Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - Where to get petrol near Ustyurt Plateau, Kazakhstan

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- - Where to get petrol near Ustyurt Plateau, Kazakhstan (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/northern-and-central-asia/where-get-petrol-near-ustyurt-99403)

Quote:

Originally Posted by crisidsto (Post 604489)

Well, I did what I feel I had to do and I advised you about the region: take care and then report us how it went.

What I can add is that, on the main asphalt road (the one in your map), some 80 or 100 kms coming from Beyneu there is a small sign with "Beket Ata + some kms" on it (maybe 140?), on the left.
I did not tried and did not checked it, but it looks like THAT is the direct track south.

From Beket Ata to Zhanaozen is now half dirt and half asphalt: they were building the road 1 month ago, so maybe it is already all asphalt.
Some 10-15 kms south of Beket Ata (coming from Beket Ata) there is a great viewpoint on the left (on the right if you are going to Beket Ata)

Unfortunately I did not visited Karynzharyk Depression, so I have no info about that, but pictures looks great.

Around 70 kms north of Aktau there is a nice spot on the beach close to abandoned village of Saura

A lot of beautiful landscapes also north and west of Shetpe: Sherkala mountain and nearby region, Shakpaktasay canyon...and more and more..

But remember: water....

I really appreciate your input. My main concern is safety. This is why I got myself a PLB, just in case, a fuel filter, spare spark plugs... I'm no hero and I'm sure, should the visa come through, this will be the best trip of my life so far. But I do want to continue next year.

Thanks for the POI, I will put them on.

Security wise, Western Kazakhstan, is it safe? Just rererewatched Long Way Round and that's where they were threatened by a guy with a gun... This was 15 years ago, but still... Did you feel safe there?

Quote:

Originally Posted by nowherer (Post 604490)

Security wise, Western Kazakhstan, is it safe? Just rererewatched Long Way Round and that's where they were threatened by a guy with a gun... This was 15 years ago, but still... Did you feel safe there?

Forget that.

Longwayround was made as a movie.
Everything was spectacular.

I have been several time in Kasachstan and in my opinion it is safe.

it is only dangerous if you party with locals, for your liver.....:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by klausmong1 (Post 604491)

When I said I come prepared... Just bough a few estonian drinks in case it will prove itself necessary.

And a carton of Marlboro, just in case...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomkat (Post 604475)

Is there a marked route or existing track out there, or is it navigation across open country? What's the terrain like? Thanks!

There are existing routes. I recommend you use Google Earth or similar and plot out a route with some way points. Terrain is mostly very dusty (bull dust / feche-feche) tracks, and a quite firm sandy section as you approach the park headquarters from the west. I kept a good distance from the building as I supposed (correctly as it would later turn out) that I was not supposed to be there. The terrain is harsh but not difficult, but I would not leave the existing tracks. There was a broken down truck near the edge of the escarpment which was missing a wheel and looked to have been there for some time. It was above 45º C when I was there in June 2014. The night spent totally alone on the ledge of the escarpment was one of the nicest nights of camping I have ever had.

https://eurasiaoverland.files.wordpr.../02/veh-12.jpg

EO

Thanks everybody!

Got my visa, am already in Russia and in Kazakhstan in a few days! Wish me luck

The area looks brilliant if you relish peace and tranquillity. I intend heading there next spring. If I get a free 30 day visa when I enter at Astrakhan spend two weeks in the area and exit via road to Nukus and back into Kazakhstan in the east, will I get a fresh 30 days or are the two weeks I have already had in Kazakhstan be taken off my 30 days. The other question is do I still need to register my visa once in the country.
Many thanks

Boycie

Quote:

Originally Posted by nowherer (Post 604404)

Thanks for the quick reply.

I wouldn't be looking to come back the same way, but rather going to the West, for instance Senek. I presume there is some petrol there... I don't think my V-strom can handle dunes too well, but through the North there seems to be some beaten tracks.

Near Senek do you know anywhere where there will be petrol?

IIRC there were several new gas stations on road to Benyneu I was there a month ago. I did have to use rotopax about 20km to Benyneu but I was coming from Kuryk from ferry without stops and thought I had enough in tank.

I would not recommend going to Mungishlak alone on Strom it's not only sand but also fesh-fesh (locals call it "puhlyak") if you've never seen it will be a steep learning curve. If you know what it is you'll just turn back just saying.