Kazakhstan

Notes:
* The whole route can be found in 'Kazakhstan: Aktau to Uzbek Border'
* We did this trip in late March, with temperatures in the 11-19C range.
* The winds go from East to West and are strong.
* Gas canisters (standard screw) are available in SportsMaster (large and small) and NATO Aktau (small), both in Aktau. Next is Tashkent (assuming you are going into Uzbekistan).
* If you are in a village/town and can't find a shop ask for a 'magazin.'Regarding route options. Many people cycle directly to Beyneu from Aktau but that is a fairly dull route through the steppe.I would recommend heading towards Shopan-ata and Beket-ata via Zhanaozen. There is now a Warmshowers in Zhanaozen, it also looks as if there are more in Aktau as well.At both the mosques you can stay in the guesthouse and refill water supplies. They might feed you as well, but be prepared.If you are lucky you might also get a water truck driving past that will refill your bottles. This will only happen on the road to Beket-Ata and not in the steppe.From Beket-Ata you can either head back the way you came or cross over the steppe. It's about 100km to Say-Otes on the main road to Beyneu (make sure you are on the correct path when you leave Beket-ata).On route to Beket-ata, you can also pop and see Bozzhira.You will be able to hitchhike if it goes wrong.Lastly:
If you find this information useful please consider feeding my Latte habit, ko-fi.com/wanderingcrankOr if you would like further information on my journey, please see my website:
wanderingcrank.co.ukFurther details:
Days 1-3; From Aktau to Zhanaozen. There are very few places to get refills or meals along the roads. So carry the food and water. We didn't. This was the last place to get food or water on the way to Zhanaozen:
Gelios Zapravka (approx 60km from Zhanaozen)
maps.app.goo.gl/ijv5bRGLL6DWva627On the way we dropped off the main road to camp overlooking this:
Қарақия ойпаты
maps.app.goo.gl/QQzpHjshgRZguLjd9Days 4-6; From Zhanaozen to Beket-ata. We stayed at the mosques on two of these days and one day on the steppe. The winds can be very strong in this area because they are funnelled into small spaces. No places for food or water after Bostan, north of Zhanaozen.Days 7-8; Across the steppe. We met no one who could help us out here and there was no signal. Be prepared. If it rains the mud will stick to your bike and make crossing very difficult. We managed 50km a day.Days 9+; From Say-Otes to Uzbekistan border. You should have no problem finding water if the truckers don't stop and give it to you!