Almaty to Mangystau - 11 Days Tour

Pick-up: Start from your hotel within Almaty city at 8 am.
Kolsay Lake: Embark on a scenic walk around the lower Kolsay Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning mountain views. Experience the tranquility of nature as you explore this picturesque setting.
Kaindy Lake: Next, marvel at the unique beauty of Kaindy Lake, famously adorned with spruce trees rising majestically from its crystal-clear waters. Capture unforgettable photos of this natural wonder.

Activities:

• Enjoy horse riding to the upper Kolsay Lake, soaking in the serene landscapes along the way.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at a local guesthouse with delicious local cooking.
Breakfast: excluded - Lunch: picnic - Dinner: hot meal

Black Canyon Exploration: Begin your adventure in Kazakhstan with the rugged beauty of Black Canyon. Explore its intriguing rock formations and immerse yourself in its unique geological landscape.
Tiger Canyon Walk: Next, embark on a guided walk through Tiger Canyon, renowned for its striking resemblance to tiger skin patterns etched into the earth. Witness nature's artistry up close in this mesmerizing canyon.
Charyn Canyon Upper Panorama: Ascend to the Charyn Canyon Upper Panorama for breathtaking views of this expansive natural marvel. Marvel at the canyon's vastness and the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Journey into Charyn Canyon: Venture deeper into Charyn Canyon itself, navigating its winding pathways and discovering hidden corners of natural splendor.
Charyn Lunni Canyon (Moon Canyon): Explore the ethereal beauty of Charyn Lunni Canyon, often likened to a lunar landscape with its otherworldly rock formations and serene atmosphere.

Activities:

• Soviet-era UAZ Buhanka Truck Ride: Conclude your day with a memorable ride back in a Soviet-era UAZ Buhanka truck, adding a touch of nostalgia and adventure to your exploration of Charyn Canyon.

Accommodation: Stay at a local guesthouse.
Breakfast: field - Lunch: picnic - Dinner: hot meal

Embark on an adventure through Altyn Emel, a vast expanse of natural wonders. Begin by visiting the iconic sand dunes, where the golden landscape stretches as far as the eye can see. Marvel at the surreal beauty of these dunes and experience the thrill of walking on the soft, shifting sands.
Activities:

• Encounter the native wildlife, including wild goats, as you explore the park's diverse ecosystem.
• Witness an unforgettable sunset at the largest singing dunes in Kazakhstan, where the desert winds create a mesmerizing symphony of sound.

Accommodation: Overnight camping.
Breakfast: field - Lunch: picnic - Dinner: hot meal

Return Journey: Drive back to Almaty from Altyn Emel Park, enjoying scenic views along the way.

City Tour Highlights:
Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan: Begin your city exploration with a visit to the Monument of Independence, a symbol of Kazakhstan's sovereignty and resilience.
Green Bazar: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Almaty's Green Bazar, where you can engage in short shopping and discover local crafts and delicacies.
Ascension Cathedral: As night falls, visit the iconic Ascension Cathedral, illuminated against the evening sky. Marvel at its architecture and enjoy a peaceful moment in this historic site.

Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel
Breakfast: field - Lunch: picnic - Dinner: hot meal

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Almaty at your own pace. You might choose to visit additional attractions such as:

• Panfilov Park: Stroll through this picturesque park and visit the Zenkov Cathedral, a historical wooden structure.
• Central State Museum: Dive into Kazakhstan's rich history and culture through exhibits and artifacts.
• Kok-Tobe Hill: Take a cable car ride for panoramic views of the city and enjoy leisure activities atop this scenic hill.

Flight to Aktau: In the afternoon or evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Aktau. Relax and prepare for your next destination in Kazakhstan.

Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel upon arrival in Aktau city
Breakfast: field - Lunch: picnic - Dinner: hot meal

Morning: After a hotel buffet breakfast, start your journey around Mangystau.

