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Horseback Tour to the Altai Mountains at the Foot of Belukha

Expedition to Mangystau

Motorbike Tour to Ladakh, Little Tibet

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Planet Mangystau

Spend a few days exploring the most mind-blowing locations and otherworldly landscapes of Western Kazakhstan: intricate canyons, chalk mountains with ancient mollusk fossils, salt flats, searching for megalodon teeth, hiking to the Bozzhyra cliffs, underground mosques, and mysterious secret spots!

Joining us will be a professional guide fluent in Russian and English, who will not only lead you through an exciting itinerary but also immerse you fully in the spirit of adventure and discovery. Expect plenty of fun moments along the way. In the evenings by the campfire, we’ll share stories, exchange impressions, and sing songs with a guitar. This journey will stay in your memory for a lifetime!

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Walk through Kapamsay Canyon

Kapamsay Canyon offers stunning views of vertical walls and fascinating geological formations. Here, you can find rare species of local flora and fauna that thrive only in this unique ecosystem. Moreover, the canyon is steeped in mysterious legends about ancient settlements that once existed on its rugged cliffs.

Spherical Concretions of Torysh

These round stone structures often contain remnants of ancient mollusks and captivate visitors with their unique shapes, merging nature's beauty with Earth's history.

Formed by geological processes, these unusual spherical formations feature intricate textures and patterns. Inside the concretions, scientists often discover fossils of ancient marine life. They provide a glimpse into the planet's history, revealing secrets of vanished ecosystems and life forms from millions of years ago.

Tuzbair is a vast salt flat whose name translates as "salt marsh." Rising above the white expanse of the salt plain are chalk cliffs that reach up to 60 meters high, remnants of the ancient Tethys Ocean.
Wind, water, and time have sculpted bizarre shapes in Tuzbair's cliffs, creating awe-inspiring natural art. Among the most famous features is a massive arch you can walk through. At the base of the cliffs, you can find fossils of marine creatures from Tethys, such as prehistoric shark teeth and skeletons of sea urchins.

The unique nature of the Tuzbair salt marshes

Tour Program

Castle Valley of Ayrakty – rock formations resembling castle towers amidst Mangystau’s desert landscape. Majestic natural formations.

Valley of Castles in Airakty Tract

The Valley of Castles is a true natural treasure where the earth meets the sky! This extraordinary location is filled with majestic rock formations resembling castle towers. It's a perfect spot for photographers, romantics, and adventurers alike.

Picture mysterious rock spires reaching toward the heavens, resembling grand castle towers. Each formation holds the secrets of ancient civilizations and stories waiting to be unraveled. This enchanting place showcases nature's artistry, where every stone formation seems sculpted by magic.

Mangystau: 5 Days Exploring Stunning and Otherworldly Places

Next Tour

April–May 2025

Check Pricing

5 days

4 nights

8 to 64 years

Up to 14 people

Difficulty Level: Easy

Transfers between locations

Official Tour Operator

Access to the internet

Hot showers

Meals prepared by a chef

Portable bio-toilets

Tents equipped with camp beds

Charging Stations

Tour Organization

Tourist Comfort

Mangystau

Tour Expedition to Mangystau

Everything here is truly unique: cosmic landscapes, paleontological discoveries, the largest lake on the planet, and over 300 Sufi shrines.

The name of Cape Zhygyldykyn translates from Kazakh as "Fallen Land." This area is the result of tectonic movements and erosion that occurred over millions of years, creating a remarkable landscape. Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, with the vast Caspian Sea below and an extraordinary sight before you: a massive piece of earth seemingly torn from the heavens and fallen to the shore. This is not a fantasy—it's a breathtaking reality.

Landscapes of the Zhygyldykyn Viewing Platform

The Bozzhyra Fangs are impressive rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion. Their unusual shapes and majestic silhouettes create a fairytale-like atmosphere, making this place perfect for photography. We’ve covered this stunning location in detail in our article Bozzhyra Tract: How to Get There, When to Go, and What to Bring. These unique landscapes will leave you with unforgettable impressions and plenty of vivid photos to remember.

