Bozzhyra to receive new tourist facilities in 2026
Governor of the Mangystau region Nurdaulet Kilybay stated that construction of the road to the Bozzhyra natural landmark — popular with tourists for its surreal landscapes, often compared to Martian terrain — began this year. The building of the visitor center in the picturesque area has been completed and is set to open its doors in 2026.
During a briefing at the Central Communications Service, Kilybay reported on tourism development in the region. According to him, one of the priorities is the promotion of trips to Bozzhyra. This year, construction began on a 13.2-kilometer road to the site, and next year, the site is scheduled to be connected to the electricity grid.
«The construction of the visitor center in the Bozzhyra tract is complete, and it will be put into operation for the upcoming tourist season. As you know, the nature of Mangystau shares many similarities with that of Saudi Arabia. We have studied their experience, and as a result defined the development plan for Bozzhyra gorge and negotiated with investors,» Kilybay said.
According to the governor, three projects will be implemented at the natural landmark from 2026 to 2029, with a total value of roughly $34.4 million.
Furthermore, the initiatives include the development of motorhome travel in the region. In 2026, projects are set to be implemented to create infrastructure for motorhomes, including the construction of glamping facilities on Mount Sherkala.
Notably, the idea of building a hotel in Bozzhyra was first proposed in 2020. At that time, the situation drew the attention of the president, who instructed that the project be reconsidered.
At the beginning of 2025, the concept for the Bozzhyra visitor center was presented. The new center is expected to accommodate up to 40,000 tourists per year. Later, Pana Asia, the company responsible for constructing the visitor center, unveiled its project. It includes the construction of 17 glamping units, 50 hotel rooms, and a visitor center covering a total area of up to 450 square meters. All facilities are planned to blend harmoniously with the landscape.
