Bike Tourer's Guide to Aktau!
Recommendations on where to stay, what to see, supplies, restaurants, and bike shops...
Perched on the edge of the Caspian Sea, Aktau is a windswept city of concrete blocks and unexpected charm. Think Soviet brutalism meets beach town vibes. It’s a gateway to the surreal landscapes of Mangystau, with Mars-like deserts just a day’s drive away. Not a tourist hotspot—but that’s half the magic.
Where to Stay in Aktau
I stayed at the aptly named ‘Aktau Hotel’ – which is pretty good for the money and includes a free breakfast which was very tasty, although I recommend you stay away from the morning instant coffee.
A private room is 13.50GBP/Night as of April 2025
Other bike tourers have also recommended Mang’o Hostel which is where I would probably stay next time considering that there’s at least a very slim chance of meeting another Westerner.
A dorm room is 9GBP/Night as of April 2025.
What to see in Aktau
Honestly, very little. However, I do really recommend taking a visit to the beach, and taking a walk around the peninsula cliffs where the local government have built (plastic) wooden-looking steps. It’s actually really beautiful and worth taking a gander.
Also take a walk to the Eternal Flame World War II Memorial which honours specifically the Kazakh soldiers who died in WWII. It features a constantly burning flame surrounded by five white panels shaped like an open yurt, blending remembrance with traditional Kazakh design.
Where to Eat in Aktau
This was quite possibly the best steak and one of the best meals I’ve ever had in my life, a New York Strip Steak with peppercorn sauce, complete with a Paulaner Weissbier. Definitely worth a visit.
This little deli has a surprisingly large following on Google Maps, a rating of 4.5 stars with 170 reviews as of April 2025.
I’ve never been inside, only walked past, so if you go you’ll have to tell me if it is any good in the comments and I'll include you in my revision of the article!
Camping Gas and Supplies in Aktau
As of 2025, Robinzon Aktau is still the only place in Aktau where you can reliably get Campingaz and other camping gear—because why would a city next to endless desert and coastline have more than one shop for outdoor supplies?
The shop is located over the road from Aktau Hotel and you can see the logo from the balcony if you’re lucky.
Bicycle Shops (Repairs, Boxes) in Aktau
According to Google, VA Velik Aktau is the only bike shop in Aktau. I’ve tried to go about 4 times in the past and each time it was closed, however, a recent Google Maps review from April 2025 suggests they do open…
Their WhatsApp/Contact number is:
+7 707 500 1640
The only other option is to visit the market for bicycle components:
If you’re in need of a box for the airport, your best bet is putting a message into the Cycling East WhatsApp group or one of the Silk Road Overlanders WhatsApp groups and hoping you can find someone who is flying into Aktau i.e. from Tbilisi or wherever and getting their box. Other networking communities are here.
Similarly, if you have just arrived in Aktau by plane, it might be beneficial for someone else if you let the WhatsApp groups know you have a box. It’s also possible that you could speak with Robinzon or another local business to see if they will store the box for a future person in need.
Top Tip / Further recommendations:
If you’re cycling further into Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan, get out more cash than you normally would. At least 250USD worth, as after Aktau, ATMs are pretty sparse. You can transfer any left over Kazakhstani Tenge at the border where the gold-toothed currency converters will be happy to see you.
It’s worth getting a local Kazakh SIM card while you’re in Aktau, or at very least a data only eSIM. You can get an eSIM from GoMoWorld quite cheaply and get a further discount with code ‘ESIMSIO’.
Sign up to Yandex App, it requires 2FA signup with SMS so it’s worth getting this done ASAP. Most people and businesses in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc use Yandex for maps, lift sharing, and food delivery so it’s imperative that you get signed up as soon as possible.
As of April 2025, the Tazhen border between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is closed but set to reopen on May 1st. Cyclists and hitchhikers can still technically cross if they board the train at Aktau, cross the border by train, and get off at Jasliq Station on the Uzbekistan side.
Enjoy what you can about Aktau as it’s the last major ‘tourist’ city until about Nukus in Uzbekistan!
If you have any updated information about any of the mentions in this article please drop me a comment below!
As always you can follow my journey via my Linktree here.