Day 1, 12 April: Arrival in Aktau

On Day 1 participants arrive in Aktau, a coastal city known for its dramatic landscapes and unique geological formations. You can get to Aktau on any flight this date, mostly via the capital – Astana or with connections via Turkish airlines. After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead. In the evening, we’ll meet at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow photographers, learn about the itinerary, and enjoy a selection of local and international dishes.

This is also an ideal time to discuss your camera gear, get tips on shooting in the desert and remote locations, and ask any questions about the upcoming days.Make sure your gear is fully charged, and don’t forget extra batteries, as remote locations can limit access to power sources. A portable charger, power bank and car charger can also be handy. We take generators to charge equipment on spot.

Accommodation: Hotel in Aktau

Day 2: Boszhira Gorge

After a hearty breakfast, we head to Boszhira Gorge, one of Mangystau’s most iconic landscapes. Known for its towering cliffs and vast, open spaces, Boszhira is a paradise for landscape photographers. We’ll spend the day exploring this alien-like terrain, capturing sweeping vistas, the famous Boszhira Fangs, and the unique shapes of the rock formations that seem to emerge from nowhere.

Photography Tip: Golden hour is especially spectacular here, with warm light casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the land. Try shooting with a wide-angle lens for expansive landscape shots and a telephoto lens to focus on details or distant features like the Boszhira Fangs.

Accommodation: Camping

Day 3: Further Exploration of Boszhira

Today, we dedicate a full day to exploring the hidden gems of Boszhira Gorge. We’ll visit additional viewpoints and venture down to the “Ship” — a fascinating rock formation that resembles a ship sailing through the desert. The diversity of the area allows for multiple perspectives and plenty of opportunities for creative photography. For sunset we move to Boszhira teeth past the gypsum columns. Spectacular views to Utah 2.0 here!

Consider using a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the blue skies, especially when shooting rock formations and salt flats.

Accommodation: Camping

Day 4: Exploring Tiramisu Rocks

Sunrise at Boszhira Gorge at the bottom of the Teeth. The next stop will be the Kyzylkup Gorge, nicknamed “Tiramisu” for its colorful, layered rock formations that resemble the famous dessert. We’ll spend the evening camping near the Tiramisu rocks, a perfect spot for shooting at sunset and sunrise. The colors and unique layers in the rock formations are perfect for both wide-angle and close-up shots. In the evening, we camp again near the Tiramisu rocks, allowing for more creative opportunities during the golden hour and into the night. There is an easy option of shooting next to camping or hiking to a bigger “Nipples” canyon.

Photography Tip: For landscape shots at sunrise or sunset, use HDR (high dynamic range) photography to capture the full range of light from the bright sky to the dark shadows on the ground. This technique will help you create well-balanced images, especially in high-contrast environments like the desert.

Accommodation: Camping

Day 5: Valley of Castles

In the morning after sunrise at Bakty mountain (aerials, drone only) or at Tiramisu – ground (camera), we pack up and head to some of Mangystau’s most striking locations: the Valley of Castles (Ayrakty) and Tuzbair lake. With its bizarre and beautiful rock formations, this area is often described as a “castle” of rocks due to the shape of the towering spires. After setting up camp, we’ll spend the day capturing the fascinating rock formations from various angles, with plenty of time to experiment with different compositions.

Photography Tip: The unique shapes and textures of the Valley of Castles lend themselves well to both wide-angle shots and detailed close-ups. Look for dramatic lighting conditions and shadow play, especially in the late afternoon or early evening. Don’t forget to shoot from multiple perspectives to capture the full scope of the landscape. Take your drone too – it is spectacular from the air!

Accommodation: Ger tents – Yurts (hotel area)

Day 6: Further Exploration of the Valley of Castles

Today, we’ll dedicate the sunrise to discovering the hidden corners of the Valley of Castles. As we explore further, we’ll encounter more stunning viewpoints and rock formations. The area’s isolation and rugged beauty offer the perfect setting for creative shots of both the landscape and the surrounding environment.

When photographing rock formations, use a polarizing filter to reduce glare from the sun. You can also experiment with long exposures to create a sense of motion in the wind-swept landscape or use the natural lines in the terrain to lead the viewer’s eye through the image.

Sunset at Tuzbair lake.

Day 7: Jurassic park

Sunrise at the alien eggs – Ammonite balls that look like alien or dinosaur eggs. One extra sunset at Valley of Castles.

Accommodation: Ger tents – Yurts (hotel area)

Day 8: Return to Aktau

In the morning, we pack up and make our way back to Aktau, a coastal city with a stunning rocky shoreline. Optionally walk along Aktau’s coastal cliff trail or just relax. Group dinner in Aktau restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 9, 19 April: Final

Heading to the airport for our flights home. Any flight is ok that day.