Mangystau Photography Workshop
Deserts and canyons of Kazakhstan.
Accommodation at a glamping.
Accommodation at a glamping.
Start: October 2, 2027, Aktau, Kazakhstan
End: October 9, 2027, Aktau, Kazakhstan
End: October 9, 2027, 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.
On this tour, we offer accommodation in glamping sites—permanent eco-camps that combine the romance of untouched nature with the comforts of home. These camps are fully equipped with everything you need, including showers, toilets, a complete kitchen, and a spacious dining area.
Staying in these glamping sites provides a rare opportunity to be alone with the mesmerizing landscapes of Mangystau while enjoying a high level of comfort. Thanks to their strategic location near the best photography spots, we can avoid long drives and dedicate more time to capturing images during the golden light of morning and evening.
Staying in these glamping sites provides a rare opportunity to be alone with the mesmerizing landscapes of Mangystau while enjoying a high level of comfort. Thanks to their strategic location near the best photography spots, we can avoid long drives and dedicate more time to capturing images during the golden light of morning and evening.
We'll visit the best of this amazing corner of the world: the majestic Airakty Valley of Castles, with its unique cliffs, where everyone will find their most interesting and favorite vantage point; the astonishing Valley of Balls (incidentally, the largest in the world); the Tiramisu Gorge, striking in its diversity of colors and truly reminiscent of the famous Italian dessert; the Tuzbair salt marsh, one of Mangystau's calling cards; Mount Sherkala, where some will see a lion's paw, while others will see a flying saucer that landed rather ill-fated; and, of course, the famous Boszhira Valley of Monuments.
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 recommend bringing drones on this tour. The best shots of Mangystau are captured not only from the ground but also from the air. We can provide consultation and assistance with drone operation if needed. Please note that each participant assumes responsibility for the carriage and use of their drones.
We recommend bringing drones on this tour. The best shots of Mangystau are captured not only from the ground but also from the air. We can provide consultation and assistance with drone operation if needed. Please note that each participant assumes responsibility for the carriage and use of their drones.
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 (October 2)
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 (October 3)
Today marks the beginning of our photo expedition. After breakfast, we head to one of the most beautiful and iconic locations in Mangystau: the Tiramisu Plateau (Kyzylkup) and Mount Bokty. Situated close to one another, these rock formations are striking for their vivid, diverse colors—ranging from brilliant white to rich shades of red and orange. The rocks appear to be composed of thin, colorful layers. This spot is particularly well-suited for drone photography; when the camera is pointed straight down, it captures stunning, multicolored textures.
Overnight stay at a glamping site.
Today marks the beginning of our photo expedition. After breakfast, we head to one of the most beautiful and iconic locations in Mangystau: the Tiramisu Plateau (Kyzylkup) and Mount Bokty. Situated close to one another, these rock formations are striking for their vivid, diverse colors—ranging from brilliant white to rich shades of red and orange. The rocks appear to be composed of thin, colorful layers. This spot is particularly well-suited for drone photography; when the camera is pointed straight down, it captures stunning, multicolored textures.
Overnight stay at a glamping site.
Days 3 - 4 (October 4 - 5)
After a sunrise photo session near "Tiramisu" and breakfast, we will head to the jewel of Mangystau: the Boszhira tract.
We will arrive at Boszhira in about an hour; as soon as we enter, it becomes clear why this place is called the "valley of monuments." The views here are truly incredible—at both sunrise and sunset. We will stay here for two nights, giving us ample time to capture this otherworldly landscape from every possible angle.
We will be staying at a glamping site located at the lower viewpoint, surrounded by majestic cliffs and narrow, deep canyons. We will also photograph the "Nautilus" rock formation—which bears a striking resemblance to a giant submarine—from the upper viewpoint.
Additionally, we will take a walk to the middle viewpoint, which offers stunning vistas of the area’s characteristic table mountains.
If the weather permits, we will also have the chance to capture magnificent night shots of these picturesque rock formations set against a starry sky.
After a sunrise photo session near "Tiramisu" and breakfast, we will head to the jewel of Mangystau: the Boszhira tract.
We will arrive at Boszhira in about an hour; as soon as we enter, it becomes clear why this place is called the "valley of monuments." The views here are truly incredible—at both sunrise and sunset. We will stay here for two nights, giving us ample time to capture this otherworldly landscape from every possible angle.
We will be staying at a glamping site located at the lower viewpoint, surrounded by majestic cliffs and narrow, deep canyons. We will also photograph the "Nautilus" rock formation—which bears a striking resemblance to a giant submarine—from the upper viewpoint.
Additionally, we will take a walk to the middle viewpoint, which offers stunning vistas of the area’s characteristic table mountains.
