A week in Mangystau, Western Kazakhstan.
In 2012 I’d visited Azerbaijan. It had been a last minute decision, tacking it onto a visit to Georgia.
I remember my first morning, stumbling to a hotel in the capital Baku, and then walking out to catch my first glimpse of the Caspian Sea. I’d been to Uzbekistan a few years prior, but the rest of Central Asia was a mystery to me. I had a vague notion of Kazakhstan and Turkeminstan on the opposite shores, but hadn’t given much thought to visiting.
This year, I finally spent some time in the former, and have plans next year to spend a lot more time in the area. This year, after three weeks in Almaty, I decided to spend a week touring the
— 29 Apr to 3 May 2026
Day three, morningZhygylgan (the “fallen land”), underground mosques, and sacred springs.
Day three, afternoonShakpak Ata Sai & Kapamsay Canyon.
Day four, morningTorysh, the Valley of Balls.
Day four, afternoonThe Kokala tract, Mount Sherkala & Airakty-Shomanai (The Valley of Castles).
Day six, morningTuzbair Salt Flat, Kyzylkup tract, and Mount Bokty.
Day six, afternoonThe Bozzhyra tract & fangs.
