Bozjyra tract: how to get there, best time to visit & what to bring
Bozjyra – Martian landscapes of Kazakhstan: travel tips
43.43° N, 54.05° E
Mangystau region, Kazakhstan
Mangystau region, Kazakhstan
Age:
Formed millions of years ago at the bottom of an ancient ocean
Formed millions of years ago at the bottom of an ancient ocean
Fact:
One of the best places for stargazing in Kazakhstan
One of the best places for stargazing in Kazakhstan
Content
“
Mangystau is a land of adventure, and Bozjyra is its gem. There are no roads here, only vast open spaces, wild nature, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Kazakhstan. Preparing for a trip? This article gathers essential tips, routes, and recommendations to help make your journey comfortable and safe.
What is Bozjyra and why is it unique?
Bozjyra Tract is one of the most impressive natural landmarks of Kazakhstan. It is part of the Ustyurt Plateau, located in the Mangystau region. The area attracts tourists with its dazzling white chalk cliffs, creating an almost extraterrestrial landscape. The most recognizable feature of Bozjyra is the "Bozjyra Fangs"—two towering rock formations that resemble giant fangs.
When and how was Bozjyra formed?
Millions of years ago, this region was at the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Over time, the water receded, leaving behind thick chalk deposits that were later shaped by erosion. Today, visitors can see deep canyons, fantastically shaped hills, and bizarre rock formations.
Bozjyra is a place where you can witness a breathtaking sunset over the steppe, embrace the silence of nature, and capture stunning photographs. Expedition tours and photo trips are especially popular, as the tract is considered one of the best locations in Kazakhstan for landscape photography.
How to get to Bozjyra
Bozjyra is located 300 km from Aktau and 70 km from the village of Shetpe. The road to the tract passes through the steppe and requires a high-clearance, off-road vehicle.
Route
Distance
Travel Time
Features
Aktau – Bozjyra
~300 km
5–6 hours
Asphalt road to Zhangaözen, then dirt road
Shetpe – Bozjyra
~70 км
2–3 hours
The last 50 km are off-road, requiring a 4WD vehicle
Zhanaozen – Bozjyra
~240 км
5 hours
Medium-difficulty road, last kilometers through steppe terrain
The most convenient way to reach Bozjyra is by off-road tour from Aktau. Experienced drivers will help navigate the challenging sections of the route.
Transport Options
🚙 Personal off-road vehicle – Requires knowledge of the route and a sufficient fuel supply.
🚖 Rental off-road vehicle with a driver – The best option for a comfortable journey.
🛻 Tour expedition – Organized trips from Aktau with a guide.
🥾 Hiking expedition – Suitable only for experienced travelers with the necessary gear.
Since the route has no signposts, it is recommended to download offline maps and GPS tracks in advance to avoid getting lost.
🚖 Rental off-road vehicle with a driver – The best option for a comfortable journey.
🛻 Tour expedition – Organized trips from Aktau with a guide.
🥾 Hiking expedition – Suitable only for experienced travelers with the necessary gear.
Since the route has no signposts, it is recommended to download offline maps and GPS tracks in advance to avoid getting lost.
Best time to visit Bozjyra
The climate in the Mangystau region is sharply continental, with significant temperature fluctuations, making the choice of travel time crucial.
Best Seasons
Spring (March–May) – Comfortable temperatures of +15 to +25°C, blooming steppe, and fresh air.
🍂 Autumn (September–November) – Mild climate, stable weather, and no extreme heat.
🍂 Autumn (September–November) – Mild climate, stable weather, and no extreme heat.
Not Recommended
☀️ Summer (June–August) – Daytime temperatures can reach +45°C, and the lack of shade makes staying outdoors uncomfortable.
❄️ Winter (December–February) – Temperatures can drop below -10°C, and strong winds make travel conditions difficult.
❄️ Winter (December–February) – Temperatures can drop below -10°C, and strong winds make travel conditions difficult.