Necropolis and Underground Cave Mosque of Shakpak-Ata

Carved into the rock, the underground cave mosque amazes visitors with its beauty and mystery. It exudes a unique atmosphere that words can scarcely describe. The acoustics of the underground space enhance the sound of prayers, creating an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Bozzhyra Fangs and Ornate Kyzylkup "Tiramisu"

The Tiramisu Canyons are a striking example of how water and wind can create wonders. These intricate rock formations feature whimsical reliefs and countless patterns, forming a magical landscape.

Mangystau Expedition Tour with photosafari-travel

Day One

Meet the group at the airport or your hotel in Aktau.

The first part of the itinerary includes a visit to the Zhygylygan viewpoint, lunch in Kapamsay Canyon with stunning views of the cliffs, a tour of the 13th-century Shakpak-Ata Mosque, and the mysterious field of spherical concretions in Torysh, formed millions of years ago.

Return to the prepared camp, where a delicious dinner by our chef and a refreshing hot shower await you.

Day Two

Rise early to catch the sunrise at the Ayrakty valley and explore the area.

We will visit the Tuzbair observation deck, offering a stunning panoramic view of one of Mangystau’s most breathtaking photo spots. Then, we will head to the local Sphinx, where traces of a prehistoric sea and fossilized teeth of ancient sharks that once inhabited this land can be found among the rocks. After a lunch break with lunchboxes, we will descend into the Tuzbair salt flat for unforgettable photos.

Dinner and an evening by the campfire in the canyon, sharing impressions of the day.

Day Three

Enjoy breakfast at the camp and begin an active day exploring the Tuzbair canyons.

Have lunch at the camp, then journey to the distant canyon and its impressive natural arch.

Capture the sunset over the salt flats—an ideal time for photos. Dinner and evening by the campfire.

Day Four

Early rise to meet the sunrise at Tuzbair. After breakfast, pack up and head out on a desert journey.

Visit the Kyzylkup canyons, known for their unique layered rock formations that resemble the dessert tiramisu. Stop for lunch with lunch boxes in the picturesque Bozzhyra valley.

Return to the prepared camp for a delicious dinner by the chef and a well-deserved hot shower.

Day Five

Breakfast and preparation for the final trek. Climb to a scenic viewpoint.

Spend time at the summit, relax, and enjoy the incredible views before descending back to camp for lunch.

Return to Aktau, marking the end of our adventurous journey.

We’ve fine-tuned our services to surprise you and make every minute of the trip enjoyable. You’ll have access to hot showers, comfortable modern tents with cots, portable toilets, a cozy dining tent, wine bags, camp chairs, charging stations for your devices, and much more.

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5 days

4 nights

8 to 64 years

Difficulty Level: Easy

Transfers between locations

Up to 14 people

Official Tour Operator

Access to the internet

Hot showers

Portable bio-toilets

Charging Stations

Meals prepared by a chef

Tents equipped with camp beds

Tour Organization

Tourist Comfort

Daily Program

For five days, we’ll immerse ourselves in the wilderness, but don’t worry—even if you’ve never experienced life in the field before, this journey won’t feel overwhelming. That’s because we’ll take care of your comfort. A well-fed, well-rested traveler sees the world in brighter colors, feels more energized, and collects more positive emotions throughout the journey.

Upcoming Tours

Choose a suitable tour and submit your application to book a spot in the group.

Accommodation and Tour Cost

Tour Conditions

Four nights in modern tents

We’ve ensured a comfortable sleeping experience with modern tents equipped with camp beds. Accommodation is for two people per tent, or optionally single-occupancy.

Tour Inclusions

Transfer from Aktau City Across the Entire Route and Back.
Three hearty and delicious meals daily, prepared by our chef.
Unlimited drinking water.
A shower with hot water (not cold!).
Bio-toilet, a dining tent, wine bags, and comfortable camping chairs.
A professional guide fluent in Russian and English.
Our signature photography program — experience Mangystau's locations at the best times of day. We capture sunrises and sunsets to preserve the magic in stunning photos.
Electricity in the base camp for charging your devices.
Free high-speed satellite internet.

