Two of Central Asia’s most photogenic landscapes on one 15-day private trip. In Kyrgyzstan you photograph golden autumn gorges, the red cliffs of Jeti-Oguz, an eagle hunter at sunset and the wild Sary-Jaz valley under snowy Tien Shan peaks. After Charyn Canyon and Almaty, a short flight takes you to Mangystau: three days at the white Bozzhyra canyons, the salt lake of Tuzbair, Sherkala and the stone balls of Torysh, with dark desert skies for the Milky Way. Every day is planned around sunrise and sunset light, with 4×4 vehicles and a guide who knows the best viewpoints.
Price per person, depends on group size
Included
• All ground transport in 4×4 vehicles with experienced drivers, including airport transfers
• Domestic flights Almaty → Aktau → Almaty
• English-speaking guide for the whole trip, schedule planned around sunrise and sunset
• Accommodation outside the cities: guesthouse in Bokonbaevo, hotel in Karakol, yurt camp in Karkyra, 5 nights in tent camps in Mangystau with camping equipment
• Full board outside the cities
• Eagle hunter demonstration, permits including the Sary-Jaz border zone, park entrance fees
• Drinking water throughout the trip
Not included
• International flights to Bishkek and from Almaty
• Hotels and meals in Bishkek, Almaty and Aktau (6 nights) — we gladly recommend or book hotels on request
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses, tips
Supplements: single room in guesthouse and hotel 250 USD, single tent 130 USD.
Prices are per person for a private tour and valid for the 2027 season.
Moments that stay with you
Best season
September and October bring autumn colours in Kyrgyzstan and soft, stable light in Mangystau: days +15 to +25 °C, nights in the mountains around 0 °C, cool nights in the desert. The tour is also possible in April–May, when the steppe is green.
Camping in Mangystau
There are no villages or shops near Bozzhyra and Tuzbair. We camp in tents near the viewpoints, the cook prepares hot meals, but there are no showers — bring wet wipes. Batteries can be charged in the cars; a power bank helps.
Drones
If you bring a drone, tell us in advance — we check the local rules for each location.
What to bring
• Layers for cold mornings: fleece, warm jacket, hat and gloves
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes for dusty and rocky ground
• Headlamp, power bank, spare camera batteries and memory cards
• Tripod for sunrise and night photography
• Dust protection for your camera (bag, cover, cleaning kit)
Visas
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the USA and many other countries can visit Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan without a visa. Please check the rules for your passport before booking.
No. The trip suits every level, from smartphone to professional camera. The schedule follows the best light, and the guide takes you to the right viewpoints at the right time. Travelling partners who do not photograph enjoy the landscapes just as much.
Physically easy to moderate: walks of 30 minutes to 2 hours with your camera gear. The challenge is the long driving days (200–360 km), early starts for sunrise and 6 nights in camps without showers.
Outside the cities we provide a guesthouse in Bokonbaevo, a hotel in Karakol, a yurt camp in Karkyra and 5 nights in tent camps in Mangystau. In Bishkek, Almaty and Aktau (6 nights) you choose the hotel standard you like; we gladly recommend or book hotels for you.
The price per person depends on group size: $8,600 for 2 travellers, $6,050 for 3, $4,800 for 4, $4,250 for 5 and $3,850 for 6. It includes the flights Almaty ↔ Aktau, all 4×4 transport, the guide, accommodation and meals outside the cities.
Yes. It is a private tour on your dates for 2–6 travellers. We can also shorten it, add days or run only the Kyrgyzstan or only the Mangystau part.
September and October: autumn colours in Kyrgyzstan, comfortable temperatures and clear skies in Mangystau. April–May is also good, with green steppe. Summer is too hot in the desert.
Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.
