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ALTYN EMEL NATIONAL PARK
Home to the Singing Dunes and mysterious Aktau Mountains, Altyn Emel offers a rare blend of desert, steppe, and mountains. Discover wild nature, ancient petroglyphs, and stunning desert landscapes in this UNESCO biosphere reserve.
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SeasonSpring to Autumn
Tour languageEnglish
TransportSUV
Distance300 km from Almaty
Tour activitiesWalking / Wildlife watching / Sightseeing
Tour duration1-2 days
Start time6 am Almaty time


Embark on a full-day adventure through the stunning Altyn Emel National Park — a protected natural reserve known for its surreal landscapes, singing dunes, and rich biodiversity. Located around 250 km from Almaty, this park is perfect for travelers who want to experience Kazakhstan's raw beauty and silence of the steppe.

Highlights:

  • 🏜️ Singing Dune – Climb this natural marvel and hear it "sing" as sand slides down its slopes.

  • ⛰️ Aktau and Katutau Mountains – Marvel at ancient volcanic formations and colorful clay hills.

  • 🦅 Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for wild gazelles, kulans (wild donkeys), and eagles soaring overhead.

  • 🗿 Historic Sites – Discover ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds dating back thousands of years.

Included:

  • 🚐 Transportation from Almaty

  • 🗣️ English-speaking guide

  • 🎟️ Entrance fees

  • 🥪 Picnic lunch in nature

  • 📸 Photo stops at major sights

Duration: Full-day (12–14 hours)

Best time to visit: 🌸 Spring & 🍂 Autumn (March–May, September–October)



What tourists should know:

  • Location: About 250 km from Almaty (4–5 hours by car). A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended due to off-road terrain.

  • Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) when temperatures are mild and the scenery is at its best.

  • Highlights:

    • The Singing Dune: A 150-meter-high sand dune that “sings” in the wind with a deep humming sound.

    • The Aktau and Katutau Mountains: Spectacular, otherworldly rock formations formed over millions of years.

    • Besshatyr Burial Mounds: Ancient Scythian tombs dating back to the Iron Age — a place of great archaeological significance.

  • Wildlife: The park is home to rare species like goitered gazelles, kulan (wild donkeys), argali sheep, and even snow leopards in the highlands.

  • What to bring: Water, snacks, sun protection, good shoes, and warm clothes for the evening. Mobile connection is limited, and there are no shops inside the park.



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