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Aktau is a major city on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Founded in the mid-19th century, Aktau has been prominent in Kazakhstan's economy, thanks to its rich natural sources and attractive coastline. Today, visitors from all countries travel to Aktau to swim in the blue waters of the Caspian Sea or discover the area's historical, cultural, and culinary wealth.

So, if you're planning to visit Kazakhstan soon but don't know what to do or where to go in Aktau, you needn't worry! In this Aktau travel guide, you can find all about the city.

General Information About Aktau

Aqtau Kazakhstan is one of the most popular cities in the Mangyshlak Peninsula. Aktau has a desert climate, with warm summers and frigid winters. While you can expect snowfall in winter, Aktau city almost never sees rainfall.

In Aqtau Kazakhstan, the local population speaks Kazakh as their native language, and most are able to converse in Russian fluently. However, most people don't know English - especially the older generation.

As Aktau is located by the Caspian Sea, its cuisine has many seafood-based dishes. If you're already familiar with the traditional Kazakh cuisine and want to try something more local, visiting a local diner might help you have a more immersive trip to Aktau.

Travel to Aktau

Taking a flight is the easiest way to travel comfortably to Aktau. Since the city has its own international airport, Aktau Airport, traveling to Aqtau Kazakhstan from most Eurasian cities is only a matter of hours.

Besides flights, you can also take intercity buses from other Kazakh cities for your Aktau trip. Nevertheless, as Kazakhstan is huge, traveling across the country, which usually takes a few days, might be a tiring experience. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Baku or other Caspian cities for a sea journey to Aktau.

Find Cheap Flights to Aktau

Are you looking for a comfortable trip to Aktau but don't know which airline to choose? You needn't worry; we've got you covered! Thanks to Pegasus Airlines' advantageous offers, you can find the best flight to Aktau and travel without breaking the bank.

Best Time to Visit Aktau

Since Aktau has a desert climate, summer and winter seasons see extreme opposites. That's why getting accurate Aktau tourist information is crucial to ensure you choose the right season and don't miss out on the fun you were expecting.

Spring in Aktau

Spring is a great time to visit Aktau. The city turns green, and flowers bloom, dying the landscape in various colors and tones. As the weather begins to warm, getting around the city becomes a pleasant experience. You can enjoy outdoor activities and milder temperatures in spring, as well as participate in various spring festivals organized in the town.

Summer in Aktau

Summer is the peak season in Aktau. As the weather is warm, beachgoers choose hotels near the Caspian Sea and explore the city's golden beaches. Since it's a lesser-known spot than other holiday destinations, Aktau offers a more intimate experience for visitors seeking a getaway from the city's hustle and bustle.

Fall in Aktau

While not as favorable as summer or spring, Fall is still a popular time to visit Aktau. This is thanks to the pleasant temperatures and picturesque scenes of desert landscapes transitioning into rich shades of red.

Fall in Aktau is also a time of entertaining outdoor activities and festivals, where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture. As the season marks the coming of the cold days, most residents prepare themselves for the harsh winter months.

Winter in Aktau

Aktau has a desert climate, so the city experiences extreme cold in winter. If you aren't looking for a frigid winter experience, this may not be the ideal season for you.

Aktau receives snowfall during winter, and temperatures often drop below freezing. Unfortunately, the city offers limited outdoor activities during winter.

However, denying the magnificence of the snowy winter landscapes and their stunning scenery is impossible. If you're into photography, the cold season might be the ideal time to visit Aktau and take many spectacular photographs.

Traditional Food in Aktau

Aktau is a must-see spot in the Mangyshlak Peninsula, by the shores of the magnificent Caspian Sea. While the city is popular for its picturesque landscapes and gorgeous nature, there is a significant reason to visit Aktau that most people seem to miss: Cuisine.

You can visit local restaurants to taste unique Kazakh food and add a flavorful touch to your trip. Also, as a coastal city, Aktau has an abundance of seafood-based dishes.

If you are looking for new and different flavors, you're in luck. In Aktau, you can find many restaurants serving international cuisines, such as Georgian, Turkish, Russian, Italian, and so on.

Although there are many must-try dishes in Kazakh cuisine, we can only list several in this Aktau travel guide. Below, you can find the most popular nine dishes in Aktau.

1. Beshbarmak

Beshbarmak is a popular traditional dish in Kazakhstan. Often referred to as the national dish of Kazakhstan, beshbarmak is a must-try for everyone traveling to Aktau.

The dish features a tender boiled horse and beef meat served on flavorful flat noodles. The meat's juice creates a tasty broth and soaks into the noodles, giving the dish a rich consistency. Once beshbarmak is ready, caramelized onions are placed on top to give it a sweet taste and fragrance.

2. Baursak

A traditional deep-fried bread, Baursak is a popular street food in Aktau and the rest of the country. It has a yeasty and sweet aroma, making it perfect for dipping in soups or eating alone.

Baursak is made from a simple dough of flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. While its recipe remains unchanged across the country, the shape of baursak depends on the region. In some cities, they make baursak in a square form, while in others, rectangular or circular shapes are more prominent.

3. Kazy

Kazy is a traditional sausage widely popular in Kazakhstan. It's made by seasoning ground horse meat with a blend of garlic, black pepper, and other spices. Once the seasoned horse meat is stuffed into a casing, it becomes fermented, which results in a delicious sausage with a strong taste.

Often served cold, Kazy is usually eaten with slices of bread. Kazy can sometimes be added to beshbarmak or used in other meat-based dishes. In some areas, Kazy is also used in different Plov recipes. If you are open to new tastes and flavors, Kazy is definitely a must-try dish in Aktau.