If the weather permits, we will also have the chance to capture magnificent night shots of these picturesque rock formations set against a starry sky.
Day 5 (October 6)
Next, we head to another remarkable location: Sor Tuzbair. We will set off for this site after our morning photography session at Boszhira. The journey will take a few hours, and we’ll stop for lunch in a beautiful spot along the way.
A "sor" is a type of salt flat—a landlocked, endorheic lake. Surrounding the lake are striking chalk formations that resemble everything from the roots of a fairy-tale tree to the tail of a dragon. We will also visit a natural arch tucked away in the lower part of the lake.
Sor Tuzbair offers an endless array of compelling angles, ensuring that everyone can capture unforgettable—and, most importantly, unique—photographs.
Overnight stay at a glamping site.
Next, we head to another remarkable location: Sor Tuzbair. We will set off for this site after our morning photography session at Boszhira. The journey will take a few hours, and we’ll stop for lunch in a beautiful spot along the way.
A "sor" is a type of salt flat—a landlocked, endorheic lake. Surrounding the lake are striking chalk formations that resemble everything from the roots of a fairy-tale tree to the tail of a dragon. We will also visit a natural arch tucked away in the lower part of the lake.
Sor Tuzbair offers an endless array of compelling angles, ensuring that everyone can capture unforgettable—and, most importantly, unique—photographs.
Overnight stay at a glamping site.
Days 6 - 7 (October 7 - 8)
At sunrise, we will capture some more shots of Tuzbair, then head off to photograph the magnificent rock formations of Ayrakty and Mount Sherkala.
The journey will take a few hours.
"The Valley of Castles" is a very fitting name for Ayrakty—the mountains here truly resemble castles built long ago by human hands. In reality, however, they were shaped entirely by water, wind, and time.
Mount Sherkala looks like a flying saucer, but if you travel around to the other side, it takes on the appearance of a lion’s paw (hence the name; "Sherkala" translates to "Lion’s Fortress"). It looks particularly striking from a drone—viewed from above, the mountain resembles a giant jellyfish.
We will also visit a picturesque gorge—the colorful rocks of Karatau (in the Kokala area)—as well as a highly unusual chalk canyon.
Nights in a glamping site.
At sunrise, we will capture some more shots of Tuzbair, then head off to photograph the magnificent rock formations of Ayrakty and Mount Sherkala.
The journey will take a few hours.
"The Valley of Castles" is a very fitting name for Ayrakty—the mountains here truly resemble castles built long ago by human hands. In reality, however, they were shaped entirely by water, wind, and time.
Mount Sherkala looks like a flying saucer, but if you travel around to the other side, it takes on the appearance of a lion’s paw (hence the name; "Sherkala" translates to "Lion’s Fortress"). It looks particularly striking from a drone—viewed from above, the mountain resembles a giant jellyfish.
We will also visit a picturesque gorge—the colorful rocks of Karatau (in the Kokala area)—as well as a highly unusual chalk canyon.
Nights in a glamping site.
Day 8 (October 9)
Today is the final day of our photo expedition.
At dawn, we will take some more shots of the Ayrakty "Valley of Castles," and after breakfast, we’ll head to the Torysh "Valley of Spheres." These spherical stones scattered across the valley originated as shark teeth, seashells, or even plants drifting in the waters of the receding ancient Tethys Ocean; over time, minerals gradually accumulated around them. Similar concretions have been discovered all over the world—from New Zealand to the United States—but it is here in Kazakhstan that one finds the largest concentration of these massive and truly extraordinary stones.
In the afternoon, we will arrive at our hotel in Aktau, from where you can depart for home.
Today is the final day of our photo expedition.
At dawn, we will take some more shots of the Ayrakty "Valley of Castles," and after breakfast, we’ll head to the Torysh "Valley of Spheres." These spherical stones scattered across the valley originated as shark teeth, seashells, or even plants drifting in the waters of the receding ancient Tethys Ocean; over time, minerals gradually accumulated around them. Similar concretions have been discovered all over the world—from New Zealand to the United States—but it is here in Kazakhstan that one finds the largest concentration of these massive and truly extraordinary stones.
In the afternoon, we will arrive at our hotel in Aktau, from where you can depart for home.
- The tour program may change slightly due to weather conditions, traffic conditions and other unforeseen situations.
THE PRICE INCLUDES
* Three meals a day, except meals in Aktau (breakfasts only)
* Travel by SUV along the route
* Accommodation in glampings
* Guide services, photography guide assistance
* Three meals a day, except meals in Aktau (breakfasts only)
* Travel by SUV along the route
* Accommodation in glampings
* 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)
BOOK PHOTO TOUR
Mangystau, October 2027
- 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, October 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, October 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, April 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, April 2025