Itinerary

1. Day 1: Aktau – Hanga-Baba – Zhygylgan – Kenty-Baba – Kapamsai – Shakpak-Ata

   • Meet at Aktau Airport at 08:30 or at hotels in Aktau at 09:00.

   • Travel to the Redmaya Office by 09:30 for briefing and preparation.

   • Depart at 09:30 to begin the desert expedition.

   • Explore Hanga-Baba Necropolis, a culturally significant burial site.

   • Visit Zhygylgan (Fallen Land), a geological wonder with prehistoric traces.

   • Discover Kenty-Baba Necropolis, known for its unique architecture.

   • Admire Kapamsai Canyon, showcasing steep cliffs and natural beauty.

   • Visit Shakpak-Ata Underground Mosque, carved into stone and steeped in spiritual history.

   • Set up camp at Shakpak-Tassai Canyon.

   • Enjoy a hot dinner and sleep under the stars.

   Meals: Outdoor breakfast, hot dinner
   Accommodation: Camping in tents

2. Day 2: Shakpak-Ata – Torysh – Kokala – Sherkala – Kyzyl-Kala – Airakty

   • Visit Torysh (Valley of Balls), where massive spherical rocks scatter the land.

   • Walk through Kokala (Jurassic Clays), with vibrant purple canyons and scaly hills.

   • Explore Sherkala (Yurt Mountain), a natural formation with panoramic views.

   • Discover the Kyzyl-Kala ruins, once a bustling Silk Road city.

   • Uncover Airakty (Valley of Castles), with rock formations resembling fortresses.

   • Camp overnight at Airakty, surrounded by surreal formations.

   Meals: Outdoor breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner
   Accommodation: Camping in tents

3. Day 3: Airakty – Zhanaozen – Ustyurt Plateau – Onere Spring – Karynzharyk – Karamaia – Kendirli

   • Stop briefly in Zhanaozen for fuel and local shopping.

   • Drive across the Ustyurt Plateau, observing the vast, open plains.

   • Rest and refresh at Onere Spring with a light lunch.

   • View the dramatic landscapes of the Karynzharyk Depression.

   • Visit Karamaia (Three Brothers Mountain), known for its mystic allure.

   • Explore the white expanses of Kendirli Salt Flat.

   • Set up camp in Karynzharyk.

   Meals: Outdoor breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner
   Accommodation: Camping in tents

4. Day 4: Karynzharyk – Zhanaozen – Senek-Tuyesu – Kyzylkup – Shakpakty Panorama

   • Refuel at Zhanaozen.

   • Walk through the Senek-Tuyesu Dunes, a protected desert marvel.

   • Discover Kyzylkup (Tiramisu Canyon), known for its layered red-brown rocks.

   • Hike to Shakpakty Panorama for stunning desert vistas.

   • Camp at Kyzylkup, immersed in desert tranquility.

   Meals: Outdoor breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner
   Accommodation: Camping in tents

5. Day 5: Kyzylkup – Mount Bokty – Bozzhira (Martian, Upper, Ridge Panoramas)

   • Begin the day with a morning walk through Tiramisu Canyon.

   • Visit Mount Bokty, a natural fortress with dramatic presence.

   • Explore the Martian Panorama of Bozzhira, resembling alien terrain.

   • Take in the Middle Upper Panorama of Bozzhira’s unique landforms.

   • Admire the Ridge Panorama, showcasing Dragon Ridge.

   • Camp overnight at Bozzhira.

   Meals: Field breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner
   Accommodation: Camping in tents

6. Day 6: Bozzhira Exploration Day

   • Hike to Fang Plateau, offering elevated views of Bozzhira’s grandeur.

   • Explore Under the Ridge, a zone of intricate rock textures.

   • Descend into Under the Fangs, an underground geological marvel.

   • Walk through Bozzhira Canyon, feeling the desert’s ancient soul.

   • Set camp beneath the iconic Fangs for another magical night.

   Meals: Field breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner
   Accommodation: Camping in tents

7. Day 7: Bozzhira – Tuzbair Upper View – Sphinx – Tuzbair Salt Flat – White Arch – Lower Canyons

   • Travel to Tuzbair Upper Panoramic View, where sky and salt meet.

   • Discover the natural Sphinx, carved by erosion.

   • Relax at Tuzbair Lower Salt Flat with a quiet lunch.

   • Visit the White Arch, a striking stone formation.

   • Walk through Lower Tuzbair Canyons, filled with colorful, narrow passages.

   • Camp at Tuzbair, enjoying the peace of the open sky.

   Meals: Field breakfast, picnic lunch, hot dinner
   Accommodation: Camping in tents

8. Day 8: Tuzbair – Ybyk – Karagiye – Return to Aktau

   • Explore Ybyk’s Porous Gorge, filled with strange and captivating shapes.

   • Visit the Karagiye Depression, the third-lowest land point on Earth.

   • Return to Aktau and transfer to the hotel or airport.

   Meals: Field breakfast, picnic lunch
   Accommodation: None (end of journey)