A desert in western Kazakhstan that, millions of years ago, lay at the bottom of the Tethys Ocean. Seven days across one of the least-known landscapes on Earth: white chalk canyons, the Valley of Castles, salt flats and dunes, travelling by 4×4 and camping under the stars.
Millions of years ago, Mangystau lay at the bottom of the Tethys Ocean. Today, in the far west of Kazakhstan, beside the Caspian Sea, wind and time have carved its seabed into white cliffs, red valleys and fields of stone spheres. It is still one of the least-visited corners of Central Asia: no crowds, no queues, just the steppe and a silence you can almost hear.
Seven days from Aktau and back, crossing Mangystau from west to east by 4×4 — tap each day to expand it.
Early arrival in Aktau (flights via Istanbul or Baku), transfer to the hotel and breakfast. We set off at 10:00 for the Sultan Epe Mosque, white against the blue sky, and the gorge of Shakpak-ata, where an underground mosque is carved into the rock. At sunset we pitch camp in the lunar, chalk-white landscape of the Kapamsay Canyon. Night: camp in Kapamsay.
We wake among the white cliffs of Kapamsay and cross Torysh, the Valley of Stones, scattered with mysterious spherical concretions. We continue to Sherkala, a lone limestone mountain rising from the steppe, and reach Airakty, the Valley of Castles, where the wind has shaped the rock into fortresses. Night: camp in Airakty.
From the spires of Airakty to the dark, jagged crests of the Black Canyons, like the spine of a sleeping dragon. Then the horizon opens into the blinding white of the Sora Tuzbair salt flat, so flat it feels like walking on the sky. Night: camp on the edge of the salt flat.
We reach Bozjyra, perhaps the most spectacular place in the region: white chalk walls soaring from the valley floor. Time to walk among them and watch a sunset that sets the whole western horizon alight in orange and violet. Night: camp in Bozjyra.
The colours change from white to red. We pass Bokty, a great flat-topped mesa watching over the steppe, and descend into the Kyzylkup valley, all red clay and eroded pillars: a landscape that feels like Mars. Night: camp in Kyzylkup.
A walk through the layered slopes of Kyzylkup, known as “Tiramisu” for their stripes of colour, and a grand finale at the Tuyesu dunes, where the sand rolls like waves. Back to the hotel in Aktau for a celebration dinner. Night: hotel in Aktau.
Transfer to Aktau airport and flight home.
Our departure is in late May and early June. Days in the desert are hot and sunny, often around 30 °C, with strong wind at times, while nights in camp are much cooler. Travel is by 4×4 with short walks to canyons and viewpoints. Your tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag are included, so you only need clothes and personal items.
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An outstanding experience with Thin Air Trips! Isa and the team brought so much care, enthusiasm and professionalism to the whole adventure. Their thoughtful planning, clear communication and attention to detail made everything feel smooth and well organised, allowing me to relax and enjoy the experience.
What stood out most was the personal approach. Isa was approachable, helpful and always happy to answer questions. You could really feel her passion for the mountains and her commitment to making the trip special.
A fantastic team that I would happily recommend to anyone looking for a memorable trekking or mountain adventure. Thank you, Isa and Thin Air Trips—I would love to join you again!
I’ve now travelled with Thin Air Trips twice — to Torres del Paine and Kyrgyzstan — and both trips were absolutely incredible. Two very different destinations, but equally unforgettable adventures!
One of the best things about travelling with them is that they take care of everything. From planning the itinerary to organising accommodation, transport and all the logistics along the way, they make the whole experience feel easy. There’s so much that goes into organising trips like these, and having it all managed means you can relax, enjoy the adventure and focus on the places you’ve come to explore.
Torres del Paine was spectacular, and Kyrgyzstan was another amazing experience, with breathtaking mountains and landscapes that will stay with me for a long time. Both trips gave me so many special moments and memories that I’ll always treasure.
For me, the real value of Thin Air Trips is being able to experience these extraordinary destinations without the stress of coordinating everything myself. You get all the excitement of an adventure, with the reassurance that the details are taken care of.
The fact that I booked a second trip after my first probably says it all! I would happily travel with them again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a well-organised, memorable adventure. An easy five stars!
Fuimos con ellos al Ararat y todo perfecto, organización de 10, muy buena comunicación antes y durante el viaje, y muy buenos guías. Repetiremos!
I had a fantastic experience travelling to Russia to summit Mt Elbrus. Isa has been really communicative and helpful. I had a lot of hestitations about travelling to the region, but all went smooth and the entire trip was amazing. The team on ground were also just as professional and helpful, really helping to take off the logitical pressure and allowing me to focus on the summit.
Espectacular!!la ruta , la organización , la gente…repetiré sin duda!
Viaje top y equipo mejor aún!
Seven days across the Mangystau desert by 4×4 from Aktau, with local guide, hotel, desert camps, meals and park fees included. A guaranteed departure to one of the least-visited corners of Central Asia.
Bring a friend: $100 credit each towards your next trip
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In the far west of Kazakhstan, on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The gateway is the city of Aktau, which has an international airport.
It is an easy trip: you travel by 4×4 and walk for short stretches each day to explore the canyons, cliffs and dunes. No special fitness is needed, just a taste for adventure and for sleeping outdoors.
The first and last nights are in a hotel in Aktau, and the rest in desert camps, in single tents, with sleeping mat and sleeping bag included.
From $1,590 per person, with local guide, 4×4 transfers, hotel, camps, meals and national park fees included. International flights and travel insurance are extra.
Most routes connect through Istanbul or Baku. You need to arrive early on the first day, as we leave the hotel at 10:00.
Yes. The 31 May – 6 June 2027 departure is guaranteed.
Save your spot for free with the button on this page — you don’t pay anything yet. Once the departure is confirmed, you secure your place with a non-refundable 10% deposit. When the balance is due depends on each trip, and we send you the exact conditions together with the itinerary. You can pay in euros, dirhams or US dollars, depending on the destination.
Yes. If someone books a trip on your recommendation, you each get $100 credit towards your next trip with Thin Air ($50 if the trip they book costs under $1,500). The credit isn’t taken off the trip being booked now: it’s used on the following one. They just need to mention your name when booking.
Mangystau Kazakhstan · 31 May – 6 Jun 2027