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Southwest Kazakhstan, called Mangystau, is a land of vast, wind-whipped deserts and stunning limestone mountains that form the bottom of deep depression basins. The area boasts an unparalleled variety of desert landscapes and geological wonders, making it a hidden surprise of a truly extraterrestrial character, in a remote Kazakh corner.At first glance, it may appear as a remote desert wilderness, but take a closer look and you’ll see something more profound: a vast, natural geometry curved by time, offering a journey not just across space, but deep into Earth’s prehistoric past.
Here, the nature played an inspired architect and created colorful canyons, peaks and towers, which are translated today into rainbow castles, yurt mountains or tiramisu valleys. The northern part of the peninsula is covered by fields of limestone concretions and fossils of ancient sea creatures. These fossils provide evidence of the region's connection to the prehistoric sea, housing remnants of fish, sponges, corals, and even whales. You are standing at the shores of Sarmatian Sea, remnants of the prehistoric Tethys Ocean, and the Paratethys, that 250 to 50 million years ago covered the Caspian and Black Seas, to the Aral Lake.
Mangystau is also known for its sacred places, making it famous in the region. What sets the local mosques apart is that they don't resemble typical Muslim temples with domed roofs and minarets. Instead, their facades are predominantly shaped by nature, showing little evidence of human interference.
Today, standing on the ancient seabed under a wide Kazakh sky, it’s hard not to feel both humbled and awed. Where forms has been sculpted into infinity, there is no need for sound. Desert speaks directly to your soul, through its vast and timeless geometry.
See the clip here
Let’s go!
DAY 0 // Friday
Departure from Dubai and connecting flight to Aktau via Baku.
Day 1 // Saturday
Arrival, immigration procedure and rest in the hotel. We will kick start our 4WD expedition into wilderness with Kapamsay Canyon - chalk oasis of white cliffs standing against the azure sky. In fact it’s a bottom of a dry riverbed, an amazing hideout with rare but resilient plants.
Further on we continue to Shakpaktysai Canyon where will visit first the underground mosque Shakpak-Ata.
On our list of curiosities of the day, next one is Valley of Balls in Torysh.
We continue to Sherkala rock, which was once a fortress of the eldest son of Genghis Khan, Jochi and then to Valley of Castles for some panoramic sunset views, before we set our camp in the middle of nowhere.
DAY 2 // Sunday
Today we are set to explore Sor Tuzbair, salt flats desert with chalky hills and limestone cliffs. After rain the salt flats transform into a reflective surface mirroring the sky and the nearby dazzling white cliffs. This sight will stun even those who are not easily impressed. Here you ll learn the names of belemnite and ammonite, while if you re lucky you may come across fossilized prehistoric shark teeth.
DAY 3 // Monday
We continue of expedition towards Bozzhira, but first we pass by Beket-Ata underground mosque, a pilgrimage site, known for its miraculous sin forgiveness. As we approach Bozzhira, you will quickly feel its otherworldly atmosphere. Chalky white cliffs and unique rock formations stand here over millions of years against erosion. Its sheer vastness and rugged landscapes give the impressions of a natural white castles.
DAY 4 // Tuesday
On the last day of our expedition, its time for well-deserved dessert in the desert! First Tiramisu layers start appearing at Mt. Bokhty, which in fact in Kazak means “a pie”. Further on, Kyzylkup will not leave any doubts to Italian desert lovers! Gentle layers continue their horizontal alignment as far as your eye can reach.
A last stop at Karagiye depression (-132 MUSL) which is one of the deepest places in the world. Its time for farewell dinner and short rest before we head to airport for a night flight back home (on DAY 5 / Wednesday).
Level: Easy with limited facilities.
Activities: off-roading, striking sightseeing, trekking, desert camping 2 nights.
Accommodation & meals: Hotel (dbl sharing) and desert camping. Local meals included, except meals on transfers (in Aktau and Baku).
Cost: AED 6900 all incl. flights via Baku until SEP 01.
Specifically excluded: Visas, meals during transfers (in Aktau and Baku).
Visas: cost not included in trip budget:
At the time of writing 60 nationalities are visa free: EU, GCC, UK, USA, AUS Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Singapore, Turkey, Ukraine.
Visa support available through third party.
It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.
See yah at Mangystau x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 // Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International Airport, Address,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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