Kazakhstan Overlander

Next Departure Dates:
12-20 April 2027 - Join Waitlist
23 April - 1 May 2027

Join us for a 4x4 adventure through the wild and remote landscapes of western Kazakhstan.

Starting in Aktau, we’ll head out into the Mangystau region, travelling along remote desert tracks and exploring dramatic cliffs, canyons and ancient rock formations. Along the way, we’ll visit some of the region’s most spectacular viewpoints, aiming to be in the right places at the right time for the best light. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to get out of the vehicles, explore on foot, take photos and simply take it all in.

This is a proper off-the-beaten-track adventure, with plenty of 4WD action, wild camping in some incredible locations, yurt stays, traditional Kazakh food and a few local experiences along the way. With no more than nine guests, we’ll keep things relaxed and personal as we explore a part of Kazakhstan that few travellers get to see. If you enjoy remote places, good company and a bit of adventure, this trip is for you.

What makes our trips different?

With no more than nine guests, we keep our groups small and personal. Matt and Andi, will be with you throughout the trip, helping with logistics, supporting the group and making sure everything runs smoothly so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
We work closely with an experienced Kazakh team on the ground who know the region inside out. Together, we’ve put together an itinerary that takes you deep into remote areas and some of the most incredible landscapes that few travellers ever get to see, while making safety and comfort a priority throughout the journey.
Throughout the expedition, we’ll be capturing the adventure professionally, so you can focus on enjoying the experience and being present in the moment. At the end of the trip, you’ll receive a collection of photos as a little memento of the journey, something to look back on and share with friends, family or on social media.
There’ll also be plenty of opportunities to take photos together, share tips and tricks, and improve your photography, whether you’re using a camera or just your phone.

9-day/8-night trip

A 30% deposit is required to secure your place.
Final payment due 120 days before departure
For more information on payments, please refer to our Terms & Conditions

Dates

12-20 April 2027 — Join Waitlist
23 April - 1 May 2027

Price
$2,995.00 USD per person

Book Now

Inclusions

8 nights of accommodation:
- 1 night in a hotel
- 2 nights in shared traditional Kazakh yurts with shower and toilet facilities
- 5 nights in shared tents at remote camping locations
All meals, except breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 9
Drinking water and a selection of teas throughout the journey
Camping equipment, including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags
Communal camping facilities, including a dining marquee, tables, chairs, lighting and private toilet facilities
Private 4WD transport with experienced Kazakh drivers, including all fuel, vehicle-related expenses and scheduled ground transfers
English-speaking local guide throughout the expedition
Hosted throughout by Matt and Andi from Outbound Expeditions
First-aid equipment and emergency communication support
All scheduled 4WD adventures, cultural experiences and activities outlined in the itinerary
Professional expedition photography and a collection of photos to remember and share your journey
All scheduled entrance fees, national park fees and regional access permits
Traditional Kazakh bath experience in Aktau
One scheduled group airport transfer on Day 1 and one on Day 9

Exclusions

International flights to and from Aktau, Kazakhstan
Visa fees, where applicable
Accommodation outside the scheduled itinerary, including Day 0
Airport transfers outside the scheduled group transfers
Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 9
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Travel insurance (mandatory), including medical and emergency evacuation costs not covered by your policy
Tips for guides and drivers
Optional activities not included in the itinerary
Single occupancy supplements, where applicable
Personal expenses and equipment, including snacks, SIM cards, souvenirs, clothing, toiletries and power banks

Keep in mind: Our itinerary may change due to weather or local surprises, so we’ll adapt as needed.

Travel Itinerary

- Arrive in Aktau, where our Kazakhstan adventure begins. We'll meet up with the group around lunchtime and enjoy our first meal together overlooking the Caspian Sea.
- In the afternoon, we'll spend some time exploring Aktau, getting a feel for the city and learning a little about the region before heading out into the desert over the coming days.
- We'll check into our hotel in the afternoon, with some time to settle in, relax and enjoy the views over the Caspian Sea.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aktau
- We'll set off early from Aktau and head deep into the Mangystau region, leaving the city behind as we make our way into some of Kazakhstan's most remote and spectacular landscapes.
- Over the coming days, we'll explore the ancient seabed of the Tethys Ocean, travelling through vast desert plains, dramatic canyons, towering rock formations and landscapes that almost feel like another planet. With our 4WDs and experienced Kazakh team, we'll venture well off the usual tourist routes, taking our time to explore and photograph the incredible scenery along the way.
- Our days will be spent driving remote tracks, stopping at viewpoints, exploring on foot and enjoying meals surrounded by some pretty amazing scenery. We'll also get to experience traditional Kazakh food, sample local specialities like camel milk and learn more about the history and culture of the region.
- In the evenings, we'll set up camp in beautiful, remote locations, share meals and stories together and, weather permitting, enjoy some incredible stargazing far from the lights of civilisation. Along the way, we'll also stay in traditional Kazakh yurts, giving us a chance to experience another side of life in the region.
- Flexibility is a big part of this adventure. We'll adapt our route to the conditions, giving us the freedom to explore at our own pace, make the most of the best light and scenery, and hopefully find some incredible spots to enjoy all to ourselves, away from the crowds.
- This part of the journey is all about getting off-grid, enjoying the freedom of the open desert and sharing the experience with a small group of like-minded travellers. There'll be plenty of opportunities for photography, exploring and simply taking it all in.
- Accommodation: Wilderness camping and traditional Kazakh yurt stays
A note on showers: Hot showers will be available at our hotel and yurt stays, which we'll space throughout the journey so you won't have to go more than a few days without a proper shower.
Day 8: Return to Aktau & Traditional Kazakh Baths
- After an incredible few days exploring the remote landscapes of Mangystau, we’ll make our way back towards Aktau, stopping for lunch along the way.
- In the afternoon, we’ll visit a traditional Kazakh bathhouse for a well-earned chance to relax, wash off the desert dust and unwind after our adventure. Expect a mix of hot and cold baths, a unique local experience that you really have to try to understand.
- We’ll also enjoy dinner at the bathhouse before heading back to our hotel in Aktau for a relaxing evening and a comfortable night's sleep.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aktau
- Enjoy a relaxed morning at the hotel with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the Caspian Sea, sharing one last meal together as a group.
- After breakfast, we’ll check out and say our goodbyes before heading our separate ways, taking home plenty of great memories from our time exploring western Kazakhstan.
- Accommodation: None (departure day)

