Mangghystaū, Kazakhstan
Region: Mangghystaū
Geographic Coordinates: 43.690500, 51.141700
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 30.0°C (-40°F to 86°F)
Climate: Desert climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Population: 147443
Language: Kazakh
Mangghystaū is a region located in the southwestern part of Kazakhstan and borders the Caspian Sea to the west. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, Which includes vast deserts, Rugged mountain ranges, And picturesque coastline. The region has a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years and offers visitors an opportunity to explore ancient ruins, Traditional villages, And unique local cuisine. One of the most popular destinations in Mangghystaū is the Ustyurt Plateau.
This vast desert landscape covers an area of over 200, 000 square kilometers and is home to some of Kazakhstan’s most stunning natural wonders such as canyons, Rock formations, And underground caves. Visitors can take guided tours to explore these unique geological features or simply enjoy hiking through this pristine wilderness. Another must-see attraction in Mangghystaū is the ancient city of Kyzylkala. This historic site dates back over 2, 500 years ago and was once an important center for trade along the Silk Road. Today visitors can explore its well-preserved ruins including its impressive city walls and watchtowers.
For those interested in learning more about traditional Kazakh culture, There are several small villages scattered throughout Mangghystaū that offer a glimpse into daily life in rural Kazakhstan. Visitors can stay with local families who will provide them with traditional meals made from locally sourced ingredients such as lamb or horse meat. Mangghystaū also boasts some beautiful beaches along its Caspian Sea coastlines such as Aktau Beach which stretches for miles along crystal-clear waters making it perfect for swimming or sunbathing during summer months
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage sites, Mangghystaū has been recently developed into one of Kazakhstan’s major oil-producing regions contributing significantly towards country’s economy. The region’s capital city Aktau serves as an important commercial hub for oil companies operating within this area. Overall, Mangghystaū is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a chance to explore Kazakhstan’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in hiking through the desert, Exploring ancient ruins or experiencing traditional Kazakh culture, This region has something for everyone.
- The Valley of Balls: A natural phenomenon where spherical rocks of various sizes are scattered across a desert landscape.
- Sherkala Mountain: A stunning natural landmark with a distinct cone-shaped peak that rises up from the surrounding plains.
- Aktau Mountains: A range of colorful mountains that provide breathtaking views and excellent hiking opportunities.
- Beket-Ata Underground Mosque: An ancient mosque located in a cave system that dates back to the 18th century.
- Zhanaozen City Park: A popular park in Zhanaozen city with beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Karagiye Depression: One of the largest depressions on Earth with unique geological formations and diverse flora and fauna.
- Bautino Beach: A picturesque beach located on the Caspian Sea coast with crystal-clear waters and sandy shores perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Ustyurt Plateau: An expansive plateau filled with rocky outcrops, salt flats, and sand dunes that offer stunning views over the surrounding landscape.
- Kenderly Bay: One of the most beautiful bays on the Caspian Sea coast known for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and scenic cliffs.
- Kuryk Port Complex: A newly built port complex which is being developed as one of Kazakhstan’s major transport hubs connecting Europe to Asia via China’s Belt & Road Initiative.
- Oil and gas industry: Mangghystaū is one of the major oil-producing regions in Kazakhstan, with several large oil fields such as Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan.
- Mining industry: The region has significant reserves of copper, lead, zinc, and other minerals.
- Agriculture: Mangghystaū has a favorable climate for agriculture and produces crops such as wheat, barley, cotton, vegetables and fruits.
- Fishing industry: The Caspian Sea is an important source of fish for the region.
- Tourism: The region has several natural attractions such as the Ustyurt Plateau and the Caspian Sea coastline which attract tourists from around the world.
- Manufacturing industry: There are several manufacturing plants in Mangghystaū producing goods like cement products or building materials.
- Transportation industry: Due to its location on the Caspian Sea coast near major transportation routes to Russia or China via rail or road networks makes it an important hub for transportation services including logistics or shipping companies that operate within this area of Kazakhstan.
- The Great Silk Road: Mangghystaū was an important stop on the Great Silk Road, which was a network of trade routes connecting China and Europe. This brought many merchants, travelers, and scholars to the region.
- The Kazakh Khanate: In the 16th century, Mangghystaū was part of the Kazakh Khanate, a powerful state that ruled over much of Central Asia.
