Mangystau Photography Workshop
Deserts and canyons of Kazakhstan.
Hotel accommodation.
Hotel accommodation.
Start: October 17, 2026, Aktau, Kazakhstan
End: October 25, 2026, Aktau, Kazakhstan
End: October 25, 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 typically camp in tents on this tour. It's not as comfortable as a hotel, but it eliminates the need to travel at sunrise and sunset. However, if you're not up for spending six days in tents, this tour will be a real find. You'll be able to see and capture all the hard-to-reach beauty of Mangystau while staying in comfortable rooms with showers and hot water.
In addition to the seaside hotel in Aktau, we'll be staying in hotels in two villages: Shetpe and Zhanaezen. Each morning, we'll head out to our shoot and return to the hotel after sunset. While we'll need a little more time to travel, we'll sleep in relatively comfortable conditions. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be in beautiful locations with stunning views.
In addition to the seaside hotel in Aktau, we'll be staying in hotels in two villages: Shetpe and Zhanaezen. Each morning, we'll head out to our shoot and return to the hotel after sunset. While we'll need a little more time to travel, we'll sleep in relatively comfortable conditions. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be in beautiful locations with stunning views.
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
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 begins our photo expedition. After breakfast, we'll head to the Torysh Valley of Balls. These spherical stones scattered throughout the valley were originally shark teeth, shells, or simply plants floating in the shallow waters of the ancient Tethys Ocean, around which minerals gradually accumulated. Similar concretions have been found all over the world, including in New Zealand and the United States, but it is here in Kazakhstan that the largest concentration of these enormous and very unusual stones is located.
After wandering among the magical balls and taking some fascinating photos, we'll head for lunch in a picturesque gorge—the Karatau Colored Rocks (Kokala). While lunch is being prepared, we'll have time to stroll around and take some photos of this place.
After lunch, we'll drive to Mount Sherkala. When approaching, it resembles a flying saucer, but once you drive around it from the other side, you'll see a lion's paw (hence the name of the rock: Sherkala means "lion's fortress"). It looks especially beautiful when filmed from a drone.
We'll spend the night at a hotel in the village of Shetpe, where we'll spend the next three nights.
Today begins our photo expedition. After breakfast, we'll head to the Torysh Valley of Balls. These spherical stones scattered throughout the valley were originally shark teeth, shells, or simply plants floating in the shallow waters of the ancient Tethys Ocean, around which minerals gradually accumulated. Similar concretions have been found all over the world, including in New Zealand and the United States, but it is here in Kazakhstan that the largest concentration of these enormous and very unusual stones is located.
After wandering among the magical balls and taking some fascinating photos, we'll head for lunch in a picturesque gorge—the Karatau Colored Rocks (Kokala). While lunch is being prepared, we'll have time to stroll around and take some photos of this place.
After lunch, we'll drive to Mount Sherkala. When approaching, it resembles a flying saucer, but once you drive around it from the other side, you'll see a lion's paw (hence the name of the rock: Sherkala means "lion's fortress"). It looks especially beautiful when filmed from a drone.
We'll spend the night at a hotel in the village of Shetpe, where we'll spend the next three nights.
Day 3
During the morning shoot, we'll head out again to photograph Mount Sherkala. After the shoot and breakfast, we'll visit several interesting chalk canyons, and at sunset, we'll head out to photograph the magnificent Airakty cliffs.
The Valley of Castles (Airakty) is a fitting name for this valley—the mountains here truly resemble castles built by man long ago. In reality, all of this is shaped by water, wind, and time.
During the morning shoot, we'll head out again to photograph Mount Sherkala. After the shoot and breakfast, we'll visit several interesting chalk canyons, and at sunset, we'll head out to photograph the magnificent Airakty cliffs.
The Valley of Castles (Airakty) is a fitting name for this valley—the mountains here truly resemble castles built by man long ago. In reality, all of this is shaped by water, wind, and time.
