Mangystau Photography Workshop
Deserts and canyons of Kazakhstan
Spring 2026 - 1 (Sold out)
Start: April 10, 2026, Aktau, Kazakhstan
End: April 18, 2026, Aktau, Kazakhstan
Spring 2026 - 2 (Filing fast)
Start: April 19, 2026, Aktau, Kazakhstan
End: April 27, 2026, Aktau, Kazakhstan
Start: April 10, 2026, Aktau, Kazakhstan
End: April 18, 2026, Aktau, Kazakhstan
Spring 2026 - 2 (Filing fast)
Start: April 19, 2026, Aktau, Kazakhstan
End: April 27, 2026, Aktau, Kazakhstan
I invite you to a photography expedition to one of the most unusual and little-visited places on Earth - the Mangystau Peninsula in Kazakhstan. Almost unearthly landscapes, amazing colored mountains, rocks of the most diverse and incredible shapes, untouched nature and an almost complete absence of other photographers.
We will visit all the best places of this amazing parts of the world – the majestic valley of castles Airakty with unique rocks, where everyone will find the most interesting and favorite spots; the amazing valley of balls (by the way, the largest in the world); the gorge Tiramisu, striking in its variety of colors and really slightly resembling the famous Italian dessert; the salt marsh Tuzbair – one of the calling cards of Mangystau; Mount Sherkala, in which someone will see a lion's paw, and someone – a flying saucer that landed not very successfully; and of course, the famous valley of monuments Boszhira.
Until recently, these places were practically inaccessible, now they are gradually being developed, but we still have to face elements of off-road and lack of infrastructure. We will spend 6 nights in tents, but we will spend the night in the most picturesque places, have breakfast and dinner with views that would be the envy of the most expensive restaurants in the world.
*You will be able to recharge your gadgets and photographic equipment from a mobile generator during stops.
*You will be able to recharge your gadgets and photographic equipment from a mobile generator during stops.
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1
On the first day we meet in Aktau at the Miramar Hotel, meet for a welcome dinner and discuss the upcoming trip.
Overnight at the hotel in Aktau.
On the first day we meet in Aktau at the Miramar Hotel, meet for a welcome dinner and discuss the upcoming trip.
Overnight at the hotel in Aktau.
Day 2
Today our photo expedition begins. We say goodbye to civilization and after breakfast we go to the Valley of Balls Torysh. These spherical stones scattered around the valley were originally shark teeth, shells or just plants floating in the waters of the Tethys Ocean, around which minerals gradually accumulated. Similar concretions have been found all over the world, including New Zealand and the USA, but it is here in Kazakhstan that the largest accumulation of these huge and very unusual stones is located.
Having walked around among the fabulous balls and taken interesting pictures with them, we will visit an ancient underground mosque of the 17th century, and then go for lunch to another picturesque place - Karatau colored rocks (Kokala tract). While they are preparing lunch for us, we will be able to walk and take a few pictures of this place, which, although not a well-known landmark, looks very interesting.
After lunch, we will move to the place of our evening photo shoot and overnight stay - Mount Sherkala. When approaching it resembles a flying saucer, but if you drive around it from the other side, there is a lion's paw in front of us (hence the name of the rock, Sherkala means "lion's fortress"). The rock is quite small, but very interesting, we will have two opportunities to shoot it - at sunset and at dawn.
After shooting, we have dinner and settle down for the night in tents right here, right at the foot of Sherkala.
Today our photo expedition begins. We say goodbye to civilization and after breakfast we go to the Valley of Balls Torysh. These spherical stones scattered around the valley were originally shark teeth, shells or just plants floating in the waters of the Tethys Ocean, around which minerals gradually accumulated. Similar concretions have been found all over the world, including New Zealand and the USA, but it is here in Kazakhstan that the largest accumulation of these huge and very unusual stones is located.
Having walked around among the fabulous balls and taken interesting pictures with them, we will visit an ancient underground mosque of the 17th century, and then go for lunch to another picturesque place - Karatau colored rocks (Kokala tract). While they are preparing lunch for us, we will be able to walk and take a few pictures of this place, which, although not a well-known landmark, looks very interesting.
After lunch, we will move to the place of our evening photo shoot and overnight stay - Mount Sherkala. When approaching it resembles a flying saucer, but if you drive around it from the other side, there is a lion's paw in front of us (hence the name of the rock, Sherkala means "lion's fortress"). The rock is quite small, but very interesting, we will have two opportunities to shoot it - at sunset and at dawn.
