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| Duration: | 3 Day(s) - 2 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Nature Tours |
Route: West Kazakhstan Region (Kazakhstan)
Season: May – October
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Ustyurt is a vast desert plateau covering more than 200,000 sq. km, located in western Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). It lies between Mangyshlak and Kara-Bogaz-Gol in the west, and the Aral Sea and the Amu Darya delta in the east.
The Ustyurt Plateau has long attracted travelers from around the world due to its breathtaking landscapes that resemble the surface of the moon. Its unique beauty creates the feeling of being transported to another world.
Day 1: Aktau – Kapamsay – Shokpak Ata – Torysh – Kokala – Sherkala – Airakty – Kegez
Breakfast at the hotel and meeting with your guide.
08:00 Departure from Aktau to Kapamsay (120 km drive). The Kapamsay tract is located in the Valley of Spherical Stones. Imagine chalky cliffs, and at the bottom of a canyon lies a green grove with ancient trees. Once, a deep river flowed here, but it has now dried up. Today, this area is known for its vast field of spherical stone formations.
Visit to Shokpak Ata. The underground mosque Shokpak Ata is carved into chalk rock. It is believed that Sufi healers once practiced here, helping people overcome illnesses. Traditionally, sick individuals were left in the cave overnight, as it was believed that healing spirits would cure them. Even today, visitors come here hoping for spiritual healing.
Torysh Valley. This unique natural site features spherical rock formations scattered across the landscape. These formations appear in different shapes—balls, eggs, mushrooms, and other unusual forms—creating a surreal environment often referred to as the “Valley of Balls.” Lunch.
Kokala. This area represents an ancient geological formation dating back to the age of dinosaurs. While no fossils are visible, visitors can touch ancient charcoal formed from prehistoric forests dating back millions of years. The terrain features colorful clay formations shaped into columns, pyramids, and miniature canyons.
Sherkala Mountain. A legendary mountain that once served as a natural fortress along the Great Silk Road. The name “Sherkala” means “Lion Fortress” in Turkmen (“sher” – lion, “kala” – fortress). It is located near the Karatau mountain range.
Airakty Mountains. These formations resemble a magical castle with towers, spires, and walls. The valley features caves, grottos, and rock formations that look like palaces and temples.
From one of the viewpoints, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including distant mountains and the full extent of the Airakty formations.
Transfer to the Kegez ethnic village. Camp setup, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 2: Kegez – Shetpe – Tuzbair – Bozzhira
After breakfast, visit Shetpe village, where you will explore a modern caravanserai and try local cuisine. Lunch.
Transfer to Tuzbair. Tuzbair is a stunning natural salt flat, known for its striking contrast of white salt plains, limestone cliffs, blue skies, and clouds. From the western side, the views are particularly spectacular.
Continue the journey to Bozzhira. This area is part of the Ustyurt Plateau and is famous for its dramatic white chalk landscapes. The Bozzhira Valley is surrounded by canyons, cliffs, peaks, and rock formations resembling castles and yurts. Its most iconic feature is the pair of limestone formations known as the “Fangs,” rising over 200 meters high.
Camp setup at Bozzhira: dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Mountain Bokty – Kyzylkup – Aktau
After breakfast, departure for Bokty Mountain. The route passes through the scenic Ustyurt Plateau. Bokty is located near a dry salt flat and is known for its unusual shape.
The mountain changes appearance depending on the viewing angle. On one side, it resembles an overturned boat, while on the other, it looks like a multi-colored pyramid. Lunch.
Visit the Kyzylkup Valley viewing platform. Kyzylkup is known for its striped, colorful hills and unique geological formations, often called the “Tiramisu Hills.”
Departure to Aktau. Arrival and transfer to the hotel or airport.
TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:
Camping accommodation (2 nights), including a tent (for 2 persons), sleeping bag, mat, and pillow
Transportation, according to the program, is in a comfortable minivan
Sightseeing with an English-speaking guide
All environmental and entrance fees during the tour
Meals: Lunch and dinner on Day 1; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 2; breakfast and lunch on Day 3
Drinking water (1L per person per day)
TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:
Accommodation in Aktau, if required
Meals not mentioned in the program
Single supplement
Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan, if required
Personal and other unspecified expenses
