The Aqtöbe Region can be viewed geologically on very different scales: Aktolagay is a 90-kilometre-long mountain range in Baiganin District and a geological and geomorphological site of republican and international significance in the state protection fund. Zhamanshin, by contrast, is an impact crater about 14 kilometres in diameter, formed by a meteorite impact around one million years ago. Tektites and impactites formed during the impact can be found there; the crater is also the subject of scientific research and tourist interest. The two sites showcase different aspects of geology: the extent of a mountain range and the traces of an impact.
Geological formations and dimensions
At the Aidarlyasha geomorphological outcrop in Khromtau District, exposed layers extend for 1.5 kilometres along a riverbank. The stratotype forms a steep face up to 50 metres high; the site is of scientific and tourist importance. Compared with Zhamanshin, the focus here is on the layers and steep face, while Aktolagay, as a long mountain range, represents a different scale. Those interested in geology can distinguish craters, outcrops and mountain ranges by their respective forms and dimensions.
Protected landscapes, water and seasons
Protected and water-shaped landscapes offer other points of interest. The Irgiz-Turgay State Nature Reserve protects, among other things, the migration routes of the Betpak-Dala saiga population. In the Barkyn Sands, a pine forest rises like an oasis in the desert. The Kargaly Reservoir lies in a mountain basin in Kargaly District of the Aqtöbe Region; its water surface covers 28.5 square kilometres, and its maximum depth is 31.8 metres. It is used for recreation, fishing and tourism; there are tourist routes around the reservoir.
A seasonal highlight is the “Wolf” waterfall in the gorge of the Ebita River in Kargaly District. It is 120 kilometres from the city of Aqtöbe and is active only in spring, from late April to June. This seasonal activity is a concrete factor to consider when deciding when to visit: anyone wishing to see the waterfall should take its limited season into account when planning.
Memorial sites and mausoleums
The Khan Molasy Memorial Complex includes a 25-metre-high architectural monument made of white granite and decorated with Kazakh tribal tamgas. The complex is considered a sacred pilgrimage site; Khan Abulkhair is buried in its necropolis. The design of the granite monument and the religious significance of the site come together here.
Abat-Baytak is located 12 kilometres south of the village of Taldysay in Khobda District. The necropolis dates from the 14th to the early 20th century and is a funerary and religious complex with a mausoleum. It consists of an eleven-sided drum and a conical dome, and measures 9.52 × 9.8 metres. The two sites offer different cultural and historical perspectives: at Khan Molasy, the pilgrimage status and memorial monument take centre stage, while at Abat-Baytak, the historical period and the mausoleum’s specific architecture are the focus.
Festival and travel
The international tourism festival Qarg'aly Fest is held annually in the Aqtöbe Region. Check the festival dates when planning your trip. As transport information may change operationally, check current flight connections before travelling.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Aqtöbe, Prigorodnyy, Khromtau, East Kazakhstan, Qostanai, Astana, Karaganda and South Kazakhstan.
Go to the main travel overview: Kazakhstan.
