Plan your trip · Guide

Kazakhstan

What to know before travelling to Mangystau: getting to Aktau, entry, money, weather and health.

01 · The basics

Before you go

Our trip starts in Aktau, on the Caspian Sea, the gateway to the Mangystau desert.

At a glance
Getting there	International flight to Aktau, or to Almaty or Astana and then a domestic flight to Aktau.
Entry	Citizens of many countries, including the EU, the UK and the US, can enter without a visa for up to 30 days. Check the requirements for your nationality.
The region	Mangystau is a remote desert region with no towns between the sites; we travel by 4×4 with a local driver and guide.
Currency	Kazakh tenge. Cards work in Aktau; carry cash for the villages.
Weather	Hot, dry days and cool nights in late spring; strong sun and wind in the open desert.
Plugs	Types C and F, 220 V and 50 Hz. If yours are a different type, bring an adapter.

02 · The trip

Best time: spring and autumn.

Seven days by 4×4 and on foot through the white chalk cliffs of Bozjyra, the canyons and underground mosques of Mangystau.

All dates are in the departure calendar.

03 · Health and insurance

Altitude: our trips are designed to give you proper acclimatisation. Safety comes first, and with altitude we don’t take chances. If you have any questions, just ask us. More in altitude sickness and acclimatisation
Insurance: it’s mandatory. It must cover the activity you’ll be doing, based on the maximum altitude and whether technical gear is involved, as well as helicopter rescue and evacuation and repatriation. Before departure you’ll also sign a waiver
Vaccines: requirements depend on the country you’re travelling from. Check the latest on your country’s official health website or with a travel health clinic, or ask us
Physical preparation: you don’t need to be an athlete, but arriving prepared means you’ll enjoy the trip much more. If you need it, we can help with a training and nutrition plan tailored to you. See how it works

Questions?

If you’re thinking about travelling to Mangystau, write to us and we’ll reply by email.