Aktau & Mangyshlak Peninsula

Aktau (meaning White Mountains) is Kazakhstan's only seaport. A small pilgrimage site until 1958 when the USSR established this industrial city to harvest the rich uranium and gas resources. After Chernobyl disaster KZ decided to re-power with natural gas.
Aktau’s central heating is provided by Caspian Sea water, fed by a huge gas-fired plant which switches on 15th October, then off 15th April. Same plant also distils the heated seawater, adding minerals to taste and voila – the potable water supply.
However, significant mined and unused uranium remains stored under Aktau’s artificial lake (will use Geiger counter over our bodies when back in NZ).
This industrial town has no street names, with addresses having just three numbers: City Block/Building/Apartment.
After our short city tour we climbed into 4WD vehicles for an off-road steppe adventure to an area containing unusual round rocks, many containing ammonites linking them to a prehistoric ocean. Though, like Moeraki Boulders their origin is still debated.
Nothing like an alfresco BBQ picnic lunch with stunning views to satisfy the senses.
Next an underground mosque used first by the Zoroastrians (circa 5 BC), then the Muslims. Before nodding off to history notes, remember Freddie Mercury and his family were/are Zoroastrians - inspiring Freddie to find his rhapsody.Read more