Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Aktau is a city that travelers value more for its logistics than for the location itself. While the presence of the Caspian Sea gives it a unique touch, as the most important coastal city in Kazakhstan, as a tourist destination it doesn't offer much beyond its seawall, a few beaches, and the local life that revolves around the port.
On my trip through Central Asia, I arrived in Aktau after crossing from Khiva, in Uzbekistan, with the aim of taking a flight to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. However, before leaving, I took the opportunity to tour the city and its surroundings a bit.
In this post, I tell you what to do and see in Aktau, a city where urban life meets the views of the Caspian Sea, its distinctive architecture, and the vast landscapes of the surrounding desert.
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About Aktau
Aktau is a modern city, but not one that stands out for its architecture or historical appeal. Its urban planning is quite functional, with residential areas, wide avenues and some Soviet-style buildings. Urban life revolves around the Caspian Sea, and much of the tourist interest is concentrated on the seafront and areas near the coast.
Despite being the capital of the Mangystau region and a key transportation hub, the city lacks major monuments or renowned museums. The commercial offering includes international restaurants, shops and some shopping malls, but the overall feeling is that of a functional rather than picturesque place, with Aktau primarily being a base for exploring nearby natural landscapes, such as the Ustyurt Nature Reserve.
How to get to and around Aktau
Getting to Aktau is relatively easy if you come by plane. The city has an international airport, with direct flights from several cities in Central Asia and the Caspian Sea. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is the most common connection for tourists.
It is also possible to arrive by train or bus from other cities in Kazakhstan, although connections are limited and journeys are long. Tickets can be booked in advance on the official website tickets.kz or through apps like Railways of Kazakhstan.
I arrived from Khiva, Uzbekistan, connecting with two trains on a trip that ended up being quite long, but enjoyable due to the desert views and the local people who accompanied me in the same car.
To get around the city, the most convenient option is the local buses, which cover the main avenues and the waterfront. Although Aktau is not very large, walking around the city is easy, especially if your main interest is visiting the areas near the coast.
What to do in Aktau
The most interesting thing about Aktau is undoubtedly its promenade over the Caspian Sea. It's where the city comes alive, especially at sunset, when locals come to stroll, have an ice cream, or simply enjoy the sea breeze. A stroll here is the best way to get to know Aktau's more lively side, with open views of the Caspian Sea and a relaxed atmosphere.
Beyond the waterfront, the city itself doesn't offer many tourist attractions. There are some local beaches, a couple of squares, and modern shopping centers, but nothing really stands out. However, Aktau gains importance because it functions as a jumping point to the Ustyurt Nature Reserve, a landscape that many describe as something from another planet.
The Ustyurt Plateau stretches between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Tours are organized from Aktau to stunning formations such as Boszhira Valley, with its canyons, cliffs, and light-colored rock formations that look like they were carved from another world. It's also an area where you can find archaeological remains and traces of ancient trade routes.
Although I didn't have the opportunity to visit it (it was out of my budget), what I saw in photos and what other travelers told me makes it clear that it's one of Kazakhstan's most spectacular landscapes, and undoubtedly the main reason to visit Aktau. And I must admit that after seeing the videos and photos, I regret not having paid for this tour.
How to get to the Ustyurt Nature Reserve from Aktau
The most common way to visit Ustyurt is via organized tours from Aktau. Most are one- to three-day excursions in 4×4 vehicles, as the roads within the plateau are rough and largely unmarked, at an estimated cost of USD 150 per day per person. These tours typically include transportation, a guide, and in some cases, basic meals. This is the safest and most convenient option if you are new to the area.
Another option is to rent a 4x4 with a local driver, which allows for a bit more flexibility in timing and visiting locations. However, getting around independently is difficult: signage is scarce, distances are long, and it's easy to get lost if you're inexperienced in desert terrain.
Some travelers combine public transportation to nearby towns on the plateau and then hitchhike or hire local guides, but this option requires patience and tolerance for uncertainty, and is not always recommended for those seeking safety and comfort.
In any case, Aktau remains the main base for exploring Ustyurt, as most tours depart from here and it's where you can find accommodation, vehicles, and guides with reliable information.
Organized activities in Aktau
How to get from Aktau to Baku, Azerbaijan
Until a few years ago, one of the most common ways to travel from Aktau to Baku was via a ferry across the Caspian Sea, departing from the port of Kuryk, located about 70 km south of Aktau. This journey could last between 16 and 30 hours, depending on weather conditions and the ship's load. However, this option is no longer available to tourists today, as Azerbaijan has restricted access by sea and land, allowing entry only by air.
The most convenient and economical way to travel from Aktau to Baku is by direct flight. Azerbaijan's national airline, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), offers scheduled flights between Aktau International Airport (SCO) and Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD). Flight time is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, and one-way ticket prices start at $42 USD, with round-trip options starting at $94 USD.
Where to stay in Aktau
The ideal place to stay is near the waterfront, as it's the most attractive area in the city for walking and enjoying the Caspian Sea. However, I chose Kaspi Hotel, which is a little further away, but has very good reviews and is reasonably priced.
The accommodation met expectations: the rooms were comfortable and the service was excellent. It's also not too far from the bus stop that connects to the airport or train station, making it easy to get around the city and to other destinations.
My time in Aktau was part of a much longer trip along the ancient Silk Road, which I organized entirely on my own. If you are interested in learning more about this legendary route and want to know how to travel it today, you can start from this guide article, where I detail each country I visited during this epic journey
Final recommendations
Aktau is not a destination I would recommend visiting on its own, as it is quite isolated and far from other major cities. Its main interest lies in logistics: it functions as a base for flights to other regions, or as a starting point for excursions such as the Ustyurt reserve. Unless your itinerary requires it, the rest of the city offers few attractions that warrant a trip.
Whether you plan to include it for transportation reasons or as a way between countries, the malecon remains the highlight of the trip, and it's a good idea to take advantage of your stay to rest and plan the next stage of your trip.
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