Kazakhstan · Caspian · Mangystau · Founder-led

The Limestone
Road

One of the most otherworldly landscapes on earth. Canyons, salt flats, multicoloured mountains, and almost no one else out there.

Duration
~10 Nights
Desert Nights
4–5 Wild
Led by
Founder
Experience
None Req.
Next Departure
2027 TBC

The Adventure

Not Like Any Desert You've Seen Before.

The Mangystau region of Kazakhstan is jaw-dropping in a way that's hard to describe until you're standing in it. Multicoloured canyons, vast salt flats, chalk formations, Caspian coastline, Bactrian camels wandering across the steppe. It feels genuinely alien — because it used to be.

The Ustyurt Plateau, which dominates the region, was the floor of the ancient Tethys Ocean over 100 million years ago. As the ocean receded and tectonic plates shifted, the seabed was pushed upward, leaving behind compressed limestone, chalk and clay formations layered in extraordinary colours. You can still find fossilised shark teeth and sea urchin skeletons in the cliff faces. Wind and water have been carving the plateau ever since.

In June 2026 we head into the Mangystau for the first time, an exploratory expedition to find the routes, the camps, and the hidden gems. The June trip is full. The full adventure launches in 2027 and we're taking names now.

01
June 2026: Fully Booked.
Our first Kazakhstan expedition is sold out. We're heading into the Mangystau to find the routes, the camps, and the hidden gems. The full adventure launches in 2027.
02
2027 Departures Planned.
We're taking names now for 2027. Exact dates and pricing confirmed after the June trip. Register your interest and you'll be first to know.
03
The Most Otherworldly Landscape We Run.
Salt flats, limestone canyons, chalk formations, Caspian coast and Bactrian camels. Nothing else looks like this.

The Landscape

An alien world four hours from a city.

The Mangystau feels remote, and it is. But Aktau, a mid-sized city on the Caspian Sea, is always within a few hours' reach. We start there: hotel on the coast, vehicles loaded, then into the dust the next morning.

The plateau sits between the Caspian and Aral Seas and spans over 200,000 square kilometres across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The Kazakh section, the Mangystau, is the most dramatic. The cliffs at Bozzhyra drop 100 metres into ancient canyon floors. The Tuzbair salt flat glimmers white under the Caspian sun. The Karynzharyk depression sits 75 metres below sea level, the second deepest depression on earth.

The Silk Road passed through here in the 6th century. Underground rock mosques are carved into the cliff faces. Bactrian camels wander across the steppe as if you aren't there. This is one of the least-visited landscapes of this quality anywhere on earth.

How It Works

Same Scarab DNA.
Different Planet.

The self-drive 4×4 format is identical to Morocco. Vehicles waiting in Aktau. Tibet leads from Car 1, coaches over the radio, manages all safety. You drive, set up camp, take turns cooking.

The terrain is different, less technically demanding on the driving, but arguably more rewarding on the eye. Salt flats, canyon tracks, dune fields, open steppe. The most otherworldly landscape we run. Worth every kilometre.

The Shape of the Trip

~10 Nights. Aktau to the Mangystau and Back.

This is a recce, the exact route evolves as we discover it. Below is the intended shape of the week.

DAY 1
DAY 1
Fly into Aktau. Hotel on the Caspian coast.
Collect vehicles, load equipment. Last proper shower for a while.
⌂ Hotel, Aktau
DAY 2
DAY 2
Stock up. Desert briefing. Head into the Mangystau.
Last supermarket run, radios tested, into the dust.
★ Wild camp
DAYS 3–7
SUN–THU
Deep exploration. Salt flats, canyons, dune fields.
Each day a discovery. Routes decided by what we find. Camp where it's beautiful.
★ Wild camp ×4–5
DAYS 8–9
FRI–SAT
Return to Aktau. Boutique hotel. Caspian sunset.
Hot showers, good food, debrief on what we found.
⌂ Hotel, Aktau
DAY 10
FINAL DAY
Fly home.
You've helped build something. The desert hangover hits somewhere over Europe.
→ UK

Included

What to bring

A sleeping bag, a head torch, and basic outdoor clothing. That's it.

Not Included

Dates & Availability

Book Your Place

Max 4 vehicles per departure · Recce guests get priority on future Kazakhstan trips
Fully Booked
Jun 2026
~10 nights · Kazakhstan · Founding Expedition
Our first Kazakhstan departure is sold out. Full adventure launches in 2027.
Taking Names Now
2027
May · June · September · ~10 nights each
Exact dates and pricing confirmed after the June 2026 expedition. Register your interest and you'll be first to know when they open.
Register Interest Ask Tibet

Common Questions

FAQs

What's different about Kazakhstan vs Morocco? +
The landscapes are completely different: salt flats, limestone canyons, chalk formations and steppe rather than sand seas. Less technical on the driving, but arguably the most otherworldly landscape we run. Far less visited than Morocco. The Scarab format is the same: self-drive 4×4, wild camping, founder-led.
When will 2027 dates and pricing be confirmed? +
After our June 2026 expedition we'll confirm exact dates and pricing for the 2027 departures. Register your interest now and you'll be the first to know, and first in line to book.
Do I need a visa for Kazakhstan? +
UK and most EU passport holders can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. We'll confirm requirements for your specific nationality when you book.
How do I get to Aktau? +
Most routes go via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) or Frankfurt. Aktau airport (SCO) has regular international connections. We'll advise on the best flights once you're booked.
Can I come solo? +
Absolutely. Solo travellers are paired with another solo for the vehicle. You can share a hotel room or upgrade to a private room.
The Limestone Road — Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan · June 2026 full · 2027 dates TBC · Taking names now
2027 — Register Now
Register Interest