Overview
Aktau is a young city founded as a uranium mining town, now Kazakhstan's only port. It serves as a base to explore ancient Sufi pilgrimage sites and natural wonders like the Karagiye Depression and Fire Mountain.
Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Nature
Before you go
Connectivity
4G from all Kazakh carriers. Patchy on approach highways.
Etiquette
No public drinking; dress modestly at shrines.
Language
Russian and Kazakh spoken. Very little English.
Money
Prices are high, with markups of 100-300% on Western goods. Best to buy essentials before arriving.
Safety
Watch for glass on beaches and water snakes. Police often demand 1000 tenge bribe for public drinking.
Transport
City bus 70 tenge. Taxi flag 200-400 tenge. Streets unnamed; addresses use district-building-apartment.
Water
Water shortages are common. Do not drink tap water.