Not Included in the Tour Cost

Flights or other transportation to Aktau.
Accommodation in Aktau.
Insurance (optional, to be arranged independently).
Personal expenses during the journey or at specific sites.

Important Information

In Mangystau's Desert Areas:

There are no large stores or well-equipped pharmacies, only small village shops.
There is no stable internet or mobile network, but our camp will have Starlink internet access.
We provide unlimited drinking water.

If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have any food intolerances, please let us know in advance.

Make sure to review the list of essential items you need to bring for this journey.

Packing List

When traveling, it’s essential to feel good. A restful sleep, delicious meals, and time to relax make the world around you brighter and improve your mood. We strive to provide our guests with maximum comfort and care. Our service has been refined to surprise you and make every moment of your trip enjoyable.

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Action Tour

Mangystau: 5 Days of Stunning and Otherworldly Landscapes

April 2025

Exact tour dates to be announced

Reserve Your Spot

Action Tour

Mangystau: 5 Days of Stunning and Otherworldly Landscapes

May 2025

Exact tour dates to be announced

Reserve Your Spot

Action Tour

Mangystau: 5 Days of Stunning and Otherworldly Landscapes

September 2025

Exact tour dates to be announced

Reserve Your Spot

Action Tour

Mangystau: 5 Days of Stunning and Otherworldly Landscapes

October 2025

Exact tour dates to be announced

Tour Team
Photosafari-travel

We, the Photosafari team, are a family of road enthusiasts and true adventurers, exploring uncharted paths and discovering new horizons. Each of our journeys is imbued with the spirit of adventure and the atmosphere of expeditions.

Over 16 years of travel across Unexplored Kazakhstan and remote corners of the world, we have captured tons of unique material, including videos that have brought Kazakhstan’s beauty to the global stage.

Ekaterina Koshko

Co-founder of Photosafari.kz

Konstantin Kikvidze

Co-founder of Photosafari.kz

Konstantin Ludanov

Guide, Administrator, Driver

Tour Cost

Price

Price per Person

$ 1 500

Mangystau: 5 Days of Stunning and Otherworldly Landscapes

Why Choose Us

Comfort and Emotions

Say goodbye to boring and rigid tours — only we offer custom photo-adventures with well-thought-out routes, maximum comfort, and care for your emotions.

Taking Care of Everything

We handle transfers, meals, accommodation, drinking water, showers, internet, and much more to ensure every participant feels comfortable and cared for.

Safety and Health

We prioritize the safety and health of our guests at every stage of the journey, including excursions and accommodations.

Unique Tour Programs

Unmatched programs that other companies won’t offer. As true adventurers, we are eager to share our experiences and emotions with our guests.

Payment and Guarantees

Choose a convenient way to pay for the tour. In case of unforeseen circumstances, we guarantee a full refund.

Complete Immersion

Experience the real Mangystau: Feel like a nomad, touch ancient history, and witness sights hidden from ordinary tourists.

Customer Reviews

Booking and Payment Process

The tour price is indicated in US dollars. Payment is made at the exchange rate on the day of payment. To reserve a spot on the tour, submit a request and make a 50% prepayment.

Booking

Once you confirm your participation, we issue an invoice for the prepayment and sign a contract. We value our reputation and always fulfill our commitments.

Contract

If the tour is canceled on our end (e.g., due to insufficient participants, force majeure, or natural disasters), we guarantee a full refund of the tour cost.

Guarantees

Choose Your Tour

Gulnara

Thank You for an Incredible Adventure! This was truly a vacation. At first, we thought we’d be exhausted and would need a break after the expedition. But today, I realized that not only am I not tired, but I feel recharged and full of energy. We can’t stay indoors today — we need to be outside exploring! 😅 So, under the rain, we ended up being the only two people riding attractions at the park near the hotel until they shut them down.