After shooting, we have dinner and settle down for the night in tents right here, right at the foot of Sherkala.
Day 3
After the dawn shooting of Mount Sherkala, we have a leisurely breakfast and move to the valley of castles Airakty. A short drive and absolutely incredible views await us. There are no paved roads in the valley, but moving around in SUVs is quite comfortable, and we will drive around the valley in cars so that everyone can choose the most interesting locations for shooting. Although, of course, I will certainly show you my favorite shooting points and angles.
After the dawn shooting of Mount Sherkala, we have a leisurely breakfast and move to the valley of castles Airakty. A short drive and absolutely incredible views await us. There are no paved roads in the valley, but moving around in SUVs is quite comfortable, and we will drive around the valley in cars so that everyone can choose the most interesting locations for shooting. Although, of course, I will certainly show you my favorite shooting points and angles.
The Valley of Castles is a perfect name for this valley - the mountains here really do look like castles built by man long ago. In fact, all this was created by water, wind and time.
After the evening shooting we enjoy dinner in nature and spend the night here in tents.
Day 4
At dawn we take photos of the majestic valley of castles, have breakfast and move on. Another amazing place awaits us - the Tuzbair sludge. The sludge is a type of salt marsh, a lake that has no outlet. It is considered the main attraction, but we are more interested in the rock formations around the sludge itself. We will see them both from above and from the level of the sludge itself. These amazing rocks look like the roots of a fairy-tale tree, or a dragon's tail, or a scattering of precious stones glittering in the rays of the low sun. We will also stop by a natural arch hidden in the lower part of the sludge.
At dawn we take photos of the majestic valley of castles, have breakfast and move on. Another amazing place awaits us - the Tuzbair sludge. The sludge is a type of salt marsh, a lake that has no outlet. It is considered the main attraction, but we are more interested in the rock formations around the sludge itself. We will see them both from above and from the level of the sludge itself. These amazing rocks look like the roots of a fairy-tale tree, or a dragon's tail, or a scattering of precious stones glittering in the rays of the low sun. We will also stop by a natural arch hidden in the lower part of the sludge.
Sor Tuzbair can boast a truly endless number of interesting angles, and here everyone can make unforgettable - and most importantly, unique shots. Here we will have sunset shooting and here we will have dinner and spend the night in tents.
Days 5-6
On the fifth day of our photo expedition, after dawn shooting at the Tuzbair sor and breakfast, we will have a long drive to the pearl of Mangistau, Kazakhstan, and the world - the Boszhira tract.
Along the way, we will stop for lunch in another picturesque gorge - Kyzylodyr, admire its interesting stone mushrooms and realite mountains, and hit the road again. By evening, we will reach Boszhira, and already upon entering it will become clear why this place is called the valley of monuments. There are simply incredible views both at dawn and at sunset. Here we will stay for two nights to be able to have the most effective shooting and capture the most diverse photos of this unearthly place.
On the fifth day of our photo expedition, after dawn shooting at the Tuzbair sor and breakfast, we will have a long drive to the pearl of Mangistau, Kazakhstan, and the world - the Boszhira tract.
Along the way, we will stop for lunch in another picturesque gorge - Kyzylodyr, admire its interesting stone mushrooms and realite mountains, and hit the road again. By evening, we will reach Boszhira, and already upon entering it will become clear why this place is called the valley of monuments. There are simply incredible views both at dawn and at sunset. Here we will stay for two nights to be able to have the most effective shooting and capture the most diverse photos of this unearthly place.
Day 7
After dawn shooting in the Boszhira tract and breakfast, we will begin our journey back to civilization, but on the way we will encounter another interesting location - the Tiramisu (Kyzylkup) gorge and Mount Bokty. These rock formations, located close to each other, amaze with the brightness and variety of colors - from bright white to rich red and orange. The rocks seem to consist of thin colored layers. We will stop here for the night (and this will be our final night in tents on this trip).
After dawn shooting in the Boszhira tract and breakfast, we will begin our journey back to civilization, but on the way we will encounter another interesting location - the Tiramisu (Kyzylkup) gorge and Mount Bokty. These rock formations, located close to each other, amaze with the brightness and variety of colors - from bright white to rich red and orange. The rocks seem to consist of thin colored layers. We will stop here for the night (and this will be our final night in tents on this trip).