The best months to visit are April–May and September–October, when conditions are ideal for both exploration and photography.
What makes Bozjyra tract special
Bozjyra stuns visitors with its surreal landscapes, resembling the set of a science-fiction film. The terrain is composed of dazzling white chalk cliffs, narrow canyons, and plateau-like elevations that create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Geology and Origins
Millions of years ago, this area was at the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean. As the waters receded, they left behind thick chalk deposits that, over time, were sculpted by wind and rain into breathtaking formations.
Key geological features of Bozjyra include:
Key geological features of Bozjyra include:
- The Bozjyra Fangs – Two towering rock formations, about 200 meters high, that have become the region’s iconic landmark.
- Deep canyons and gorges – Natural erosion has carved out labyrinth-like passageways.
- Panoramic plateaus – Offering spectacular views over the endless steppe.
- Fossilized remains – Some rock layers contain ancient marine fossils, including mollusks, corals, and even prehistoric fish, confirming Bozjyra’s oceanic past.
Why Bozjyra is a Photographer’s Paradise
Photo tours to Bozjyra are highly sought after due to the unique interplay of light and shadow. Throughout the day, the landscape shifts through a spectrum of colors:
🌅 Sunrise – Soft pink and lilac hues.
🌞 Daytime – Sharp contrasts of white and yellow rock surfaces.
🌆 Sunset – Rich golden-red tones.
🌠 Night – One of Kazakhstan’s best locations for astrophotography, free from light pollution.
Bozjyra’s resemblance to Martian landscapes and its remote, untouched wilderness create a feeling of complete isolation from civilization, making it a dream destination for photographers and adventurers alike.
🌅 Sunrise – Soft pink and lilac hues.
🌞 Daytime – Sharp contrasts of white and yellow rock surfaces.
🌆 Sunset – Rich golden-red tones.
🌠 Night – One of Kazakhstan’s best locations for astrophotography, free from light pollution.
Bozjyra’s resemblance to Martian landscapes and its remote, untouched wilderness create a feeling of complete isolation from civilization, making it a dream destination for photographers and adventurers alike.
Flora and fauna of Bozjyra
Although the tract may seem lifeless, it is home to various species of animals and plants adapted to its harsh conditions.
Animals of Bozjyra
Wildlife here is elusive, making sightings a rare and special experience.
-
Saiga – Steppe Nomads
These steppe antelopes sometimes pass through the area during migration. Their unique nose-filter helps cool the air in the heat and warm it in winter. -
Corsac – Steppe Fox
Corsacs can survive long periods without water, extracting moisture from food. In winter, they dig burrows or take over marmot dens. -
Goitered Gazelle – Desert Gazelle
These gazelles memorize water sources along their migration routes, which helps them survive in arid regions. -
Gurza – Steppe Hunting Snake
One of the most venomous snakes in Kazakhstan. However, it rarely attacks humans, preferring to avoid encounters.
Flora of Bozjyra
The plant life in Bozjyra is modest yet remarkable. Only species that can withstand drought, salty soils, and extreme temperature fluctuations can survive in this harsh environment.
-
Salsola (Salsola)
A shrub with narrow leaves that can accumulate salt in its tissues, allowing it to grow where other plants cannot survive. -
Wormwood (Artemisia)
Its essential oils protect the plant from insects and moisture loss. In Bozjyra, wormwood grows in small bushes, covering slopes and steppe areas. -
Feather Grass (Stipa)
This grass has long, sharp leaves that protect it from drying out. During its flowering period, feather grass creates a "sea of grass" effect, making Bozjyra’s landscape even more picturesque. -
Saxaul (Haloxylon)
It can extract water from deep soil layers, and its soft wood does not burn but only smolders. Saxaul roots stabilize sandy soils, preventing erosion, while its green branches serve as food for animals.
Popular routes and tours
Bozjyra attracts tourists not only with its otherworldly landscapes but also with the opportunity to embark on an exciting off-road adventure. Group tours, photo tours, and expeditions are popular, allowing visitors to reach the most scenic spots of the tract.
