosphere and an interesting history.’
— Aina, Chief Financial Officer
Answers to important questions:
Yes. The itinerary does not require any special physical fitness and is suitable for most travellers. All journeys are made in comfortable transport, with stops for rest and sightseeing.
The region’s climate is predominantly dry and sunny. Temperatures can be quite high during the day, so a hat, sunglasses and sun cream are recommended. It can be cool in the evenings and early mornings, particularly in spring and autumn.
In towns and villages, mobile coverage is reliable. However, in remote natural areas, such as Bozjyra and certain parts of the Ustyurt Plateau, mobile coverage and internet access may be unavailable or intermittent. This is a normal part of travelling in one of Kazakhstan’s most remote regions.
Yes. The itinerary does not require any special physical fitness and is suitable for most travellers. All journeys are made in comfortable transport, with stops for rest and sightseeing.
The region’s climate is predominantly dry and sunny. Temperatures can be quite high during the day, so a hat, sunglasses and sun cream are recommended. It can be cool in the evenings and early mornings, particularly in spring and autumn.
In towns and villages, mobile coverage is reliable. However, in remote natural areas, such as Bozjyra and certain parts of the Ustyurt Plateau, mobile coverage and internet access may be unavailable or intermittent. This is a normal part of travelling in one of Kazakhstan’s most remote regions.
Are you ready for the next chapter in your story?
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‘Travel Club Kazakhstan’ LLP
VAT 031140004162
