Mangystau is one of the most extraordinary and least-visited regions in Kazakhstan, offering photographers a landscape that feels truly otherworldly.
Ancient seabeds, vast desert plains, towering limestone formations, and surreal salt flats combine to create a unique landscape.
Over the course of a week, I explored this remote corner of western Kazakhstan, photographing its dramatic geology, vibrant colour palettes, and immense sense of scale.
In this guide, I’m sharing 8 photo locations in Mangystau, Kazakhstan, that stood out to me.
Whether you’re a landscape photographer, drone enthusiast, or simply love capturing beautiful destinations, these spots will provide incredible opportunities for stunning shots.
As a disclaimer, this is not a complete list of all the photo locations in Mangystau. This is just my experience of one week exploring this amazing landscape.
Youtube Vlogs
I’ve listed the videos I created during my trip so you can see some behind-the-scenes of how I captured these images as well as some tips to get the most out of your visit. Alternatively you can visit my Youtube Channel.
Drone Photography in Mangystau
Many of Mangystau’s landscapes are best appreciated from above. The vast scale, intricate patterns, and dramatic geology are far more striking from the air, making a drone essential for capturing the region’s uniqueness.
While ground-based shots can be strong, aerial perspectives add an entirely new dimension. I used my drone extensively during this trip, and many of the images below were captured this way.
1) Karynzharyk
Karynzharyk is a vast depression and one of the lowest points in Central Asia – dropping more than 70 metres below sea level. Its vast salt flats and isolated rock formations, create one of the most dramatic and remote landscapes in Mangystau.
The journey to get to this location is long and bumpy, but the views are worth it.
Near the cliff edge you’ll find interesting and unusual patterns that work perfectly as a foreground.
2) Mount Bokty
Mount Bokty stands out for its layered bands of colour, formed millions of years ago on the floor of the ancient Tethys Sea.
At sunset and sunrise, you’ll see beautiful golden light illuminate the very top of the mountain.
This is one location that really inspired me to visit Mangystau and is probably my most favourite location visited during the trip.
My tip is to photograph well before the sun rises. The soft purple hues of pre-sunrise accentuates the beautiful colours in the rock.
Depending on the time of year, you’ll find cracked mud that works as an ideal foreground.
3) Mount Bokty Area
The wider area around Mount Bokty has so much potential, best captured from the air. Beautiful shapes, textures and patterns in the rock formed over millions of years.
It’s worth spending some additional time in the area to explore. My advice is to also spend some time before the trip looking at Google satellite maps to identify some areas worth exploring.
Mangystau is largely undocumented, so you’ll have the chance to create unique compositions.
4) Tiramisu Hills
Named for its layered colours, the Tiramisu Hills feature rippling bands of red, white, and orange flowing across the desert. Early morning light works best here, revealing delicate textures and soft tones.
When I next come back to Mangystau, I want to explore this area much more. I was happy with the images I captured but I know there’s much more potential.
5) Dragon’s Crest
Dragon’s Crest is a narrow, jagged ridgeline rising sharply from the desert floor, resembling a spine cutting through the landscape.
Side light helps here to emphasise the shape and scale of this location.
This location will probably be the busiest you’ll come across but it’s still an amazing location.
I found sunset to be a better time to photograph this location. At sunrise, the sun takes a long time to rise above the cliff to illuminate the crest.
6) Bozjyra
Bozjyra is arguably the most iconic location in Mangystau. Fangs rise sharply out of the desert, two white limestone spires sculpted from the ancient seabed and carved by millions of years of wind and rain.
This is an excellent location for a self-portrait shot to emphasise the scale of this location. The surrounding area is outstanding here so be sure to take in your surroundings.
7) Tuzbair Salt Flat
Tuzbair is a vast salt pan formed from an ancient sea, with towering salt formations along its edges, which are very unique.
After rainfall, a shallow pool of water will create a mirror-like surface, creating stunning reflections that feel almost otherworldly.
8) Airakty
Airakty is a collection of jagged limestone peaks rising from the desert.
There are a few different locations to explore with the camera here but it is best captured using the drone, like a lot of the locations in Mangystau.
We had some overcast conditions on our visit here but a gap in the clouds provided some nice golden light on the peaks.
Thank You
Thanks for viewing. I hope you found this article helpful and inspired you on your adventure to Mangystau, Kazakhstan. Feel free to comment on this article or drop me a message on social media if you have any further questions.
As I mentioned in the opening part of the article, there is a lot more to photograph in Mangystau and this is simply my personal experience.
