Ustyurt Reserve Expedition – 3 Days

Tour 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 between March and October, including Bokty Mount and the colorful Tiramisu Canyon of Kyzylkup — a true adventure into the wild heart of Mangystau..

Highlights:

Included:

Itinerary

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

2nd stop: Mars Panorama

3rd stop: Bozjyra Crest

4th stop: Tiramisu Canyon

5th stop: Bokty Mountain

Final destination: Return to Aktau

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch (No Dinner)

Accommodation: None (End of Trip)