Abdulhamid Hamid Al-Kba

The Mangystau region in western Kazakhstan is revealing itself as one of the most prominent rising tourism destinations in Central Asia, combining breathtaking wild nature with deep cultural heritage that includes more than 362 sacred sites, alongside rapid development in infrastructure.

In 2025, the region achieved a remarkable milestone by ranking third nationwide in attracting foreign tourists, reflecting growing international interest in this hidden gem on the shores of the Caspian Sea. With its landscapes resembling other planets, historical sacred sites, and ambitious future projects, Mangystau has become an indispensable destination for those seeking an authentic and diverse tourism experience—especially for tourists from Arab and Gulf countries, who find in its deserts and natural scenery a stunning similarity to some areas in the Arabian Peninsula.

This region, which for a long time remained away from the spotlight, has begun gaining global fame thanks to its unique beauty that combines vast deserts, strange mountains, and tranquil coasts, making it ideal for adventurers, nature lovers, and those interested in history and culture alike.

In notable tourism achievements in 2025, during a media briefing held on December 23, 2025, at the Central Communications Service, the Governor of Mangystau region, Nurdaulet Kilybay, announced impressive figures reflecting the rapid growth in the tourism sector. The region welcomed more than 350,000 foreign tourists during the first nine months of the year alone, earning it the third place across Kazakhstan in attracting international visitors.

This number is not just a statistic; it is living proof of Mangystau’s transformation from a remote area into a major tourism destination. The volume of tourism services provided reached approximately 17.2 billion Kazakh tenge, equivalent to about 36.5 million US dollars, recording a notable increase of 13% compared to the previous year. This growth reflects not only the rise in visitor numbers but also improvements in service quality and diversity of tourism offerings, contributing to strengthening the local economy and creating new job opportunities.

The growing international interest is supported by extensive media coverage, with global outlets like the BBC describing the region’s landscapes as “from another world,” encouraging more European, Asian, and American tourists to visit.

In 2025, Mangystau received a strong media boost that contributed to increasing its global fame, most notably the BBC coverage featuring a video showcasing the “otherworldly” natural landscapes and the region’s geological history, leading to a noticeable rise in international interest. This coverage, along with statistical achievements and new projects, makes 2025 the ideal year to visit Mangystau before it becomes more crowded in the coming years with the completion of the new airport and resorts.

Mangystau is one of the most exciting regions on Earth in terms of geological diversity, having been part of the ancient Tethys Ocean seabed millions of years ago, resulting in unique natural formations found in only a few places around the world.

Among the most prominent landmarks is Bozhira Valley, considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Central Asia, with its towering white cliffs resembling giant fangs overlooking vast plains, and strange rock formations that appear hand-carved. Visitors spend long hours exploring this valley, especially at sunset when the colors transform into a captivating artistic painting.

No less stunning is the Ustyurt Plateau, a massive desert plateau offering endless panoramic views of the desert and sharp cliffs dropping directly into the Caspian Sea. Mount Sherkala resembles a crouching lion guarding the area, with ancient legendary stories told about it. In Torysh Valley, thousands of mysterious spherical rock balls are scattered, some reaching two meters in diameter, with scientists still debating their natural formation causes. Similarly, Tamshaly Canyon features flowing springs amid dry rocks, creating rare green oases in the heart of the desert.

The western coast of the Caspian Sea in Aktau and its surroundings offers clean sandy beaches and clear waters, with opportunities for swimming and water sports in calm atmospheres away from the crowds of traditional destinations.

This natural diversity makes Mangystau ideal for eco-tourism and geological tourism, attracting scientists, photographers, and adventurers from around the world. In addition to its natural beauty, Mangystau is rich in cultural heritage dating back thousands of years, having been a passage for the ancient Silk Road and home to nomadic tribes. The most prominent sites are underground mosques carved into rocks, such as Beket-Ata Mosque, built by the famous Sufi in the 18th century and considered a spiritual shrine visited by thousands annually. The mosque is carved inside a natural cave, accessible via rugged roads that add to its sanctity.

Similarly, Shakpak-Ata, Karaman-Ata, and Sultan Epe mosques are all intricately carved into rock walls, containing ancient inscriptions and writings.

These sites are not merely religious landmarks but testimonies to unique architecture that integrates with nature. Ancient cemeteries dating to the Middle Ages and rock carvings depicting nomadic life and animals also exist, offering visitors a journey through history. Local culture remains alive through nomadic traditions, traditional music, and authentic Kazakh hospitality experienced in traditional yurt camps.

In 2025, Mangystau witnessed a qualitative leap in tourism infrastructure with the opening of several major projects. Among the most prominent are the second phase of the Omir residential tourism complex, the Wyndham Garden Aktau and Sherstan luxury hotel complexes, in addition to the renovation of the historic Dostar Hotel. The multi-functional Akqu Resort & Camp center also opened on the Caspian Sea coast, dedicated especially to children’s and family activities, enhancing the region’s appeal for family tourism.

At the same time, rapid work is underway on constructing a health resort complex based on natural thermal waters known for their therapeutic properties.

Future plans are even more ambitious. The region plans to implement 17 major investment projects in the tourism sector from 2025 to 2029, with total investments reaching 198 billion tenge (approximately 415 million US dollars).These projects will contribute to providing more than 800 direct jobs, in addition to thousands of indirect ones. Among the most important is the construction of a modern visitor center in the Bozhira area, scheduled to open in the upcoming tourist season as an organized starting point for tours. The plan also includes modernizing railway stations in Mangystau, Shetpe, and Beineu, and building a new international airport in the Kendirli area, where construction has actually begun and will open new horizons for direct flights from major European, Asian, and Gulf cities, greatly facilitating access for international tourists.

Tourism Activities and Tips for Visitors Mangystau offers a wide range of tourism activities suitable for different tastes and ages. The most popular are jeep safaris through valleys and deserts in four-wheel-drive vehicles, allowing visitors to explore remote areas with local guides who narrate the region’s stories. Overnight camping under a clear sky full of stars, away from light pollution, is also recommended for a unique experience of tranquility and contemplation. Sports enthusiasts can ride horses or camels with local tribes, dive or swim in the Caspian Sea, or even fish in permitted areas. For those interested in culture, special tours to sacred sites are available, often on foot or horseback. Families can enjoy the facilities at Akqu Resort or the quiet beaches.

The best times to visit are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when temperatures are moderate (15-25 degrees Celsius), while summer reaches 40 degrees and winter drops below zero. It is advisable to book organized tours in advance through reliable tourism companies in Aktau, and to carry layered clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sufficient water, especially since most areas are remote and lack facilities. Respect local traditions, particularly at sacred sites, by wearing modest clothing and not photographing without permission.

Thus, Mangystau represents a successful and inspiring model of how a remote region with enormous natural potential can transform into a global tourism destination through thoughtful investment and preservation of identity. The major achievements in 2025—from record tourist numbers to the opening of modern projects, alongside ambitious plans for the coming years—make it the future destination in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Whether you are an adventurer seeking excitement or a traveler desiring peace, Mangystau awaits you to discover one of the universe’s secrets on Earth. With its ongoing development, this hidden jewel will continue revealing more of its secrets, inviting millions of visitors to explore its unique charm in the years ahead.