5-Day jeep tour in Mangystau

Tour overview

Journey “Through the Dried Tethys Ocean” on a 5-day jeep expedition across Mangystau — a land once covered by ancient seas, now transformed into surreal desert landscapes. Explore 13 breathtaking sites, from the Valley of Balls (Torysh) and Jurassic clays of Kokkala to the mystical Sherkala Mountain, Airakty Castles, and the white expanse of Tuzbair Salt Flat. Discover the region’s spiritual and natural wonders, including Karaman Ata Mosque, Ybyk Gorge, and the otherworldly Bozjyra formations — the Fangs, Dragon Crest, and Mars Panorama — all year round.

Highlights:

Included:

Itinerary

DAY 1: Torysh - Kokala - Sherkala - Airakty (Tent Camping)
180 km on-road & 75 km off-road 

Pickup from Hotel in Aktau - 8:00 AM
Pre-tour briefing

First Stop: Torysh - Valley of Balls
Explore the mysterious ball-shaped rock formations, a geological wonder that sparks curiosity and amazement.

Second Stop: Kokala - Jurassic Clays
Marvel at the colorful purple gorge and ancient geological formations at Kokala.

Third Stop: Sherkala Mount
Visit Sherkala, known as the “Sphinx of Mangystau,” with its unique yurt-shaped appearance.

Fourth Stop: Airakty - Valley of Castle-Shaped Mounts
Walk through the castle-shaped mountains of Airakty and camp overnight under the stars in the dramatic desert landscape.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent Camping

DAY 2: Tuzbair (Upper, Lower, and White Arch) - Yurt Etno Camp

240 km on-road & 90 km off-road 

First Stop: Tuzbair (Upper, Lower, and White Arch)
Explore the stunning salt flats and chalk formations at Tuzbair, including the famous White Arch, a naturally formed wonder.

Second Stop: Yurt Etno Camp
Stay at a traditional Yurt Etno Camp, experiencing the nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt

DAY 3: Karaman-Ata - Ybyk - Janaozen (Refuel, Market) - Tiramisu Canyon (Tent Camping)

270 km on-road & 70 km off-road 

First Stop: Karaman-Ata Necropolis
Visit the largest underground mosque in Mangystau, an important spiritual and historical site from the 11th century.

Second Stop: Ybyk - Porous Gorge
Explore the unique porous gorge, known for its unusual rock formations and scenic views.

Third Stop: Janaozen (Refuel and Market Visit)
Stop in Janaozen to refuel and explore the local market, where you can enjoy authentic Kazakh products and a cup of tea.

Fourth Stop: Tiramisu Canyon (Tent Camping)
Set up camp in the stunning Tiramisu Canyon, known for its colorful, layered mountains that resemble the popular dessert. End the day with stargazing after dinner.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent Camping

DAY 4: Bokty - Bozjyra National Park (Mars Panorama, Dragon Crest) - Tent Camping in Bozjyra Canyon

70 km on-road & 55 km off-road 

First Stop: Bokty Mountain
Visit the isolated Bokty Mountain, with its fortress-like shape, standing alone in the vast steppe.

Second Stop: Bozjyra National Park (Mars Panorama and Dragon Crest)
Explore the Martian-like landscape of Bozjyra National Park, including the famous Dragon Crest, a rock formation resembling a dragon’s back.

Camping: Bozjyra Canyon
Walk to the camping site near the Bozjyra Canyon and set up camp with a stunning view of the rock formation featured on the KZT 1000 currency note. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and spend the night under the stars.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent Camping

DAY 5: Bozjyra Fangs Formation (Morning Climb) - Drive Through Bozjyra Cliffs - Senek Dunes - Karagie Hollow - Back to Aktau

300 km on-road & 45 km off-road

First Stop: Bozjyra Fangs Formation (Morning Climb)
Begin your day with a morning climb to the famous Bozjyra Fangs Formation, one of the most iconic landmarks in Mangystau. Enjoy breathtaking views as you ascend these towering limestone formations, known for their unique shape resembling fangs.

Second Activity: Drive Through Bozjyra Cliffs
After your climb, embark on a scenic drive through the Bozjyra Cliffs, passing through the majestic rock formations and expansive plateaus that define this otherworldly landscape.

Third Stop: Senek Dunes
The Senek Sands, also called the Tuyesu Sands, span an area of 11 by 30 kilometers and are situated roughly midway between the city of Zhanaozen and Boszhira. The southern and eastern sections are dominated by barchan dunes, while the northern and western areas consist of desert shrubland.

Forth Stop: Karagie Hollow

Karagiye is a depression on the territory of Kazakhstan with a depth of 132 m. According to this indicator, it is the deepest dry depression in the country and the fifth in the world.

Final Destination: Return to Aktau
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: None (End of Trip)

Accommodation supplement:

Tent - single occupancy;
Shared Yurt - Max 5 occupants (Private option available)