Sites to Visit:

• Torysh - Valley of Balls: See ancient giant ball-shaped ammonites.
• Kokala - Jurassic Clays (Scaly): Marvel at the purple-colored gorge and burned mount.
• Sherkala Mount: View the giant Sphinx-shaped mount and yurt-shaped view.
• Kyzyl Kala - Remnants of the City: Explore Silk Road remnants.
• Airakty - Valley of Castle Shaped Mounts: Discover castle-shaped mountains.

Accommodation: Camping in Airakty Castles.
Breakfast: hotel buffet - Lunch: picnic - Dinner: hot meal

Tuzbair Upper Panorama View: Begin your day with a breathtaking view of the expansive salt marsh, taking in the vastness and natural beauty of the landscape.
Nature Sphinx-shaped Rock: Marvel at the intriguing natural formation resembling a sphinx, carved over centuries by the elements.
Tuzbair Lower - Salt Marsh: Embark on a leisurely 15 km walk along the salt marsh, a unique environment that alternates between dry land and salty water, offering a glimpse into its ever-changing ecology.
Tuzbair Lower - White Arch: Continue your exploration to the impressive White Arch, a natural limestone formation that stands out against the surrounding landscape.
Tuzbair Lower - White Canyons: Conclude your day with a walk through the stunning White Canyons, where towering white cliffs create a striking contrast against the azure sky.

Accommodation: Camping in Tuzbair

• Optional - Overnight in a Kazakh yurt at the gear village (+$25 per person)

Breakfast: field - Lunch: picnic - Dinner: hot meal

Senek Dunes: Begin your day with a visit to the mesmerizing Senek Dunes, where rolling Sahara-like sand formations stretch as far as the eye can see. Explore the unique textures and shapes of these dunes, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Kyzylkup - Tiramisu Canyon: Next, venture to the colorful Ferum-limestone mountains of Kyzylkup, known locally as Tiramisu Canyon. Marvel at the vibrant hues and rugged terrain, offering a glimpse into Kazakhstan's geological diversity.
High Peak Shakpakty: As the day draws to a close, ascend to High Peak Shakpakty to witness a breathtaking sunset over the expansive landscapes. Capture panoramic views and savor the tranquil atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon.

Accommodation: Overnight camping in Kyzylkup with a picnic dinner and stargazing.
Breakfast: field - Lunch: picnic - Dinner: hot meal

Kyzylkup - Tiramisu Canyon: Begin your day with a sunrise walk through the vibrant Ferum-limestone mountains of Kyzylkup, known as Tiramisu Canyon, enjoying the early morning colors and formations.
Bokty - Mount: Explore Bokty Mount, featured on Kazakhstan's currency, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Bozjyra - Mars Panorama, Middle Panorama, Crest Panorama: Experience the surreal beauty of Bozjyra Plateau with its Mars-like terrain, panoramic views from the upper plateau, and the striking Dragon Ridge Rock.

Accommodation: Camping in the Bozjyra middle area with a picnic dinner and stargazing.
Breakfast: field - Lunch: picnic - Dinner: hot meal

Bozjyra - Fangs Upper Plateau: Start your day with a sunrise climb to Bozjyra's Fangs Upper Plateau. Enjoy panoramic views as the sun illuminates the rugged landscape.
Bozjyra - Under Crest: Have a picnic lunch amidst unique rock formations at Bozjyra's Under Crest. Explore the geological wonders and soak in the natural beauty.
Bozjyra - Under Fangs: Explore the fascinating rock formations of Bozjyra's Under Fangs, uncovering the secrets of this distinctive natural area.
Bozjyra - Canyon: Conclude your exploration with a walk inside Bozjyra's Canyon, marveling at the geological formations that shape this picturesque landscape.

Return to Aktau:
Head back to Aktau, reflecting on the day's adventures and enjoying the scenic drive back to the city.

Breakfast: field - Lunch: picnic