Kazakhstan / Mangystau & the Caspian / AktauAktau
The Caspian Shore and the Mangystau Desert
The Caspian port of the far west, about three hours by air from Almaty and some 2,000 km from it by road: nobody drives. A Soviet-planned town whose districts go by number, with a long sea-front promenade and beaches for July and August. Its reason to come is the Mangystau desert: Sherkala, a lone mesa shaped like a lion, the stone spheres of Torysh (the Valley of Balls), the underground mosque of Shakpak-Ata, and, further, the white cliffs of Bozzhyra. Day trips go by 4x4 with a driver; there is no public transport out there. Hot from June to August, windy and cold in winter.
Highlights
- Sherkala, the lion-shaped mesa
- Stone spheres of Torysh
- Shakpak-Ata underground mosque
- Sunset on the Caspian promenade
- Airakty's rock "castles"
Things to do
- Day by 4x4 to Sherkala, Torysh and AiraktyMorning · 9h
- Shakpak-Ata underground mosqueMorning · 4h
- Caspian promenade at sunsetEvening · 1h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: April – June, September – October
Worth knowing
Steppe and Desert Heat
From June to August the south and west of Kazakhstan pass 35-40°C by day, more in the desert. Sightsee at dawn and in the evening, carry water, cover your head, and rest indoors after lunch.