Aktolagay, a snow-white mountain range almost 50 km long and about 10 km wide, is located in the southwest of Aktobe Oblast. This unusual, virtually unparalleled plateau landscape makes it unique and attracts people interested in geotourism and car travelers.

In the distant past, this was the seabed. Here you can find fossilized remains of mollusks, bones and teeth of sharks and other creatures that once inhabited this ancient sea. Aktolagay on Google Maps. Photos by: Natalya Kozlovskaya.

Today, the Aktolagay Plateau is a desolate land without roads or housing. Wind and water flowing down the mountain range during heavy rains have transformed the plateau into a stunning natural world of chalk figures.

You can explore Aktolagay for several days: climbing the plateau itself, which in some places reaches 250 meters above sea level, or descending to its foot, admiring the steep ledges of bizarre shapes.

Aktolagay is a geological object of national and international significance. A distinctive feature of the landscape here is the extremely sparse cover of chalk mountains. In places, nature has created entire labyrinths of sheer walls, columns, niches, ledges, terraces, and landslide amphitheaters of isolated outliers.

Reaching this destination is only possible with powerful off-road vehicles, as the steppe roads alternate with swampy terrain. Tourists try to stay on well-trodden paths, but unexpected crossroads can cause problems.

Avoid sandy areas where it’s easy to get stuck; some drivers accelerate at high speeds when entering swampy areas. Help can only be obtained from fellow travelers. Tourists recommend exchanging phone numbers with oncoming vehicles so that they can offer assistance if necessary.

Ideally, you’re traveling in a group in several vehicles. Even then, don’t risk heading directly across the steppe. There’s no drinking water on the Aktolagay Plateau, so plan accordingly before setting out.

Gas stations and stores are also a concern; stock up on gas and provisions before leaving Aktobe or Kulsary. Strong winds blow from the steppe, so camp behind the hills. There are also no trees in the steppe to provide shelter from precipitation.

In autumn and winter, the steppe weather is very windy and cold. Travelers should bring warm clothing. In summer, on the Aktolagay Plateau, temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius, rising to 45 degrees Celsius during peak heat waves.

The best time to visit is late spring and early fall. This period offers the most comfortable temperatures for long walks and exploring the area. Strong winds are a constant companion of the area, so they will accompany tourists year-round.

Another interesting feature of Aktolagay is that it changes color three times a day due to the sun. Yellowish early in the morning, white during the day, and then turns bluish in the evening.

Tags: Aktobe oblast

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