Kazakhstan: a journey to Mangystau, another planet

First day

travel from Italy by international flight. What awaits us is an outdoor vacation of pure adventure, a trip designed for those who want to experience nature in its most authentic form, letting themselves be guided by the slow pace of the steppe and the immensity of the landscapes of Mangystau, one of the most fascinating regions of Kazakhstan. Arrival in Aktau the following morning, the gateway to a remote, spectacular and still little-known territory, ideal for those seeking a trekking experience, itinerant camping, off-road exploration and landscapes that seem to belong to another planet.

Second day

Among faults, fossils, and canyons on the Caspian Sea
Arrival in Aktau, meeting with the local team and departure by off-road vehicle to the Tupkaragan Peninsula overlooking the eastern shores of the Caspian Sea. Stop for a shared breakfast, then first excursion to the Zhygylgan Fault, known as "the Fallen Earth": an impressive geological fracture that will enchant you. Here we will look for fossilized footprints of ancient animals among layers of rock exposed by time, evidence of remote eras. We continue towards rock mosques and necropolises carved into the rock, among the most evocative places of worship in the Mangystau region. In the afternoon, we will reach the Kapamsay Canyon, where we will set up our first tent camp, surrounded only by wonder and silence.

Third day

Stone spheres and rock castles
We leave our camp, walking between walls sculpted by time. The scenery opens up onto the incredible Torysh Valley: an almost extraterrestrial place where hundreds of huge stone spheres dot the landscape. These "stone balls," a geological rarity of Mangystau, tell the ancient story of a vanished sea, transforming the valley into an art gallery. In the afternoon, we reach Kokkala and then continue towards the sacred mountain Sherkala, the symbol of Mangystau. We end the day with a walk in the Jylshy chalk canyon. We are now ready to set up our tent camp among the imposing formations of the Ayrakty–Shomanay mountains, also known as the Valley of Castles for its pinnacles and rock towers reminiscent of ancient fortresses.

Fourth day

From the endless steppe to the salt lake
After breakfast, we climb the ridges of the Ayrakty–Shomanay, a panoramic terrace from which the steppe appears endless. The journey continues towards Tuzbair, the immaculate salt lake. Along the way, we stop for lunch in a small village, an authentic opportunity to encounter the daily life of Mangystau and, last but not least, take our first well-deserved shower of the holiday. In the afternoon, we reach the cliff overlooking the Tuzbair salt lake: from here it looks like a mirage, a liquid expanse of white and silver. We set up camp right on the shores of the lake, where the sunset is reflected in the water, creating one of the most iconic views of the entire trip.

Fifth day

Towards the stone cathedrals of Bozzhyra
In the morning, we explore Lake Tuzbair, walking along its shores. Then we begin a long transfer to theUstyurt Plateau. On the way, we visit the Beket-Ata shrine, one of the most important spiritual places in Mangystau: a rock mosque set in a deep gorge. We continue towards one of the most eagerly awaited destinations of our outdoor adventure in Mangystau: the Bozzhyra Canyon. From the edge of the cliff, the view is breathtaking: towers, pinnacles, and white walls rising up in the desert like natural cathedrals. We descend into the heart of the canyon to set up camp: here we will spend two nights, immersed in one of the most spectacular settings in western Kazakhstan.

Sixth day

Inside the kingdom of Bozzhyra
This day is dedicated entirely to exploring the Bozzhyra Canyon, one of the most spectacular and iconic landscapes of theUstyurt Plateau. We will walk among white spires, enormous natural amphitheaters, and passages that seem to come from a primordial world, with evocative names such as the famous Dragon's Crests. The view changes from every angle: distant dunes, white cliffs, and crags shaped by time. It is a place where it is impossible not to stop and listen to the silence. At sunset, the walls are tinged with pink, orange, and gold: a natural spectacle that remains etched in your eyes and memory.

Seventh day

The Tiramisu Mountains at sunset
We say goodbye Bozzhyra with one last walk through its surreal scenery, then we head towards another iconic landscape of Mangystau: the Kyzylkup Hills, known as the Tiramisu Mountains. Overlapping layers of clay and chalk create lines of color ranging from white to red, beige to brown, creating a chromatic effect reminiscent of the famous dessert. Not far away stands Mount Bokty, a pyramid-shaped mountain considered one of the geological wonders of Mangystau. In the afternoon, we will walk among the rounded shapes of the Tiramisu Mountains, perfect for those who love photography trips and geological trekking. Our last camp will be here.

Eighth day

From the dunes to the Caspian Sea
After our last walk among the gentle curves of the Tiramisu Mountains, we head towards the Tuyesu barcane dunes, waves of golden sand shaped by the wind that mark the border between the steppe and the desert. We have lunch in a local village, enjoying simple traditional Kazakh dishes and in the afternoon we return to Aktau, overlooking the Caspian Sea. A refreshing shower (finally!), a little rest and a traditional Kazakh dinner close the circle of this adventure trip through canyons, deserts, and unimaginable mountains. It is our last embrace with Mangystau, which has enveloped us with sand, wind, light, silence, and wonder.

Ninth day

Your suitcase may be light, but your heart will be full: desert dust, vast skies, white canyons, intense trekking, and indelible memories of Kazakhstan . We take a taxi from Aktau airport for our return flight to Italy.