THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Travel from Aktau through Mangystau’s stone valleys, salt flats, dunes and chalk pinnacles, combining off-road travel and camping with photography. Aerial photography and camps are subject to confirmation.
Salt flats and layered cliffs
Photograph the Tuzbair salt flats and the layered red formations of Kyzylkup in changing light.
Stone balls and white pinnacles
Explore Torysh, Sherkala, Airakty and Bozzhyra for distinctive rock formations and open desert landscapes.
Desert camps and sunrise
Travel between salt flats, canyons and dunes, camping near photography areas for morning and evening sessions. Camps depend on local conditions.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Xavi Zhuang →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Xavi Zhuang
Graduated from the Photography Department of South China Normal University. Specializes in landscape, documentary, mobile and drone photography. He has provided photography lectures and training for the municipal library, the Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, the news agency of South China Normal University, the Senior Photographers Association, China Southern Power Grid, the Bao'an land bureau, UnionPay International, Standard Chartered, Ping An Bank, Bank of China, Industrial Bank, China Merchants Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Jiangsu, the coastal administration, the Capital Institute, SF Express and local community offices. Photography journeys He has led photography groups to Turkey, the Balkans, Japan, Eastern Europe, Semporna, Israel, Cuba, Iran, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Spain, Namibia, Bangladesh, Russia, Cambodia, Chiang Mai, Myanmar, Italy, Portugal and Morocco. Destinations in China include Longji, Weizhou Island, Yuanyang, Puzhehei, Bashang, Xuexiang, Beijing, Niubei Mountain, Guangwu Mountain, Huangshan, Wuyuan, Poyang Lake, Nanjing, Wuxi, Nyingchi, the Yellow River in Shaanxi, the Qiantang River, Hainan, Xiaodongjiang, Zhangjiajie, Zhongwei, Xiapu, Daocheng–Shangri-La and Ejina Banner. Selected awards and exhibitions 15th National Art Photography Competition; 2nd Shenzhen Photography Annual Exhibition; 10th PSAChina International Photography event; 2015 Toronto International TIPF Annual Excellence Award; multiple acceptances in the Austrian circuit, 2017–2019; exhibition at the 7th Dali International Photography Festival, 2018; silver award in the first Beautiful China Aerial Photography competition; second prize in the People category of the China division of the 2019 National Geographic Global Photography Contest.
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Sep 28 · Asia/Aqtaucities across China → flight to Aktau
Depart via Almaty for Aktau, with the first night in flight or transit. Listed services are the instructor’s reference flights; meeting and transfer times require confirmation.
Accommodation:In flight or in transit
DAY 02Sep 29 · Asia/Aqtauearly arrival in Aktau · Caspian city tour
After arriving in Aktau, leave luggage at Renaissance by Sulo and take time to rest. Early check-in availability and any charge require confirmation. Photograph the Caspian seafront and harbour in the afternoon and sunset in the evening, then stay at the hotel.
Accommodation:Renaissance by Sulo, Aktau
DAY 03Sep 30 · Asia/Aqtaudesert expedition begins · stone balls, a legendary mountain and the Valley of Castles
Meet the local guide in the morning and enter the Mangystau desert. Walk through the Torysh Valley of Balls and marvel at its naturally formed spherical rocks. Look up at the legendary Sherkala Mountain, explore the Jurassic clays of Kok Kala, then camp overnight in the Airakty Valley of Castles.
Accommodation:Camping at Airakty
DAY 04Oct 1 · Asia/AqtauKaratau and Tuzbair Salt Flats
Travel to Osary in the Karatau Mountains, then climb to the upper Tuzbair viewpoint for an expansive elevated panorama of the salt flats. Camp in lower Tuzbair for the night and await sunrise.
Accommodation:Camping at lower Tuzbair
DAY 05Oct 2 · Asia/Aqtausalt-flat sunrise, canyon and dunes
Welcome sunrise over the Tuzbair Salt Flats as light spreads across the salt crust. Visit Ybykty Canyon, then continue to the Senek Dunes and their rolling golden sands. Camp overnight.
