Aktau

Travel to Aktau, Kazakhstan

Aktau is one of the most intriguing and unconventional cities in Kazakhstan. Its name translates from Kazakh as “white mountain,” a fitting description for a city that perches on a cliff made of white limestone. While the sea and beaches primarily draw tourists to this coastal town, beach vacations are not the only experiences Aktau has to offer. Nearby, you can find breathtaking, almost Martian landscapes, along with a variety of historical and religious sites.

This relatively young city emerged on the map only in the 1960s when uranium deposits were discovered in the surrounding area. From 1963 to 1991, the city was named after the great Ukrainian poet and artist Taras Shevchenko, who was exiled in this region. The poet famously remarked, “Desert, utterly devoid of any vegetation, sand and stone: not even a tree—there is nothing.” His words encapsulate the stark beauty of the surroundings.

During the Soviet era, Aktau experienced significant industrial growth, with infrastructure developed to support life in the desert. After the dissolution of the USSR, the city was renamed Aktau, marking the beginning of oil and gas exploration in the area. The burgeoning oil industry spurred the city’s prosperity and shaped its modern identity. Today, Aktau is a burgeoning tourist destination, ranking among the top ten most popular travel spots in Kazakhstan.

Aktau boasts a dry, desert climate. The average temperature in July reaches +29°C, occasionally soaring to +45°C. Winters are relatively mild, with an average January temperature of +1.4°C. Most tourists flock to the city during the summer, in the height of beach season; however, spring and autumn are equally delightful times to visit. The weather is not excessively hot, and spring brings vibrant blossoms to the desert.

As of 2022, the city has a population of around 210,000, with a rich tapestry of cultures represented, including Kazakhs, Russians, Koreans, Ukrainians, Tatars, Azerbaijanis, Chechens, and many others. Visitors can communicate effectively in both Kazakh and Russian.

Notably, Aktau does not have traditional streets. Instead, the city is divided into microdistricts, most of which are designated by numerical codes. When residents provide their addresses, they typically mention the microdistrict number, house, and apartment number, resembling a phone number. For example, a resident might have an address like 6-40-16, where “6” indicates the microdistrict, “40” the house number, and “16” the apartment number.

Due to a lack of natural freshwater sources, Aktau relies on a desalination plant, MAEK, for its drinking water supply. Seawater is evaporated to produce distilled water, which is then mixed with mineralized water from underground sources. After purification and enrichment, this water becomes suitable for human consumption.

Aktau Attractions

While Aktau may lack historical monuments due to its youth, visitors can explore the city’s seaport, the only one in Kazakhstan capable of accommodating super-heavy cargo vessels and oil tankers from abroad. Established in 1963, the port was originally intended for the transshipment of uranium ore and petroleum products.

The city’s primary allure lies in its beach tourism. The beach season runs from late June to September, with water temperatures rising to around 23°C during the summer months. Beyond swimming, Aktau offers activities such as underwater fishing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and yacht or boat excursions.

The Aktau waterfront is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, stretching along the city’s Caspian Sea coastline. In the evenings, visitors gather to relish the sea views and witness the stunning sunsets.

Another highlight is the Rock Path, a scenic walkway between the steep cliffs and the sea. From its viewing platforms, visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the ocean, enhanced by illuminating lights at night.

A unique landmark worth seeing is the lighthouse perched atop a ten-story residential building. This lighthouse is the only navigation equipment of its kind in Europe to be situated on a rooftop. To save on construction costs, the lighthouse was placed directly on the building’s roof, transforming an economical decision into an intriguing attraction.

Attractions Around Aktau

While Aktau itself is a young city devoid of historical attractions or ancient architecture, the Mangystau region boasts a millennia-long history, famous for its ancient necropolises, underground mosques, and Muslim shrines. However, to experience these sites, one must traverse tens or even hundreds of kilometers through the desert. If you are interested in the local history and culture, it’s advisable to book a tour in advance.

The Mangystau region will not disappoint nature lovers either. Millions of years ago, this area was submerged under the waters of an ancient ocean. As the ocean dried up, it left behind stunning landscapes. The Bozzhyra tract, Sherkala Mountain, and Torysh Valley are just a few of the natural wonders that will captivate your imagination.

One of the region’s key religious sites is the Beket Ata Mosque, built underground and named after its founder, a healer, educator, and religious figure. His efforts led to the construction of three mosques underground in Mangystau. Pilgrimages to the burial site of Beket Ata, venerated as a saint by Muslims, occur year-round in the village of Oglandy. The journey here may be long, but travelers will not grow bored as the route passes near another underground mosque, Shopan Ata. The Shakpak Ata Mosque, hewn into the rock, dates back to the early tenth century. On its columns, fragments of ancient frescoes remain visible, and on a well-preserved wall, a clear inscription reveals Sufi wisdom about the transience of this world.

Getting There

Aktau does not have a railway station; the nearest one is located in the village of Mangystau, about 16 kilometers away. However, the city does have an airport that services both domestic and international flights. You can fly to Aktau from Almaty, Astana, Turkestan, Uralsk, Atyrau, Aktobe, and Shymkent, as well as from cities like Moscow, Mineralnye Vody, London, Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Istanbul, Baku, and Yerevan.

The only ferry route to Aktau is from Baku. The journey takes almost a day but is more economical than flying.

Discover Aktau

From$80
1 Day

Visit Mangystau Regional History Museum
Explore Church of Annunciation
See Beket-Ata Mosque
Climb to rooftop lighthouse
Admire Taras Shevchenko Monument
Visit Caspian Riviera Oceanarium

Explore the unique history, culture, and stunning landscapes of Aktau in this one-day tour. Visit key landmarks like the Mangystau Regional Museum, the Beket-Ata Mosque, and the Caspian Riviera, and experience the local flavors and coastal views.
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Aktau Guide