From Aktau, a city lulled by the Caspian sea, the roads lead to an underground mosque and necropolis called Shakpak-Ata. From then this adventure will guide you to Torysh valley, a place where spherical stone formations found their home. 3-4 m in diameter, they started to be formed 180-120 million years ago. After a lunch the journey continues to Kokala valley filled with multicolored rocks. On the way to the last valley of that day, Araicty valley, there is a stopover at Sherkala Mountains. Meaning “Lion’s City”, it is as important for locals as Eiffel Tower for Paris or the Statue of Liberty for New York. Shaped as a yurt, a traditional Kazakh dwelling, it is a symbol of Mangistau region. The journey ends at Airacty valley or Valley of Castles due to the mountains looking like fairy-tales castles with towers and fortress walls. And if it’s Spring, the Sodgiana tulips bloom among the rocks.

Sor Tuzbair

The day starts with a departure to Tuzbair lake after breakfast. Seated between two white salty mountains, it draws its name from them. Tuzbair means “Salty Wall”, and walking on the salty surface of the lake is unique experience. After some preparation and observing the beautiful landscapes the journey continues to an underground mosque Beket-Ata built in the 18th century. The final destination of the day is Boszhira valley, where from a platform an indescribable beauty of a sunset descending on the valley can be seen.

Bozzhira Canyon

After breakfast, a hike to the Dreadnote Cliff opens a breathtaking view on Ustyrt Plateau reminding of Martian surface that in reality is the bottom of the ancient Tethys ocean. The next stop is Bokty mountain that stands out with the red color of the chalk covering the slopes. Lunch is followed by a stopover at Tuesu sand dunes. Reaching 50-60 meters in height in some places, the sand dunes spread out like Sahara desert. From Tuesu the road leads to Karagiya depression, which is the lowest point in Kazakhstan and one of the lowest in whole Central Asia.