Coordinates: 43.4719° N, 54.0575° E
Classic Route to the "Bozjyra Fangs"
This route leads to the most recognizable chalk cliffs of the tract, which have become its symbol. It is suitable for both off-road tours and hiking trips. The best time to visit is at sunrise and sunset, when the sunlight highlights the rock contours and creates a mesmerizing landscape.
Coordinates: 43.4771° N, 54.0698° E
Route to the Panoramic Viewpoint
A high-altitude observation platform offers the best panoramic view of the tract. This route is only accessible by off-road vehicle, as the road is rough and passes through rocky terrain. The viewpoint provides an ideal angle for photography, especially during the golden hour.
Coordinates: 43.4625° N, 54.0503° E
Hike Along the Ancient Ocean Floor
This hiking route passes through chalk deposits that have remained since the time when Bozjyra was at the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Here, you can find fossilized remains of marine organisms from a distant geological era. This is an ideal route for geology enthusiasts and active travelers.
The most captivating attractions are the Bozjyra Fangs, panoramic viewpoints, and walks through the chalk deposits of the ancient Tethys Ocean, where fossils can still be found. The best time to visit is sunrise and sunset, when the light enhances the terrain’s contours and creates breathtaking color transitions.
At night, Bozjyra transforms into one of the best locations for astrophotography, as there is almost no light pollution in the area.
At night, Bozjyra transforms into one of the best locations for astrophotography, as there is almost no light pollution in the area.
Where to stay: accommodation options
Since Bozjyra is a wild natural area, there are no hotels or tourist infrastructure here. Accommodation options depend on the type of trip you choose.
Criteria
Camping
Hotels in Aktau
Hotels in Shetpe
Proximity to Bozjyra
✅ Located in the tract
❌ ~300 km from the tract (~5 hours of travel)
❌ 70 km from the tract (1.5–2 hours of travel)
Comfort & amenities
❌ No water, toilets, electricity
✅ Full comfort, developed infrastructure
✅ Hot water, meals
Accommodation cost
✅ Free (only requires gear)
❌ Expensive, especially high-end hotels
✅ Affordable budget options
Nature experience
✅ Full immersion in the wild
❌ Urban environment, no natural atmosphere
❌ Located in a populated area
Photography (sunrise & sunset)
✅ Best conditions – right on site
❌ Sunrise & sunset are completely inaccessible
❌ Need to leave 1.5–2 hours before sunrise
Accessibility for all tourists
❌ Requires preparation & equipment
✅ Maximum comfort for all travelers
✅ Suitable for most tourists
Additional opportunities
✅ Astrophotography, solitude
✅ Option to combine with a Caspian Sea vacation
❌ Limited choices, minimal amenities
Your choice of accommodation depends on your preferences and travel goals. If you want to fully immerse yourself in nature, witness the sunrise among the chalk cliffs, and try astrophotography, camping is the best option. However, it requires self-preparation and giving up modern comforts.
Hotels in Shetpe are suitable for those who prefer basic comfort and are willing to spend 1.5–2 hours traveling to the tract. If Bozjyra is just one part of your journey through Kazakhstan, hotels in Aktau offer the highest level of comfort. However, a trip from there will take an entire day, without the opportunity to see the tract during its most beautiful hours.
Choose your accommodation format based on your expectations, experience, and readiness for the steppe conditions!
Hotels in Shetpe are suitable for those who prefer basic comfort and are willing to spend 1.5–2 hours traveling to the tract. If Bozjyra is just one part of your journey through Kazakhstan, hotels in Aktau offer the highest level of comfort. However, a trip from there will take an entire day, without the opportunity to see the tract during its most beautiful hours.
Choose your accommodation format based on your expectations, experience, and readiness for the steppe conditions!
Rules of conduct and ecology
Bozjyra is a fragile natural area, so it is important to follow visitation rules.