What makes this trip so unique?

Remote, Authentic Cultural Experience

With our 4WDs and the knowledge of our experienced Kazakh team, we’re able to venture well off the beaten track and reach some of the most remote and incredible landscapes in the Mangystau region. Along the way, we’ll explore places few travellers ever get to see, before setting up camp in spectacular locations where there’s still a real sense of comfort and community despite being miles from anywhere. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to share stories, learn about Kazakh culture and discover the fascinating history of the region. It’s a proper off-grid adventure and an experience quite unlike anything else.

Where You'll Be Staying

Sleep Under the Stars, Wake to Wild Landscapes

Authentic Desert Camping

We’ll camp in some of Mangystau’s most remote and beautiful locations, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, wide open desert and very little else. It’s simple but comfortable camping, and a big part of what makes this trip so special. There’s something pretty amazing about setting up camp in the middle of nowhere, sharing a meal together and watching the stars come out.

Along the way, we’ll also stay in traditional Kazakh yurts, giving us a glimpse into the region’s nomadic heritage while enjoying local food and hospitality. These stays are simple, with shared facilities, but offer a great opportunity to experience another side of Kazakhstan.

This isn’t luxury camping, and that’s part of the appeal. It’s about slowing down, spending time in places well away from the usual tourist trail and waking up to some pretty incredible surroundings.

Taste the Real Mangystau

Traditional Kazakh Food, Desert Hospitality

Food is a big part of the journey, and throughout the expedition we’ll get to try a variety of traditional Kazakh dishes, from hearty homemade meals and local specialities to freshly prepared food shared around camp. Expect generous portions, plenty of tea and a chance to experience the flavours and traditions that have shaped Kazakh cuisine over generations.

We’ll also have opportunities to try some of Mangystau’s more unusual local specialities, including traditional dairy products and fresh camel milk. It’s not about fancy dining, but enjoying good food, discovering new flavours and sharing meals together in some pretty incredible places.

FAQ

You’ll fly into Aktau International Airport (SCO), the gateway to Kazakhstan’s wild Mangystau region. This is where the trip begins and ends, and we’ll provide one scheduled group airport transfer on the arrival day and one on the departure day.
In April, expect mild spring days around 15–17°C (59–63°F), with cooler nights around 5–10°C (41–50°F). Rain is possible but generally limited, while wind can make it feel cooler. A full packing list will be provided upon booking, so you’ll know exactly what to bring.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many travellers, including those from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for short stays. We’ll provide guidance once you book, but it’s always best to check the latest entry requirements before travelling.
In Aktau, there’s no problem charging your devices at the hotel. Once we head out into the desert in the 4x4s, charging will be more limited, although still possible in the vehicles. Some yurt camps may have electricity, but it’s best not to rely on it. We’ll also have a larger power supply with us, but we recommend bringing a portable charger of at least 20,000 mAh to keep your devices topped up throughout the trip. Kazakhstan uses Type C and Type F plugs (European standard, 220V).
As we’ll be travelling through very remote parts of Mangystau, Wi-Fi and mobile coverage will be limited or unavailable for much of the trip. We’ll bring a Starlink Mini, so you’ll have the opportunity to connect in the evenings when we’re at camp. That said, we also encourage you to embrace the chance to switch off and enjoy being properly off the grid.
This trip is designed for adventurous travellers of all backgrounds. You don’t need any 4x4 or off-road experience, and there’s no extreme or technical driving required from you. The terrain can be bumpy, with some steep and uneven sections. The main thing to consider is motion sickness, as we’ll spend plenty of time travelling off-road in the 4x4s. Solo travellers, couples and friends are all welcome, with a small group of just 8 people.

What type of trip is this?

A 9-day, 8-night 4x4 adventure through Kazakhstan’s extraordinary Mangystau region. We’ll explore vast deserts, dramatic canyons, towering cliffs, ancient rock formations and hidden sacred sites, from Bozhira to the remote Ustyurt Plateau. With just 8 other travellers, expect a personal adventure far from the usual tourist trail.

Who is this trip for?

For adventurous travellers who want to get off the beaten track and experience somewhere truly wild and remote. Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, explorers, and anyone looking for a unique 4x4 adventure … no off-road experience needed.

Why go with us?

We take care of the planning, logistics and 4x4 adventure, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. With Andi, Matt and our experienced local team, you’ll discover Mangystau’s hidden gems, and otherworldly landscapes. Our local expert teams add insider knowledge, authentic cultural insights, and access to hidden gems you won’t find on your own.