Day 4
In the morning, we'll be photographing the Airakty Castles again, and then another amazing place awaits us: the Tuzbair Sor. The Sor is a type of salt marsh, a lake with no outlet. It's considered the main attraction, but we're more interested in the rock formations around the Sor itself. These amazing rocks sometimes resemble the roots of a fairytale tree, sometimes a dragon's tail. We'll also stop by a natural arch hidden at the bottom of the Sor, where we'll shoot sunset.
The Tuzbair Sor boasts a truly endless number of interesting angles, and everyone can take unforgettable—and most importantly, unique—shots here. Today, we'll dedicate the entire day to photographing the Tuzbair Sor and its beauty.
In the morning, we'll be photographing the Airakty Castles again, and then another amazing place awaits us: the Tuzbair Sor. The Sor is a type of salt marsh, a lake with no outlet. It's considered the main attraction, but we're more interested in the rock formations around the Sor itself. These amazing rocks sometimes resemble the roots of a fairytale tree, sometimes a dragon's tail. We'll also stop by a natural arch hidden at the bottom of the Sor, where we'll shoot sunset.
The Tuzbair Sor boasts a truly endless number of interesting angles, and everyone can take unforgettable—and most importantly, unique—shots here. Today, we'll dedicate the entire day to photographing the Tuzbair Sor and its beauty.
Day 5
After sunrise photography and breakfast, we'll embark on a long drive to the gem of Mangystau—the Boszhira gorge.
We'll stop for lunch at a picturesque spot along the way, and by evening we'll reach Boszhira, where it'll become clear just why this place is called the Valley of Monuments. The views here are simply incredible, both at sunrise and sunset.
We'll shoot from the upper and lower observation decks and take a short walk to one of the most majestic panoramic points on earth.
After dinner with beautiful views under the open sky, we'll drive to a hotel in the village of Zhanaezen for the night.
After sunrise photography and breakfast, we'll embark on a long drive to the gem of Mangystau—the Boszhira gorge.
We'll stop for lunch at a picturesque spot along the way, and by evening we'll reach Boszhira, where it'll become clear just why this place is called the Valley of Monuments. The views here are simply incredible, both at sunrise and sunset.
We'll shoot from the upper and lower observation decks and take a short walk to one of the most majestic panoramic points on earth.
After dinner with beautiful views under the open sky, we'll drive to a hotel in the village of Zhanaezen for the night.
Days 6 - 7
We'll spend one full day filming in the Boszhira ravine, where we'll have breakfast. The next day, another fascinating location awaits us: the Tiramisu (Kyzylkup) Gorge and Mount Bokty. These closely spaced rock formations are striking in their vibrant and varied colors, from bright white to rich red and orange. The rocks appear to be composed of thin layers of color. Particularly unique shots can be obtained here from a drone, where the camera points vertically downward, capturing stunning multicolored textures. This is a particularly good spot for drone photography.
Overnight at a hotel in Zhanaezen.
We'll spend one full day filming in the Boszhira ravine, where we'll have breakfast. The next day, another fascinating location awaits us: the Tiramisu (Kyzylkup) Gorge and Mount Bokty. These closely spaced rock formations are striking in their vibrant and varied colors, from bright white to rich red and orange. The rocks appear to be composed of thin layers of color. Particularly unique shots can be obtained here from a drone, where the camera points vertically downward, capturing stunning multicolored textures. This is a particularly good spot for drone photography.
Overnight at a hotel in Zhanaezen.
Day 8
Today, after the morning shoot, we'll head to Aktau, where we'll return to our hotel on the Caspian Sea, visit the sauna, and have a spa treatment. The next day, we'll be ready to fly home.
Today, after the morning shoot, we'll head to Aktau, where we'll return to our hotel on the Caspian Sea, visit the sauna, and have a spa treatment. The next day, we'll be ready to fly 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 hotels
* Entrance fee to the National Park
* Guide services, photography guide assistance
* Individual meeting and seeing off at the airport.
* Three meals a day, except meals in Aktau (breakfasts only)
* Travel by SUV along the route
* Accommodation in hotels
* Entrance fee to the National Park
* Guide services, photography guide assistance
* Individual meeting and seeing off at the airport.
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, 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
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