Strictly prohibited:
❌ Leaving trash – all waste must be taken with you.
❌ Making campfires – this can harm the ecosystem.
❌ Driving on rock formations – it damages the soil and fragile rocks.
❌ Damaging rocks, carving inscriptions – any interference with the natural landscape is unacceptable.
❌ Getting too close to cliff edges – it is unsafe.
❌ Leaving trash – all waste must be taken with you.
❌ Making campfires – this can harm the ecosystem.
❌ Driving on rock formations – it damages the soil and fragile rocks.
❌ Damaging rocks, carving inscriptions – any interference with the natural landscape is unacceptable.
❌ Getting too close to cliff edges – it is unsafe.
How to preserve Bozjyra’s nature:
✅ Use only existing routes and designated parking areas.
✅ Take all waste with you, including biodegradable trash.
✅ Treat animals with respect, do not scare or feed them.
✅ Be careful with chalk formations – they are fragile and easily damaged.
✅ Use only existing routes and designated parking areas.
✅ Take all waste with you, including biodegradable trash.
✅ Treat animals with respect, do not scare or feed them.
✅ Be careful with chalk formations – they are fragile and easily damaged.
Environmentalists and local activists advocate for limiting mass tourism in Bozjyra, as off-road vehicles cause significant damage to the natural environment. A responsible approach to visiting will help preserve this place in its pristine state.
Additional tips for travelers
A trip to the Bozjyra tract requires careful preparation, as it is a remote and wild natural area with no infrastructure. To ensure a comfortable and safe journey, it is essential to consider a few important factors:
Tip
Explanation
Choose the right transport
You can only reach Bozjyra by off-road vehicle. A regular car cannot handle the steppe roads.
Plan your route in advance
There is no navigation or signposts in the tract, so it’s best to download offline maps and bring a GPS device.
Bring a supply of water and food
There are no stores or cafes in Bozjyra, so you must bring your own drinking water and food.
Dress according to the weather
Summer temperatures reach +45°C, while winter can bring strong winds and freezing conditions.
Be prepared for no mobile signal
There is no internet or mobile reception in the area, so inform your family in advance about your trip.
Respect the environment
Bozjyra is a fragile natural zone. Do not litter, do not drive onto rock formations, and avoid making campfires.
Prepare a first aid kit
The nearest settlement is 70 km away, and medical assistance is unavailable. Bring all essential medications.
Avoid getting too close to cliffs
Strong winds and fragile chalk rocks make cliff edges dangerous for walking. Stay cautious.
Best viewpoints in Bozjyra
Before you are photographs that capture the magic of Bozjyra – the rugged beauty of its cliffs, endless horizons, and the unforgettable play of light at sunrise and sunset.
Mangystau is a land of otherworldly landscapes, where the chalk cliffs of Bozjyra, canyons, plateaus, and unique flora and fauna create an almost extraterrestrial scenery. Here, you can discover ancient mosques, majestic cliffs, vast steppes, and one of the most stunning starry skies in Kazakhstan. This journey requires preparation, but with us, it will be comfortable, safe, and truly unforgettable.
We are Photosafari Travel, a professional tour operator specializing in Mangystau, offering four types of tours in the region:
We are Photosafari Travel, a professional tour operator specializing in Mangystau, offering four types of tours in the region:
Choose your tour now and explore the most picturesque and mysterious corners of Kazakhstan! Submit your request, and we will help you plan your perfect adventure.
Test Yourself
Are you ready for a journey to Bozzhyra?
Answer 7 questions to find out how well prepared you are for a trip to this wild and breathtaking destination.
Did you like the article?
Articles and interesting facts
For Clients
Tours
© 2014–2025 "Photosafari-travel" All rights reserved
Copying website materials is allowed only with an active link to photosafari-travel.kz.
By using this website, you agree to the Terms of Use and the use of cookies.
By using this website, you agree to the Terms of Use and the use of cookies.