Accommodation:Desert camp; site to confirm
DAY 06Oct 3 · Asia/Aqtaudesert oasis and the Caspian Sea
Visit the lively Onere Oasis, then drive to Kendirli on the Caspian coast to experience the distinctive meeting of desert and sea. Camp at Karynzharyk for the night.
Accommodation:Camping at Karynzharyk
DAY 07Oct 4 · Asia/Aqtaumorning landscapes of Karynzharyk and onward travel
Enjoy Karynzharyk's expansive early-morning scenery, with salt flats and towering cliffs particularly striking in the morning light. Continue toward the next part of the journey and camp overnight.
Accommodation:Desert camp; site to confirm
DAY 08Oct 5 · Asia/Aqtauthe Martian landscapes of Bozzhyra
Explore Bozzhyra, Mangystau's most spectacular landmark. From the upper viewpoint, take in an otherworldly panorama and its iconic fang-shaped rock pinnacles. Camp in lower Bozzhyra in preparation for sunrise.
Accommodation:Camping at lower Bozzhyra
DAY 09Oct 6 · Asia/AqtauBozzhyra sunrise · desert expedition concludes → evening departure
Flight: October 6, Aktau–Urumqi, FS7661 / 20:20 / 03:05 +1 day After a magnificent sunrise at Bozzhyra, conclude the desert expedition via Mount Bokty, Karagiye, Kazakhstan's lowest land depression, and the 'tiramisu' red rocks of Kyzylkup. Return to Aktau in the evening, with time for a meal and a brief rest in town, then transfer directly to Aktau Airport for the overnight flight home.
Accommodation:Overnight flight
DAY 10Oct 7 · Asia/Aqtauarrival back in China
Connect via Urumqi for the return journey; flights and connections require confirmation.
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Xavi Zhuang
- IncludedA seat in an off-road vehicle and a professional driver throughout the trip;
- ExcludedTips for guides and drivers;
Transport
- IncludedA seat in an off-road vehicle and a professional driver throughout the trip;
- ExcludedRound-trip international flights;
Travel details and reference schedules
The following flights are references, not confirmed group bookings. Confirm departure and transfers before booking. [Reference services] The instructor will take the following services: Outbound: September 28, Guangzhou–Almaty, CZ3083 / 16:15 / 19:45 September 29, Almaty–Aktau, DV730 / 00:40 / 04:00 Return: October 6, Aktau–Urumqi, FS7661 / 20:20 / 03:05 +1 day October 7, Urumqi–Shenzhen, CZ8923 / 09:50 / 15:00 Before booking transport, please confirm the departure and travel arrangements through this website.
Photography
- Salt flats and layered cliffs
- Stone balls and white pinnacles
- Desert camps and sunrise
Photography details
Salt flats and layered cliffs Photograph the Tuzbair salt flats and the layered red formations of Kyzylkup in changing light. Stone balls and white pinnacles Explore Torysh, Sherkala, Airakty and Bozzhyra for distinctive rock formations and open desert landscapes. Desert camps and sunrise Travel between salt flats, canyons and dunes, camping near photography areas for morning and evening sessions. Camps depend on local conditions. Salt flats and layered cliffs Stone balls and white pinnacles Desert camps and sunrise Included · An onboard generator supplying power for cameras and drones throughout the trip;
Accommodation
- 9 nights
- Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator.
- IncludedCamping equipment: tent space, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, tables, chairs and tableware;
Accommodation details
Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator. Day 1: In flight or in transit Day 2: Renaissance by Sulo, Aktau Day 3: Camping at Airakty Day 4: Camping at lower Tuzbair Day 5: Desert camp; site to confirm Day 6: Camping at Karynzharyk Day 7: Desert camp; site to confirm Day 8: Camping at lower Bozzhyra Day 9: Overnight flight Day 1 · 2026-09-28 In flight or in transit Day 2 · 2026-09-29 Renaissance by Sulo, Aktau Day 3 · 2026-09-30 Camping at Airakty Day 4 · 2026-10-01 Camping at lower Tuzbair Day 5 · 2026-10-02 Desert camp; site to confirm Day 6 · 2026-10-03 Camping at Karynzharyk Day 7 · 2026-10-04 Desert camp; site to confirm Day 8 · 2026-10-05 Camping at lower Bozzhyra Day 9 · 2026-10-06 Overnight flight 9 nights Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator. Included · Camping equipment: tent space, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, tables, chairs and tableware; Included · Starlink satellite internet equipment accompanies the group; connectivity depends on camp conditions. Included · One night in a twin room at Renaissance by Sulo, Aktau, planned for September 29. Excluded · Single supplement;
Meals
- IncludedAll meals during the desert expedition: two meals on each of the first and last days, and three meals daily on other days, prepared in the field by the accompanying cook;
- IncludedCamping equipment: tent space, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, tables, chairs and tableware;
- IncludedA one-day Aktau city tour, including lunch and dinner that day;
Visa
- ExcludedKazakhstan visa fees, if required;
A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included
Deposit in the operator’s published information
per personThis amount reflects the payment terms in the operator’s published information. When booking through this platform, follow the payment schedule shown at checkout.
