Unforgettable 3 Days in Mangystau

First itinerary overview

Embark on an Unforgettable 3-Day Jeep Tour in Mangystau and explore nine breathtaking natural wonders and historical sites. From the mysterious Valley of Balls and the colorful Jurassic clays of Kok-Ala to the iconic Sherkala Mount and the fairy-tale castles of Airakty, each stop reveals a new marvel. Continue your journey through the surreal landscapes of Bozjyra, with its Fangs Formation, Dragon Crest, and Mars Panorama — a true adventure all year round.

Highlights:

Included:

Itinerary

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

DAY 1: Torysh - Kokala - Sherkala - Airakty

180 km on road & 70 km off-road

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: Bozjyra (Crest & Mars Panorama) - Camping Above Bozjyra Canyon

340 km on-road & 25 km off-road

1st stop: Bozjyra Crest
Begin your day by exploring the dramatic Bozjyra Crest, one of the most iconic rock formations in the region. This towering formation provides stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape and is a perfect spot for photography.

2nd stop: Mars Panorama
After visiting the Crest, head to the Mars Panorama, a breathtaking location where the landscape resembles the surface of Mars, with its unique chalky cliffs and red hues. The panoramic views offer a sense of otherworldly beauty.

Camping: Bozjyra Canyon
Walk to the camping site near the Bozjyra Canyon and set up camp with a stunning view of the rock formation. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and spend the night under the stars.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent Camping

DAY 3: Bozjyra Fangs Formation - Bokty - Qyzylqup Canyon - Back to Aktau

310 km on-road & 45 km off-road

1st stop: Bozjyra Fangs Formation
Start your day with a visit to the famous Bozjyra Fangs Formation, where you can walk around these towering limestone formations that dominate the landscape. This is one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in Mangystau.

2nd stop: Bokty Mountain
Next, head to Bokty Mountain — an isolated, fortress-like formation that rises dramatically from the steppe. It’s one of the most spectacular spots in Mangystau, perfect for capturing stunning aerial shots with a drone.

3rd stop: Qyzylqup canyon aka Tiramisu
Visit the colorful Qyzylqup Canyon, known for its layered mountains that resemble the dessert. The vibrant red, yellow, and orange hues make this a visually stunning location for exploration and photography.

Final destination: Return to Aktau
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch (No Dinner)
Accommodation: None (End of Trip)

Second itinerary overview

Join the Across the Ustyurt Reserve in 3 Days jeep tour and uncover the untouched beauty of western Kazakhstan. From the vast Karynzharyk Depression and the shimmering Kendirli Salt Flat to the surreal Bozjyra landscapes, each location reveals a new face of the desert. Explore nine extraordinary sites including Bokty Mount and the colorful Tiramisu Canyon of Kyzylkup — a true adventure into the wild heart of Mangystau.

Highlights:

Included:

Itinerary

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

DAY 1: Aktau – Karynzharyk – Kendirli – Karynzharyk Sunset

NOTE: On the first day, we will drive approximately 5 hours to reach our first destination.
The route passes through the open plain steppe, which is scenic in its vastness but has no notable attractions or stops along the way. Please be ready for a long drive. We recommend bringing snacks, something to read or listen to, and anything else that will make the trip more comfortable for you.

280 km on road & 130 km off-road 

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

1st stop: Karynzharyk depression
Drive through the vast steppe towards the otherworldly Karynzharyk depression. 330 km drive (180 km paved to Kulandy near Zhanaozen + 150 km off-road)

2nd stop: Kendirli Salt Flat
Guided hike to Kendirli salt flat, where dazzling white salt plains stretch to the horizon.

Important Note: The hike takes approximately 3 hours in total and may be postponed to the following morning in case of high temperatures or other unfavorable weather conditions.

Return to Karynzharyk to witness an unforgettable sunset over the vast depression. As the colors fade into twilight, enjoy dinner under a sky filled with stars — a perfect ending to your desert adventure.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tent Camping at Karynzharyk location

DAY 2: Onere – Akkudyk Village – Bozjyra Fangs

90 km on-road & 65 km off-road

1st stop: Onere Water Source
Breakfast at camp, then set off to the remote Onere water source, a lifeline in the desert.

2nd stop: Akkudyk village
Drive to Akkudyk village for a lunch stop and glimpse into local life.

3rd stop: Bozjyra Lower Lands
Continue deep into Ustyurt to the stunning Bozjyra cliffs, where bizarre rock formations rise like fangs.

Camping: Bozjyra Canyon (Under the Fangs)
Walk to the camping site near the Bozjyra Canyon and set up camp with a stunning view of the rock formation. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and spend the night under the stars.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent Camping

DAY 3: Bozjyra Fangs Formation - Bozjyra Mars Panorama - Bozjyra Dragon Crest - Tiramisu Canyon - Bokty Mount - Back to Aktau

200 km on-road & 90 km off-road

1st stop: Bozjyra Fangs Formation

Start your day with a visit to the famous Bozjyra Fangs Formation, where you can walk around these towering limestone formations that dominate the landscape. This is one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in Mangystau.

2nd stop: Mars Panorama

After visiting the Crest, head to the Mars Panorama, a breathtaking location where the landscape resembles the surface of Mars, with its unique chalky cliffs and red hues. The panoramic views offer a sense of otherworldly beauty.

3rd stop: Bozjyra Crest

Begin your day by exploring the dramatic Bozjyra Crest, one of the most iconic rock formations in the region. This towering formation provides stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape and is a perfect spot for photography.

4th stop: Tiramisu Canyon

Visit the colorful Tiramisu Canyon, known for its layered mountains that resemble the dessert. The vibrant red, yellow, and orange hues make this a visually stunning location for exploration and photography.

5th stop: Bokty Mountain

Next, head to Bokty Mountain — an isolated, fortress-like formation that rises dramatically from the steppe. It’s one of the most spectacular spots in Mangystau, perfect for capturing stunning aerial shots with a drone.

Final destination: Return to Aktau

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch (No Dinner)

Accommodation: None (End of Trip)