Mangystau Traverse: Kazakhstan Off-Road Expedition

Experience the raw and remote landscapes of Mangystau, Western Kazakhstan.
A self-drive off-road expedition across limestone canyons, desert plateaus, and vast salt flats, designed for drivers seeking distance, terrain variation, and real expedition-style travel.

Mangystau Region is one of Central Asia's most surreal regions. Ancient seabeds, eroded cliffs, and salt plains create an environment where navigation, adaptability, and convoy coordination are essential.

This is not a sightseeing trip.
It is an off-road expedition focused on driving, terrain, and remote travel.

About the Expedition

This expedition starts and ends in Aktau and explores the heart of Mangystau through remote desert tracks, canyon systems, and salt-flat routes.

The route follows Mangystau's key regions, including limestone canyons, desert depressions, and salt flats, but is redesigned for self-drive off-road travel rather than walking stops or photography pacing.

You will drive across ancient seabeds, navigate wide open plateaus with minimal landmarks, descend into canyon systems, and camp in locations far from services or infrastructure.

Expect an average of 180 to 300 km per day, with 4 to 7 hours of driving, depending on terrain and surface conditions.

The focus is on convoy movement, navigation, off-road decision making, and adapting to changing ground conditions.
All supported by the Dunes to Glaciers expedition team.

What to Expect

• Long off-road driving days through Mangystau's most remote regions
• Limestone canyons, cliffs, and eroded formations
• Desert plateaus and unmarked tracks
• Salt flats with changing traction and surface conditions
• Navigation across open terrain with limited visual references
• Wild camping in remote locations
• Convoy driving, communication, and recovery readiness
• Small convoy with limited vehicles and participants

Driving and Terrain

This expedition includes:

• Rocky limestone sections and canyon floors
• Hard-packed desert tracks
• Soft sand patches and loose surfaces
• Open plateau driving with minimal landmarks
• Salt-flat approaches with variable traction
• Long distances away from fuel stations and towns

Driving level ranges from medium to challenging, depending on conditions.

Accommodation and Comfort

Accommodation during the expedition includes:

• 2 nights in local guest houses in the Mangystau region
• 3 nights of wild camping in remote desert and canyon locations

Guest houses provide basic comfort and rest after long driving days.
Camping nights are fully off-grid with no facilities.

What's Included

• 4WD vehicle
• Vehicles fuel and insurance
• Off-road guide and driving trainer
• Mechanic and recovery support team
• Full-board meals
• Airport transfers
• Border permits
• National parks entry fees

Not Included

• International flights
• Hotel extras
• Early check-in or late check-out
• Travel insurance

Itinerary Summary

• Arrival in Aktau and expedition briefing
• Departure into Mangystau desert and first off-road routes
• Limestone canyon systems and remote desert tracks
• Deep exploration of Mangystau's plateaus and depressions
• Salt-flat routes and open desert landscapes
• Return route toward Aktau and departure

Exact routes and daily distances may change based on terrain and weather conditions.

Booking Type

• Driver Only: One driver in the car with private accommodation. Ideal for solo adventurers.
• Team: Driver and one passenger sharing the same car and the same accommodation. Ideal for partners.
• Team+: Driver and one passenger sharing the same car but with two separate accommodations. Ideal for friends.