Attractions around Aktau

The surroundings of Aktau draw tourists with an irresistible allure. Here, rocky deserts blend into mountain ranges, revealing unique wild landscapes that resemble otherworldly terrain. In ancient times, essential trade routes wound through these austere lands, now steeped in legends about the lives of Muslim saints, scholars, and righteous souls.

The Beket-Ata Mosque, carved into a chalky cliff, is one of four mosques originally constructed by the Sufi saint Beket-Ata Myrzagul Uly, and it remains the only one preserved to this day. This revered teacher and ascetic was known for his profound wisdom and foresight, attracting people from distant places who sought his guidance. Reaching this ancient structure, however, is no simple task. The path winds along a rugged mountain trail, navigable only with a knowledgeable guide.

Another ancient structure is the Sisem-Ata Necropolis on the Ustyurt Plateau, often referred to as the “pantheon of batyrs.” Here lie the brave warriors of the past, and local visitors come to pay homage at the graves of their ancestors. In a place of such mystique and solemnity, it’s said that those who make a journey to Sisem-Ata are granted a long life. Among the mausoleums, remarkable engravings, and diverse architectural forms, one can sense a powerful connection to the past. Scholars date some of the oldest graves here to the 10th or 11th century, and preparations are underway to secure UNESCO protection for this invaluable heritage.

The surrounding landscapes are equally stunning, featuring plateaus and winding gorges that open to travelers with views that astonish. Among these wonders is the Valley of Balls, located near the base of the Karatau Mountains. This enigmatic valley is filled with spherical stone formations, whose origins continue to baffle scientists. The stones, some say, emanate a mysterious energy yet to be explained by science.

Then there is the Ustyurt Plateau, stretching between the Kara-Bogaz-Gol Bay and the Aral Sea. Believed by scientists to be the remnants of an ancient seabed from the Cenozoic era (around 21 million years ago), the plateau boasts raw, untamed landscapes shaped by nature itself. In the Soviet era, the Ustyurt State Nature Reserve was established here, home to rare, unique plant species as well as wild animals and birds that thrive in this stark environment.

Lake Saura appears as a verdant oasis amid the desert’s vast expanse. The lake’s banks are graced by centuries-old willows and lush thickets of rakita shrubs. Interestingly, the lake comprises two separate parts, located 500 meters from each other. Locals call such twin lakes “doppelgangers,” though another poetic name often arises – “two halves of a broken cup.” This stunning lake is nestled close to the Saura Gorge.

Between two ridges in the Karatau Mountains, 170 km from Aktau, stands Mount Sherkala, an almost perfectly round mountain. Known variously as the bowl mountain, the yurt mountain, or the sphinx mountain, Sherkala was once a stronghold along the Great Silk Road. It’s believed that a nearly impregnable fortress once perched at its peak, protecting Mangystau from invaders. Legends speak of spirits inhabiting Sherkala’s many caves, and only the brave dare to explore these dark depths. Poets extol its splendor in verse, drawing inspiration from its mythic allure.

These are only a few of the marvels around Aktau. Traces of ancient cultures, local artisans practicing unique crafts, and delectable national dishes abound, making every discovery a feast for the senses. Visitors can set out on hikes or even horse treks, while nights bring vast, starlit skies that feel timeless. The mountain air is pure and transparent, with a profound silence that suggests an encounter with eternity.