Aktau Tourist Places to Visit in Aktau, Kazakhstan, Asia

Aktau Tourist Places to Visit in Aktau, Kazakhstan, Asia

Aktau is sited on the Asian continent in the country, Kazakhstan towards the west. The place was once known by the name Shevchenko. Aktau falls under the Mangystau Province and also forms the center of operation for the province. The main port of the country, Kazakhstan is located at the coastal region of Aktau facing the Caspian Sea and is one of the largest cities on the western front of the country. When translated to English the word Aktau means “White Mountain”. Addresses of any place in Aktau does not have any names, instead just numbers. The geographical coordinates puts Aktau at 43⁰39’ N and 51⁰9’ E. Aktau spans over an area of 140 km². During summer season the average temperature is 26⁰C and in winter temperature drops to -1⁰C.

History of Aktau:

As per Archeological finding’s, Aktau was first ruled by the ancient Scythians tribes. In the year 1961 the place Aktau was under the Russian and Soviet rule. The place was then used for the development of Uranium ore found in the region. In the year 1963, Aktau was declared a city and many establishments took place. From the period 1963 to 1991 Aktau was known as Shevchenko. The city so named after a poet, Taras Shevchenko who lived in exile in Aktau and hailed from Ukraine. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan was separated and became an independent country. Later in 1991, the place name Shevchenko was changed to Aktau. Oil mining is one of the main industries apart from the atomic industry located in this region.

People, Food & Culture of Aktau:

Languages spoken by the people of Aktau are Kazakh and Russian and Singing and dancing forms an integral part of the city. Islam is the main religion in the city which is followed by Christianity. Shopping in Aktau may cost more and has best quality of goods and entertainment facilities. Restaurants in Aktau serve continental and non continental cuisines and tourists must taste the local cuisines which are traditionally prepared.

Tourist Places in Aktau:

Aktau Beach
Second World War II Eternal Flame Memorial
MiG Monument at the Victory Mall
Regional Studies and History Museum
The Drama Theatre
Yntymak Square
Zhalau Mynbayev Monument
Taras Shevchenko Monument
Bayterek Cinema

Means of Commutation to Aktau:

Aktau has well developed roads connecting to places within Kazakhstan.

Inter city transportation is facilitated by buses and taxis.

Aktau is well connected by railways to places within Kazakhstan. There are regular train services from Mangestau railway station which is 12 km away from the city to Atyrau. There are also trains commuting passengers to places like Astana, Shymkent and Almaty.

Aktau is served by Aktau International Airport, located at the distance of 30 kms from middle of the city. The Aktau Airport caters to flights arriving and departing to and from places within Kazakhstan and other countries like Georgia, Turkey, Ukraine, Armenia, China, Amsterdam and Russia.

Aktau has a seaport located at the shores of the Caspian Sea. This port is used mostly by cargo vessels. However there are ferry services to Azerbaijan occasionally.

Accommodation Options at Aktau:

Aktau is a historical city and has some prominent hotels located in the city, that are famous for dining that range from 1 star to 5 stars offering some best services to the tourists seeking accommodation facilities in such hotels situated in Aktau. The hotels have all the latest amenities and services like free internet connection, escalators, swimming pools, doctors on call and airport shuttle. List of hotels located in Aktau are: