Altyn-Emel Natural Park
Singing Dune, Aktau and Katutau mountains, 700-year-old Willow
Duration | 2 days/1 night
3 hours of trekking
5 km walking distance
Total distance about 800 km
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Altyn-Emel National Park: Singing Dune, Aktau & Katutau Mountains, and 700-Year-Old Willow
Altyn-Emel National Park is a unique natural treasure in Kazakhstan, home to rare plants and animals listed in the Red Book. Explore the colorful chalk mountains of Aktau, featuring white, pink, green, red, and blue mineral layers. Visit the famous Singing Dune, which produces organ-like sounds when the wind blows, creating an unforgettable sandy symphony. Discover Martian landscapes, frozen lava, and rare wildlife in Kazakhstan’s largest national park, offering an otherworldly experience that feels truly unforgettable.
PLACES you will visit:
- Singing DuneMarvel at towering red rock formations shaped like castles, creating a stunning and unforgettable landscape.
- Aktau MountainsA towering desert dune that “sings,” producing natural humming sounds with shifting sands.
- Katutau MountainsRugged volcanic formations shaped by ancient lava flows and dramatic natural erosion.
ITINERARY
08:00, Pick-up
The road to the first point will take 250 km. On the way, we will pass the Kapchagay reservoir, Arkharly pass, and Altyn Emel.
12:00, Aktau Mountains
We buy entrance tickets to the national park, have lunch and go to the Aktau mountains.
14:00, Aktau Mountains
Transfer to Aktau Mountains, Katutau, and 700-year - old Willow.
The guide will show the most picturesque places in the Aktau mountains, which will not leave anyone indifferent.
The guide will show the most picturesque places in the Aktau mountains, which will not leave anyone indifferent.
19:00, Dinner
Return to Bashi village
Check-in at the hotel, dinner.
Check-in at the hotel, dinner.
Day 2, 09:00, Departure to the Singing Dune
After breakfast, we have to move to the Singing Dune (40 km) off-road, on the way you can meet - gazelles, goitered gazelles, foxes, hares.
10:30, Singing Dune
Walk along to the Dunes.
The guide will reveal the secret of the Singing Dune.
The guide will reveal the secret of the Singing Dune.
13:00, Lunch
Lunch in Bashi Village
17:30, Drop-off
Return back to Almaty.
After lunch, we drive back to Almaty. The guide will drive you back to the hotel
After lunch, we drive back to Almaty. The guide will drive you back to the hotel
OPTIONS & PRICES
Group
2 person
4 person
6 persons
8 persons
Total Price
$ 300
$ 360
$ 400
$ 450
⚠️ If you’re traveling in a larger group, please contact us and we’ll give you a custom quote;
⚠️ We reserve the right to cancel or rearrange tour stops depending on seasons, climate conditions, or other events outside our control;
Price Includes
-
✅ Hotel pick-up/drop-off
- ✅ Comfortable vehicle
- ✅ English /Arab /Chinese speaking Guide
- ✅ Bottled Drinking water
- ✅ National park entrance fee
- ❌ Lunch & Personal Expenses
Altyn Emel - Singing Dune, Aktau mountains and
700-year-old Willow
700-year-old Willow
Altyn Emel National Park is a nature park in Almaty region.
Its most famous locations are the Singing Dune, named for the sounds it makes in windy weather.
Mountains of Aktau- White Mountains - incredible landscapes that just shock the imagination with colors and shapes, from white, like chalk, to layered red - orange colors.
The 700-year-old Willow, which according to legend is older than many cities. And also the Katutau Mountains (Katytau) - bizarrely shaped magmatic rocks of red color.
Historical attractions - the complex "Bes Shatyr",represented by ancient Sak barrows.
There are various representatives of fauna in Altyn Emel: gazelles, hares, gazelles and birds.
Altyn Emel National Natural Park is around 270 kilometers from Almaty. The path to it passes by the Kapchagai Reservoir.
The road to the park's locations - Singing Dune, Willow and the Aktau and Katytau Mountains - runs along a country road, so it is more comfortable and safe to get there in four-wheel drive off-road vehicles.
The area of Altyn Emel National Park is over 307 thousand hectares, on one side it is bounded by the Ili River, on the other - by the spurs of the Tien Shan.
The territory of the complex is represented by rubbly, sandy and clay mountain ranges.
Distances between sights are considerable, that's why overnight tour is recommended, although there is an option of 1-day express-tour if you don't want to waste time.
The Altyn Emel Nature Park has several major attractions that are worth visiting:
Travels between locations take time, so to fully and comfortably enjoy the views, we advise to go on a tour for 2 days. To spend the night at a hotel in the village of Basshi or in a tent near the 700-year-old Willow-tree to enjoy the views of the starry sky.
The guide will show you the most picturesque places, tell you about the history of the park and its legends, take pictures.
During the tour you can often see representatives of the fauna of Altyn Emel - red-listed gazelles, hares, rodents, eagles and other birds.
Its most famous locations are the Singing Dune, named for the sounds it makes in windy weather.
Mountains of Aktau- White Mountains - incredible landscapes that just shock the imagination with colors and shapes, from white, like chalk, to layered red - orange colors.
The 700-year-old Willow, which according to legend is older than many cities. And also the Katutau Mountains (Katytau) - bizarrely shaped magmatic rocks of red color.
Historical attractions - the complex "Bes Shatyr",represented by ancient Sak barrows.
There are various representatives of fauna in Altyn Emel: gazelles, hares, gazelles and birds.
Altyn Emel National Natural Park is around 270 kilometers from Almaty. The path to it passes by the Kapchagai Reservoir.
The road to the park's locations - Singing Dune, Willow and the Aktau and Katytau Mountains - runs along a country road, so it is more comfortable and safe to get there in four-wheel drive off-road vehicles.
The area of Altyn Emel National Park is over 307 thousand hectares, on one side it is bounded by the Ili River, on the other - by the spurs of the Tien Shan.
The territory of the complex is represented by rubbly, sandy and clay mountain ranges.
Distances between sights are considerable, that's why overnight tour is recommended, although there is an option of 1-day express-tour if you don't want to waste time.
The Altyn Emel Nature Park has several major attractions that are worth visiting:
- Singing Barkhan,
- Aktau and Katytau Mountains,
- 700-year-old Iva,
- Besshatyr mound complex.
Travels between locations take time, so to fully and comfortably enjoy the views, we advise to go on a tour for 2 days. To spend the night at a hotel in the village of Basshi or in a tent near the 700-year-old Willow-tree to enjoy the views of the starry sky.
The guide will show you the most picturesque places, tell you about the history of the park and its legends, take pictures.
During the tour you can often see representatives of the fauna of Altyn Emel - red-listed gazelles, hares, rodents, eagles and other birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 700-year-old “Basketwork Willow” is a giant ancient tree standing in the desert, symbolizing resilience and natural beauty. It’s a serene, photogenic spot and a unique living landmark.
The ideal time is late spring to early autumn (May–September) when the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and all park attractions are accessible.
Yes! You can hike around the Singing Dune, explore the colorful Aktau Mountains, and enjoy desert trails, all suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), water, snacks, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes. Warm clothes are recommended for early morning or evening trips.
Yes, an eco-taxi operates inside the canyon (small extra fee).
You can ride down or up if you prefer not to walk.
You can ride down or up if you prefer not to walk.
Internet is very limited in Altyn Emel; most areas have no signal or Wi-Fi access.
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