Tuzbair is a spectacular destination for capturing unforgettable photos of a journey through Mangystau. This vast white salt plain, stretching 15 by 4 kilometers, unfolds beneath the stunning white cliffs of the Ustyurt Plateau. The salt field appears to stretch infinitely, creating mirages and lake-like illusions on hot days, while the 60-meter cliffs above are intricately adorned with patterns and shapes carved by wind and water over millions of years.
The cliffs around Tuzbair date back tens of millions of years and were once the seabed of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Today, it’s still possible to find traces of this prehistoric ocean life along the slopes below the plateau, where small shark teeth and sea urchin skeletons occasionally appear, though they’re often hidden under a fine layer of white dust and dirt.
Tuzbair Salt Flat is especially breathtaking in spring after the rains, when a water layer transforms it into a mirror that stretches for kilometers. Even in dry weather, however, the ground remains somewhat viscous, softening as one moves away from the Ustyurt cliffs. Visitors are advised to walk barefoot or in rubber boots, as driving deep into the salt flat is risky—vehicles can easily get stuck. It’s best to stay within 200 meters of the cliffs and follow the tracks left by previous travelers.
The salt flat also has its own unique landmark: the Arch! This natural chalk archway, towering over 15 meters, was shaped by the erosion and collapse of nearby rocks. While it’s possible to walk through it, some agility is required to navigate the passage.
Summers on the Tuzbair are intensely hot and bright, while winters bring sharp winds and steppe frosts, making the ideal months to visit April, May, September, and October. Sunglasses are essential even during these mild months, as the white salt flat and cliffs reflect an intense, dazzling light year-round.
One of the most remote sights in Mangystau, Tuzbair Salt Flat is 270 kilometers northeast of Aktau, with the last 40 kilometers navigable by a decent dirt road with some elevation changes. Tuzbair is often included in extended tours of Mangystau, visited after an overnight stay near Mount Sherkala or the Ayakty Castle Valley, reducing the trip to only 150 kilometers.