The Aktobe region of Kazakhstan is a land far more diverse than it first appears. Here, white chalk cliffs rise above canyons, pine forests take root right in the sand, and ancient meteorite craters lie beside calm rivers and waterfalls. And nature is only the beginning. The region has been the stage for major historical events. The stories of warriors, khans, and uprising leaders live on in the necropolises, mausoleums, and centuries-old mosques scattered across the landscape.

Natural Wonders

One of the most striking places in the Aktobe region is the snow-white Aktolagay Mountains. These cliffs, formed from ancient marine sediments over 60 million years old, still carry echoes of the Paleogene sea that once washed over the steppe. Visitors sometimes find fossils of mollusks, corals, and even sharks.

Following the trail of Earth’s distant past, make a stop at the Aidarlyasha outcrop. Here, the river has carved through strata from the Carboniferous and Permian periods (350-290 million years ago). The cliffs resemble a giant layer cake, where each band of rock is a chapter of Earth’s history laid bare.

Another relic of prehistory is the Jamanshin meteorite crater. It formed about 900,000 years ago and is considered relatively young. The impact was 47,000 times more powerful than the Nagasaki explosion and triggered conditions similar to a “nuclear winter.” Tektites (glassy fragments created when rocks melted from the heat) are still found in the area. The crater lies near the Kyzylorda region border, not far from the Aralsk highway (E38).

Kazakhstan has only four confirmed meteorite craters, and two of them are in the Aktobe region. The second one, Shiyli, is the oldest in the country at around 46 million years. Its rim remains surprisingly well preserved and is still visible on satellite images. It sits roughly 150 kilometers (93 mi) south of Aktobe, near the Izembet railway station.

Shifting from cosmic cataclysms to quieter scenery, you’ll find the Wolf Waterfall. It’s a popular spot for picnics, walks, and lazy hours by the water. Entry is 1,000 tenge (~$2), as the land is privately owned. A staircase, a footbridge over the waterfall, and two glamping sites have been added recently. Weekends can get busy, so weekdays are the best choice if you want more peace.

Slightly north of the Wolf Waterfall lies a small hidden gem known as the Silent Aul (Nemoy Aul). Despite the name, there’s no actual aul (village) here. However, you’ll see striking layered rocks, quiet swimming spots, and good places to fish.

Another popular destination is the Kargaly Reservoir near the town of Kulsary. A health resort and several guest houses sit along its shores, and the reservoir is especially loved by anglers who come here for pike.

About 250 kilometers (155 mi) from Aktobe, near the village of Uil, stretch the Barkyn Sands – desert dunes where a surprising pine forest rises from the sand. The forest appeared thanks to an anti-desertification project, and groundwater allowed the trees to grow up to 30 meters (98 ft) tall.

Not far from the Shiyli Crater lies another sandy landscape, the Akkum Desert, where the dunes look almost Saharan.

Near the Russian border you’ll find the Martuk Forest, a refreshing patch of pine, birch, and aspen. The Zaru resort is located nearby, along with a maral-breeding farm.

Historical Sites

One of the region’s most significant historical landmarks is the Abat-Baitak necropolis, which developed from the 14th century through the early 20th century. The complex features carved stone steles that showcase the craftsmanship of early artisans. At its center stands a baked-brick mausoleum with a conical, tent-like dome. Its origins are wrapped in legend, the most common linking it to Abat, the son of the 15th-century poet and philosopher Asan Kaigy. The site lies about 100 kilometers (62 mi) west of Aktobe.

Another major memorial is the Kobylandy Batyr complex, located in the village of Jirenkopa near the Russian border. It is believed to mark the resting place of Kobylandy Batyr, a semi-legendary 15th-century warrior who defended his people from external enemies. The original mausoleum has not survived, and a new structure was built in 2007 as the centerpiece of the modern memorial.

The Khan Molasy Necropolis stands at the place where Abulkhair Khan met his end. Abulkhair was an 18th-century ruler who swore allegiance to Russia, hoping to secure military support against the Jungars. DNA studies in 2011 confirmed that the remains found here belong either to the khan himself or to a direct relative. The site is located near the border with the Kostanay region, roughly 400 kilometers (250 mi) east of Aktobe.

Closer to the city, about 40 kilometers (25 mi) south of Aktobe, rises the Yeset Batyr Mausoleum. Yeset was a Kazakh military commander who fought for nearly half a century against the Dzungars and Volga Kalmyks and served as one of Abulkhair Khan’s closest allies. The mausoleum, built in 1992, stands on the site of an older tomb that has not survived the passage of time.

A final link to the region’s turbulent past is the Isatay Taimanov Mausoleum, situated near the border with the West Kazakhstan region. Taimanov led the national liberation uprising of 1836-1838 against the Russian Empire and its dependent Bukey Horde. Like other examples in this article, the mausoleum is a modern reconstruction built on the foundations of a much older grave.

Thirty-five kilometers (22 mi) southeast of Khromtau lies the Oisylkara Necropolis, an 18th–early 20th-century cemetery named after the patron saint of camels and camel breeding. Farther southeast, closer to the Aral Sea and near the town of Shalkar, stands the Yeset-Daribay Mausoleum. It honors Yeset Kotybaruly, leader of a 19th-century anti-colonial uprising. His brother Daribay is also buried here.

This route of spiritual and historical monuments concludes at the Dosjan Ishan Mosque in the village of Shubarkuduk, about 190 kilometers (118 mi) south of Aktobe. It was built in the late 19th century by Dosjan Ishan, an educator and mentor who trained around a thousand students and helped establish religious schools. Although partially destroyed, the site is under active archaeological study. Excavations have revealed rare findings, including wall paintings and Arabic inscriptions. In 2020, the grounds were renovated, Dosjan Ishan’s mausoleum was restored, and a hotel and museum for pilgrims and visitors were built.

To dive deeper into the region’s capital, Aktobe, explore the article “A Guide to Must-See Attractions in Aktobe.” It’s a perfect next step and will help you form a complete picture of this region.