Day 8
After dawn shooting and breakfast, we will go to the city of Aktau. On the way, we will visit the ancient necropolis and the underground mosque Shopan-Ata. Upon returning to Aktau, we will check into the hotel and enjoy all the benefits of civilization, from which we have been resting for the last week.
Overnight at the hotel in Aktau.
After dawn shooting and breakfast, we will go to the city of Aktau. On the way, we will visit the ancient necropolis and the underground mosque Shopan-Ata. Upon returning to Aktau, we will check into the hotel and enjoy all the benefits of civilization, from which we have been resting for the last week.
Overnight at the hotel in Aktau.
Day 9
Today our photo expedition ends, after breakfast we say goodbye and go home. Tickets can be bought for any time.
Today our photo expedition ends, after breakfast we say goodbye and go home. Tickets can be bought for any time.
THE PRICE INCLUDES
* Three meals a day, except meals in Aktau (breakfasts only)
* Travel by SUV along the route
* Accommodation in a hotel in Aktau (2 nights)
* Accommodation in tents (6 nights)
* Guide services, photography guide assistance
* Three meals a day, except meals in Aktau (breakfasts only)
* Travel by SUV along the route
* Accommodation in a hotel in Aktau (2 nights)
* Accommodation in tents (6 nights)
* Guide services, photography guide assistance
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
* International flights
* Insurance
* Alcoholic drinks
* Meals in Aktau (except breakfasts)
* International flights
* Insurance
* Alcoholic drinks
* Meals in Aktau (except breakfasts)
- I recently had the incredible fortune of having Dmitry Arkhipov as my guide for a trip across the breathtaking Mangystau, Kazakhstan region, and I cannot recommend him highly enough! Dmitry is more than just a guide; he's a true professional whose meticulous planning and passion genuinely elevated the entire experience.
Beyond his superb trip leadership—ensuring every logistical detail was seamlessly managed—Dmitry was an absolute star when it came to photography. He created incredible shooting opportunities for us. I was particularly focused on drone photography and shooting from elevated positions, and his expertise here was invaluable. His advice on composing shots from heights and managing the specific challenges of Mangystau's dramatic landscape was brilliant and immediately improved my results.
What truly sets Dmitry apart, however, is his empathy and patience. I was navigating a personal fear of heights, and he was endlessly patient and supportive, literally.Name: Eva HoCountry: USA
Tour: Mangystau 2025 - I recently joined Dmitry Arkhipov’s photography workshop in the Mangystau region of Kazakhstan and had an unforgettable time. Dmitry led a well-organized journey through surreal landscapes: the Balls of Torysh, Airakty, a secret Chalk Canyon, Mount Bokty, Bozhira, a shimmering salt lake, and the “Tiramisu” valley. He filled every stop with stories, history, and photographic insights that helped us capture each place at its best.
The food was tasty, the remote tent camping surprisingly comfortable, and the company outstanding. As if the scenery weren’t enough, Dmitry even introduced us to the joys of Georgian cuisine - including delicious khinkali (ხინკალი). We came home with amazing photos and even better memories.Name: Scott BlanksteenCountry: USA
Tour: Mangystau 2025 - A trip to the magic mountains of this desertic area of Kazajistán, near to the Caspian Sea, where the rocks and mountain formations reveals its beauty with the lights of the sunrise and sunset. The photography with this conditions produce a dramatic light effect, not founded in other places. And finally, the grand prize: the Tiramisu, kms and kms of multicolored geometrical mountains non seen in other part of the world. An orgy of colors and composition, specially for the dron. And not forget the night landscape! All this trip, mastery driven by Dmitry, as usual.... What else??Name: Juan Zas EspinosaCountry: Spain
Tour: Mangystau 2025 - The photography trip with Dmitry Arkhipov to Mangystau, Kazakhstan was truly an unforgettable experience!
The logistics were absolutely perfect — from transportation to meals and the smooth coordination of each shooting location, everything was impeccably organized. This allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes without any distractions.
A special highlight was having Dmitry Arkhipov as our mentor and guide.
Dmitry’s exceptional photographic skills, deep local knowledge, and patient, inspiring teaching made this journey incredibly enriching. His ability to guide us to the best spots at the right moments and offer practical, creative advice elevated my photography skills to the next level.
Living in tents only added to the sense of adventure, and thanks to Dmitry and the flawless organization, this trip exceeded all expectations.
I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an extraordinary photographic experience in one of the world’s most stunning and remote regions.Name: Roman BevzenkoCountry: Cyprus
Tour: Mangystau 2025
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