Valentina

This was my first time camping in tents, cooking outdoors, and spending five days without any connection to the outside world. Were my expectations met? No! The reality far exceeded them. All the fears I had (bugs, discomfort) are gone forever. Thanks to you, I now know that camping can be this amazing: cozy, warm, and safe tents, snug sleeping bags, and... oh, the food! No stomach issues whatsoever with such delicious, almost home-style meals. A warm shower in the wilderness and even a proper restroom — what a treat! Honestly, thank you so much for such thoughtfulness. These little things are so important and mean so much.

Togzhan

As for the itinerary, I loved absolutely everything. Everyone has their favorite highlights, but for me, the ranking goes from the most awe-inspiring to slightly less so: Tuzbair, Torish, Bozzhyra (the “Fangs” and the “Dragon”), and the endless horizons — ahhhh, pure bliss! The beach with almost Seychellois-like rocks, Tiramisu, then the Sphinx and the mosques. We didn’t get to see the Lace-like formation, but I think it would have impressed me just as much as Tuzbair. The whole expedition was fantastic, simply amazing.
Kostya and Katya, you’re such visionaries and dreamers! Without your imagination, this tour would never have come to life. ✨🪄✨ Your idea is brilliant, and its execution was perfect. 🙏

Nuradil

We loved every moment of this trip! Thank you for showing us the stunning beauty of Kazakhstan. Now, such a vacation is a must-have for us. And... we’re already dreaming about Argentina next! 😊
Thank you to the entire team for your professionalism! Rahmet!

Sarah

Hi Konstantin, I am good, arrived safely in Munich, how about you? I miss the girls, you and the rest. I got used to my temorary family😉 Met this interesting woman from Nigeria and Turkey in the plane and had a good chat. It was such an amazing trip, I am so grateful being able to see amazing Mangystau!

Corporate Tours to Mangystau

How to Get to Mangystau

Our journey begins in the city of Aktau. Please note that tickets for flights or trains to Aktau are not included in the tour price and must be purchased independently. Our administrators will provide details on suitable dates and times for your travel.

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Photosafari Travel organizes customized tours tailored to all your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are several ways to travel from Moscow to Aktau:

By Plane: A direct flight takes about 3–4 hours. Ticket prices range from 15,000 to 30,000 RUB one way.
By Train: There is no direct rail connection between Moscow and Aktau.
By Bus: No direct bus routes are available between Moscow and Aktau.
By Car: The journey takes about 30–35 hours, covering a distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers.

You can reach Aktau from Astana in the following ways:

By Plane: A direct flight takes about 2–2.5 hours. Tickets start at 25,000–35,000 KZT one way.
By Train: Travel time is about 24–28 hours, with tickets ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 KZT, depending on the class.
By Bus: The trip takes approximately 30–34 hours. Ticket prices vary from 8,000 to 12,000 KZT.
By Car: Driving your own vehicle takes roughly 20–24 hours. The distance between Astana and Aktau is approximately 1,500 kilometers.

Traveling from Almaty to Aktau can be done in several ways:

By Plane: A direct flight takes about 2–2.5 hours. Tickets cost 25,000–30,000 KZT one way.
By Train: The journey takes about 30–36 hours, with tickets ranging from 10,000 to 18,000 KZT, depending on the class.
By Bus: The trip takes around 36–40 hours. Ticket prices range from 8,000 to 12,000 KZT.
By Car: The drive takes approximately 24–27 hours.

To travel from Karaganda to Aktau, you have the following options:

By Plane: A direct flight takes about 2–2.5 hours. Ticket prices start at 25,000–30,000 KZT one way.
By Train: Travel time is about 24–28 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 KZT.
By Bus: The trip takes approximately 30–34 hours. Ticket prices range from 8,000 to 12,000 KZT.
By Car: The journey takes roughly 20–24 hours.

Almaty

Moscow

Aktau

Karaganda

Astana

We will meet you in Aktau to begin our adventure.

