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.
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