© iStock / ekipaj
© iStock / ekipaj

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The Skalnaya tropa promenade in Aktau, Western Kazakhstan

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Travel Tips For Aktau

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The Aktau city is the administrative city and capital of the Mangystau region, which is known among Kazakhstani people as the 'land of the 362 saints'. There are lots of sacral and religious destinations around Aktau city, such as the Beket Ata and Sultan epe underground mosques. Before visiting one of these saint places, you most probably would want to find what activities you may enjoy while you are in the city. The Skalnaya tropa is unparalleled in the CIS countries, and it is a genuinely unique experience. However, the most popular thing to do in Aktau is a walk through the Skalnaya tropa promenade. 

Skalnaya tropa promenade, Aktau
Skalnaya tropa promenade, Aktau
Skal'naya Tropa, 28, Aktau, Kazakhstan

Skalnaya tropa: the rocky path

'Skalnaya tropa' in the Russian language means the 'rocky path.' The distance of the whole promenade of the Skalnaya tropa is about 1.5 km. Due to the type of area where the rocky path was meant to be made, it was difficult for construction vehicles to come any closer, so the construction of it was completely human-made. The idea was to create a path available for people to have a walk while enjoying the nice view: however, they wanted to also keep its natural landscape. The Skalnaya tropa has about 24 viewing platforms, and the whole path is equipped with musical accompaniment and lighting of different colors that make those rocky terrains look like as a fascinating underwater show. On holidays, there is a laser show displayed on the terrain, which attracts not only guests but also local people of Aktau city.

© iStock / ekipaj
© iStock / ekipaj

The local's navigation tip

The Aktau city is divided into 36 micro districts. The names of these various locations in Aktau might sound like phone numbers. It is a unique thing that the Aktau city is proud of: it is the only city in Kazakhstan that does not have street names. Here is a navigation tip to move around Aktau. The promenade is easy to reach if you say to a taxi driver to take you to 'micro district 4a, Skalnaya tropa'. However, if you are renting an apartment, in the microdistrict 15, for example, in house number 20, and apartment number 18, then your taxi order would sound like '15-20-18'. Have you ever experienced anything like that before? It is a great story to add to your travel experiences, for sure! So, the Skalnaya tropa is easy to be found, because it is located near the coast and you can ask anyone about this famous place.

© iStock / ekipaj
© iStock / ekipaj

What else to see around

4a-19-Lighthouse, please. Yes, this is the address of a historical and famous lighthouse in Aktau city. The uniqueness of the lighthouse is that it is placed on top of a 10-floor residential building, and this year, it is 57 years old! As Aktau is a port city, the lighthouse was placed as a sign for the sailors. It will definitely draw your attention. There is a park under the name of Taras Shevchenko, located near the Skalnaya tropa promenade. In West Kazakhstan, there is a whole city called after the name of this famous person. During the walk on the promenade, there will be street food available at a fair price. All in all, from every part of Skalnaya tropa you can have a great view of the Caspian Sea

© iStock / ekipaj
© iStock / ekipaj

Water activities

Cities with water resources can offer activities with water and fun, so does Aktau. The walk through the Skalnaya tropa promenade can bring you to the rental office of Wakeboard Aktau! Visiting this place and having fun with the wakeboard in the Caspian Sea will be the cherry on top of your trip! In summer, the coast opens its beaches, so you can have a walk there too. Try not to skip other attractions, such as taking a boat ride, which will take you to a 30 min trip for 6 km, for only 1000 tenges. 

There are many things to do in Aktau city and around it. However, whenever you reach Aktau, make sure you start your journey from the Skalnaya tropa and enjoy all activities around it, such as the park, beaches, wakeboard, and street food. They can definitely make your day and grant you a very good first impression! Visiting it in the daytime with the sun can be different from touring in the night time under the beautiful lights. It all depends on you! Anyway, at all times of the day and night, this place can be enjoyable and exciting. So, choose the time you prefer and have a walk on the Skalnaya tropa promenade in Aktau: it will be unforgettable

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The author

Nazerke Makhanova

Nazerke Makhanova

Hi, I am Nazerke from Kazakhstan. Traveled to 15 countries, lived in Malaysia and Spain, currently I'm located in my hometown Nur-Sultan city, and I’d love to take you on an adventurous journey throughout Kazakhstan. Ready? Let’s go!

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