- Ablai Khan: Ablai Khan was a famous ruler of the Kazakh Khanate who lived in the 18th century. He is known for his military campaigns against neighboring tribes and his efforts to modernize his kingdom.
- Russian colonization: In the late 19th century, Mangghystaū became part of the Russian Empire as part of its expansion into Central Asia.
- Soviet era: During Soviet rule in Kazakhstan (1920s-1991), Mangghystaū was an important center for oil production and other industries.
- Caspian Sea oil exploration: Since independence in 1991, Mangghystaū has become an important hub for oil exploration in Kazakhstan’s section of the Caspian Sea.
- Yerzhan Kazykhanov: Yerzhan Kazykhanov is a famous musician from Mangghystaū who plays traditional Kazakh instruments like dombra and kobyz.
- Beket Atabayev: Beket Atabayev is a famous writer from Mangghystaū who has written several novels about life in rural Kazakhstan during Soviet times.
- Altyn-Emel National Park: Altyn-Emel National Park located near Shengeldy village, is one among largest national parks in Kazakhstan. It stretches over more than 4600 square kilometers and is home to an array of flora and fauna.
- Aktau City Museum of Local Lore
- Mangistau Regional Museum of Fine Arts
- Beket-Ata Underground Mosque
- Akmeshit Cave
- Sherkala Mountain
- Karagiye Depression
- Zhanaozen Ethnographic Museum
- Kenderli Beach and Canyon
- Bokty Mountains National Park
- Sultan Epe Mausoleum
- Mangghystaū Day – a celebration of the region’s founding on August 27th.
- Nauryz – a traditional Kazakh festival celebrating the spring equinox in March.
- Aitbai Fair – an annual fair held in the town of Zhanaozen in September, featuring traditional crafts and food.
- Shapagat Festival – a horse racing and archery competition held in several villages across Mangghystaū during summer months.
- Terekty Aulie Festival – a cultural event showcasing local music, dance, and handicrafts held annually in June near Aktau city.
- Koshpendiler Festival – an annual celebration of Kazakh folk traditions, including music, dance, and games held every August near Fort Shevchenko town.
- Bayterek Yeli Festival – a cultural event highlighting the region’s history and heritage through exhibitions, performances, and workshops held annually in Aktau city on Independence Day (December 16th).
- Beshbarmak – a traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served on a bed of flat noodles.
- Shashlik – grilled skewered meat (usually lamb or beef) marinated in spices and served with bread.
- Plov – a rice dish cooked with carrots, onions, and meat (usually lamb).
- Manty – steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onions.
- Samsa – baked pastry filled with minced meat, potatoes, or pumpkin.
- Kuyrdak – a dish made from the liver, heart, kidneys and other organs of sheep or goat fried in their own fat.
- Chaikhana Nurlytau – a popular restaurant chain serving traditional Kazakh dishes such as beshbarmak and plov along with tea.
- Dastarkhan – another popular restaurant chain serving traditional Kazakh cuisine including shashlik and manty.
- Akku Restaurant – offers an extensive menu of local dishes including kuyrdak along with Russian cuisine options as well.
- Manti House – specializes in manty which is prepared fresh daily along with other local delicacies like samsa and lagman soup which is similar to Chinese noodle soup but spicier.
- Aktau City Park is located in the heart of Aktau and offers visitors playgrounds, walking paths, and a beautiful lake to enjoy.
- Bautino Recreation Area is situated on the Caspian Sea coast and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Shetpe National Reserve is a protected area with unique flora and fauna that can be explored through hiking trails.
- Karatau Mountains are popular for trekking and rock climbing, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Zhansugurov Park is another park located in Aktau with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas to enjoy.
- Mangystau State Historical and Cultural Reserve serves as an open-air museum showcasing ancient settlements and monuments from different periods of history in Mangghystaū.
- Caspian Sea Beaches offer several beaches along the coast where visitors can swim or relax on the sand.
- Kenderli Beach Resort provides a popular resort experience with beachfront access to water sports activities such as jet skiing or parasailing.
- Shevchenko Park is a large park located near Fort Shevchenko that has walking paths through gardens filled with flowers such as roses or tulips depending on seasonality.
- Akzhaik National Park serves as a remote national park home to endangered species like saiga antelopes which can be seen during guided tours offered by the park staff.
