How are the ten days arranged?
Days 1–3 cover Altyn-Emel, the Singing Dune, Charyn, Kaindy and Kolsai, returning to Almaty. Day 4 is the flight to Aktau and a city tour. Days 5–9 follow the five-day Mangystau route. On day 10, fly to Almaty, visit Medeu and Shymbulak when timings allow, and finish with an airport or hotel transfer. The programme includes nine nights.
How much does the ten-day tour cost?
Prices per person are USD 1,700 for four travellers, USD 2,100 for three, USD 2,400 for two and USD 4,500 for a solo traveller. Group rates are based on twin or double occupancy in the hotel section. Yurt and tent-camp arrangements are agreed in advance. Shymbulak cable-car tickets are included. Almaty–Aktau and Aktau–Almaty flights, along with additional hotel nights after the tour, are paid separately.
Which air tickets are paid separately?
Almaty–Aktau and Aktau–Almaty flights, as well as international air tickets, are excluded. Agree flights with us before buying tickets: Aktau sightseeing is planned on day four, and Shymbulak plus the final transfer on day ten.
Where are the nine nights spent?
One night each in Basshi, Saty and Almaty, plus two hotel nights in Aktau before and after the Mangystau route. There is one night at Kogez ethno-village and three tent nights at Saura, Tuzbair and Bozzhyra. A yurt can be requested in Saty. Your guide selects exact campsites according to local conditions.
What facilities are available at the camps?
The camps are at natural sites with basic outdoor conditions. Washing and toilet arrangements and the equipment provided are confirmed before booking. Yurts may have shared bathroom facilities. Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm layers and protection from sun and wind.
Can walks be shortened?
Yes. Your guide chooses accessible viewpoints and walking distances to suit the group. Long drives and uneven tracks remain part of the trip. Tell us in advance about children, mobility needs and comfort requirements.
Is Shymbulak always possible on the last day?
We plan the visit after an early arrival in Almaty, subject to suitable weather and cable-car operation. The time available depends on your flight, traffic and any onward departure. If you stay in Almaty, the tour ends with a hotel transfer; additional accommodation is paid separately.
Are the Aktau Mountains and Aktau city the same place?
No. The Aktau Mountains are in Altyn-Emel National Park in southeastern Kazakhstan and are visited on day one. Aktau city is on the Caspian coast in western Kazakhstan; you fly there from Almaty before the five-day Mangystau section.
How do I book?
Send your dates and group size. A manager agrees the route, preferred stops, accommodation and dietary needs with you. After you confirm the itinerary and total price, pay a 20% deposit: we secure your guide and then reserve the agreed accommodation. The remaining 80% is due on day one; payment in US dollars is available. For direct Silk Travel bookings, cancellation 14 calendar days or more before the start receives a refund of 100% of the amount paid; with less notice, the 20% deposit is non-refundable. Third-party bookings follow their platform terms.
Are the tours private?
Yes. Every tour is for your own party, including solo travellers. We do not run join-in groups or add you to another booking. Your English-speaking guide adapts walks, stops and time at locations to your interests and ability within the agreed itinerary. Extra days, accommodation upgrades and optional paid activities are quoted separately.
What vehicles do you use?
All our vehicles are comfortable, air-conditioned and undergo technical inspections. For groups of up to 4 guests, we use off-road-capable Toyota Land Cruiser or Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs. For 5 guests, we use a Toyota Sequoia SUV. For groups of more than 5 guests, we use a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
What if prices differ by group size?
The price depends on group size. Send your dates and the number of people and a manager will confirm the exact offer.
Can you arrange halal meals, vegetarian food and food allergies?
Yes. Vegetarian and halal meals can be arranged in advance, with food adapted to guests’ preferences. Tell us about allergies before booking. A severe allergy requires individual discussion and confirmation of arrangements, including any needed controls against contact with the allergen. Check the chosen tour’s meal inclusions: meals are paid separately on some itineraries.
Do you provide child car seats?
Yes. We provide a child car seat on advance request. Tell us the child’s age and height when booking so we can prepare a suitable seat before the tour starts.
How can I stay connected during the trip?
On routes through Almaty, Bishkek or Karakol, you can buy a local SIM card along the way; tell us if you would like help. Mobile coverage depends on the operator and may be unavailable in remote mountain areas.