4. Tea

Kazakhs definitely love tea! Tea has been associated with traditional Kazakh hospitality and different aspects of the nation's culture for centuries. Besides its warming and fresh flavor, drinking tea is a form of welcoming visitors or spending quality time with loved ones.

The traditional Kazakh tea is usually prepared in a samovar, which is a large metal urn with a central chamber where the tea is brewed. Kazakhs almost never drink tea without snacks, such as kurt or baursak.

5. Plov

Plov is a traditional Central Asian pilaf dish made with local basmati rice and chunks of meat. Kazakh Plov is usually garnished with onions, carrots, and various spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika.

Saffron is another popular spice added to Kazakh Plov, giving the dish a golden hue and floral scent. Although a wide variety of meat is used in Plov, the most common is horse meat.

Plov might be served in a variety of ways, depending on how it's prepared. While it can be the main dish on a dinner, you can prepare it as a side dish and serve it with salads or other dishes. Another popular Kazakh dish, the famous Beshbarmak, is traditionally served together with a delicious plate of Plov.

6. Kuyrdak

A hearty meat dish, Kuyrdak is another popular dish in Aktau. Prepared with chunks of lamb or beef with onions, potatoes, and spices, Kuyrdak is similar to other traditional dishes in flavor. While it's usually eaten alone, you can try to combine Kazakh Kuyrdak with Plov to achieve a different taste.

7. Tandyr Nan

Tandyr Nan is a type of crispy bread decorated with ingredients like sesame or onion. Its name comes from Tandyr, the vertical clay oven used to cook bread.

Since Tandyr Nan is a traditional Central Asian dish, you can find different forms of it in other countries, like Uzbekistan or Turkmenistan. However, Kazakh Tandyr Nan has a distinct appearance thanks to its unique design.

Traditionally, each bakery has its own design for Tandyr Nan. As a result, preparing Tandyr Nan is more than just a profession; it's a tradition passed down through generations.

8. Manti

Manti is the name of traditional Kazakh dumplings. Compared to similar recipes, Kazakh Manti is large and very satisfying. So, during your trip to Aktau, you should definitely find a local restaurant serving manti for an unforgettable experience.

Manti is prepared by stuffing dough with a mixture of ground meat, onions, and fragrant spices and boiling it in hot water. It's often served with local yogurt and oil.

9. Kurt

Kurt is a fermented and dried cheese that can be eaten as a snack or enjoyed on its own. Made from mare's or sheep's milk, it has an intense flavor, which is what makes it popular.

The distinct ball-like shape Kurt has is achieved by cutting large chunks of cheese and air-drying until it becomes crumbly. This not only gives Kurt a unique appearance but also makes it easy to eat without using utensils.

Holidays and Festivals in Aktau

As Aktau is a popular spot for tourists and visitors, the city hosts many festivals throughout the year. In addition to these events, there are also several national holidays that celebrate the history and culture of Kazakhstan.

Following is a list of some of the national holidays in Aktau:

New Year (January 1st): One of the country's most beloved holidays, New Year marks the beginning of the new year according to European traditions.
Nauryz (March 21st-23rd): The ancient holiday of Nauryz is celebrated by almost all Central Asian nations. This special day celebrates the vernal equinox.
International Women's Day (March 8th): International Women's Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Kazakhstan. This special day aims to empower women and highlight the importance of their contribution to modern society.
Constitution Day (August 30th): Constitution Day celebrates the modern Kazakh constitution, adopted in 1995, and is one of the country's major national holidays.
Defender's Day (May 7th): Defender's Day is a national holiday dedicated to honoring Kazakh soldiers. It's celebrated on May 7th, when the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan were officially formed by the country's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Qurban Ait: A religious holiday, Qurban Ait is when Muslims sacrifice animals in the name of Allah. Celebrated as a national holiday, Qurban Ait is one of the most popular events in Muslim-majority societies. Since Qurban Ait is celebrated in accordance with the Muslim calendar, its exact dates change every year.

Places to Visit in Aktau

Visiting Aktau is an entirely different experience with the city's distinct culture, delicious cuisine, and unique atmosphere. Since Aktau was founded in the mid-19th century, there aren't many popular attractions around the city. However, this doesn't mean Aktau has nothing to offer. Here are some of the sights and highlights of Aktau:

Becket Ata Mosque: Becket Ata Mosque, or Bekete-Ata Underground Mosque, is a religious monument dating back to the 18th century. Becket Ata Mosque is known for its distinct architecture and spiritual importance. The founder of the mosque, Beket-Ata, was a famous Sufi scholar who founded many other underground mosques and a significant madrasa in the Mangyshlak Peninsula.
Rock Path: Created in 2019, Rock Path is a pedestrian path between a cliff and the Caspian Sea. It's the perfect spot to spend time, with its romantic and tranquil atmosphere. As Rock Path offers picturesque views of the sea, you can enjoy the scenery and take lots of pictures.
Mangyshlak Ethnographic Museum: You can add Mangyshlak Ethnographic Museum to your itinerary to explore the local culture and history. It takes around one hour to see the entire exhibit.
Tetysblu Theme Park: Tetysblu Theme Park is among the most popular attractions in Aktau. Offering unforgettable experiences for all visitors, the park features hotels, golf clubs, villas, and a shopping avenue.

Things You Need to Know Before Going to Aktau

We can finalize our Aktau travel guide with a few tips to make your trip more enjoyable:

Search the visa requirements for your country and apply for a Kazakhstan visa in advance - if you need to,
Learn some basic Kazakh or Russian, as most people cannot speak English fluently in Aktau,
Always carry your passport with you,
Respect the culture and dress modestly when visiting religious places,
Download offline maps, as the Internet in Kazakhstan isn't widely available.

Aktau Travel Guide