The Mangystau tour program spans five unforgettable days of adventure and discovery. You’ll visit unique natural and historical landmarks such as the Zhygylygan viewpoint, Kapamsay canyon, the 13th-century Shakpak-Ata mosque, the mysterious field of spherical concretions at Torysh, and Ayrakty valley. Experience breathtaking sunrises at Tuzbair, explore its canyons and salt flats, search for shark teeth near the "Sphinx," marvel at the layered cliffs of Kyzylkup (resembling tiramisu), and enjoy mesmerizing sunsets against stunning landscapes.
For the full program, click here.

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Personal belongings list

Hygiene and health

Hygiene essentials: lip balm, sunscreen, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper.

Towels, shampoo, soap.

Medications personally needed, such as: analgesics, antiseptics, antibiotics, antivirals, digestive aids, multivitamins, rehydration salts, band-aids.

Equipment and tools

Sunglasses.

Headlamp.

Water bottle or thermos.

Personal utensils: plate, spoon, mug.

Optional: camera or video camera, spare battery, tripod.

to take with you

Mangystau has a sharply continental climate, meaning significant temperature fluctuations are possible. Summers are hot and dry, with frequent strong winds. In the off-season, cold spells and brief rains may occur.

Clothing for camp and overnight stays

Clothing for relaxing at the camp (pants, shirt, shorts, T-shirt).

Warm sweater or hoodie (fleece or wool).

Warm hat (fleece or buff).

Headwear (cap or panama hat).

Transportation and storage

Small backpack for daily use, walks, and in the car (15-40 L).

Large backpack or duffel bag/suitcase for belongings (40-80 L).

Small pouches or garbage bags for packing and protecting items.

Footwear

Lightweight spare shoes for being in the car and moving around the camp.

Trekking shoes or desert boots.

Flip-flops or Crocs (optional).

Clothing for activities

Sets of lightweight clothing: shorts, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts.

Set of warm clothes: fleece, windproof pants, windbreaker.

Thermal underwear (preferably two sets).

Trekking socks, swim trunks/swimsuit.

download list

Before going on a tour, we recommend consulting a doctor, especially if you have chronic illnesses or other health concerns. This will help avoid unpleasant situations and make the trip more comfortable.

+7 777 640 0440

+7 701 720 0440

Contacts

For Clients

Photosafari Team

Tours

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All Tours

Rocket Launch Tour and Trip to Baikonur

Horseback Tour to the Altai Mountains

Expedition to Mangystau

Motorcycle Tour to Ladakh

Freeride Tour in Kashmir

Planet Mangystau

Walk through Kapamsay Canyon

Spherical Concretions of Torysh

The unique nature of the Tuzbair salt marshes

Tour Program

Valley of Castles in Airakty Tract

Tour Organization

Tourist Comfort

Tour Expedition to Mangystau

Everything here is truly unique: cosmic landscapes, paleontological discoveries, the largest lake on the planet, and over 300 Sufi shrines.

Landscapes of the Zhygyldykyn Viewing Platform

Necropolis and Underground Cave Mosque of Shakpak-Ata

Bozzhyra Fangs and Ornate Kyzylkup "Tiramisu"

Mangystau Expedition Tour with photosafari-travel

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Tour Organization

Tourist Comfort

Daily Program

Upcoming Tours

Accommodation and Tour Cost

Tour Conditions

Four nights in modern tents

Tour Inclusions

Not Included in the Tour Cost

Important Information

Tour TeamPhotosafari-travel

Why Choose Us

Comfort and Emotions

Taking Care of Everything

Safety and Health

Unique Tour Programs

Payment and Guarantees

Complete Immersion

Customer Reviews

Booking and Payment Process

Booking

Contract

Guarantees

Corporate Tours to Mangystau

Frequently Asked Questions

Photosafari Tours

Leave a request

Personal belongings list

Hygiene and health

Equipment and tools

Clothing for camp and overnight stays

Transportation and storage

Footwear

Clothing for activities

For Clients

Tours

Tour Team
Photosafari-travel