Public prices may change. Checkout quotes expire at a stated time; your confirmed order records its price and payment deadlines.
Included
A seat in an off-road vehicle and a professional driver throughout the trip;
All meals during the desert expedition: two meals on each of the first and last days, and three meals daily on other days, prepared in the field by the accompanying cook;
Camping equipment: tent space, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, tables, chairs and tableware;
Travel accident insurance for the entire trip;
Starlink satellite internet equipment accompanies the group; connectivity depends on camp conditions.
An onboard generator supplying power for cameras and drones throughout the trip;
One night in a twin room at Renaissance by Sulo, Aktau, planned for September 29.
A one-day Aktau city tour, including lunch and dinner that day;
Not included
Round-trip international flights;
Kazakhstan visa fees, if required;
Single supplement;
Tips for guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and optional activities outside the itinerary;
Single-room supplements, additional local expenses and the final total must be confirmed in writing.
BEFORE YOU GO
What to know before you go
Availability and booking
Let us know if you’re interested in this trip. Availability is not updated in real time, so please contact us to check whether the trip is confirmed, how many places are available, and the final total and booking terms.
Trip information
[Transport] 1. Flights arranged by the organizing team use economy-class group tickets. Before tickets are issued, check the airline's rules for changes and refunds. 2. Flight, road and boat journey times may vary with conditions on the day. 3. The airlines and flight times listed are for guidance only. Flight changes may require minor adjustments to the itinerary. Please follow the final trip details sent before departure. [Accommodation] The total is based on two people sharing a room. We'll try to match solo travelers with a roommate of the same gender. If you prefer not to share, or no roommate is available, you must pay a single supplement for your own room. [Group meals] We aim to serve meals suited to Chinese tastes. We make sure everyone has enough to eat. [Photography] 1. Photography sessions follow the itinerary, but conditions on the day may affect how long we spend at each location. 2. Read the itinerary carefully and choose a trip that suits your health and circumstances. Skipping part of the itinerary for health or other personal reasons, or choosing not to use the arranged accommodation or transport, counts as voluntary withdrawal from those arrangements. You are responsible for your own safety while not taking part in the itinerary. 3. Stay with the group during photography sessions unless you have permission to leave. This does not apply during free time. The organizing team is not responsible for accidents that occur while you are away from the group. 4. Typhoons, blizzards or other events beyond our control may require changes to the itinerary. [Fuel surcharges] The organizing team reserves the right to adjust the amount payable if fluctuations in global oil markets lead to a substantial rise in fuel surcharges. If the team can absorb the increase, the amount payable will remain unchanged. [Before departure] 1. We'll send your final trip details no later than the day before departure. If arrangements are confirmed sooner, we'll let you know as soon as possible. 2. If the online itinerary differs from the final trip details sent before departure, the final trip details take precedence. [Optional activities at your own expense] Under the Tourism Law provisions prohibiting travel agencies from arranging optional paid activities, please contact the provider directly for details, charges and bookings if you wish to take part. If you need language assistance from a guide or tour leader, any help is provided in a personal capacity, whether paid or unpaid. It is not provided on behalf of the organizing team or the local tour operator. The organizing team is not involved in the payments, transactions or service standards for activities during free time. You are responsible for the outcome of those arrangements.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
Itinerary dates use Asia/Aqtau. Flight, transfer and other times follow the time zone stated for each location. Please confirm any time without a stated time zone before departure.