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Offered languages
- English
Discover the Wonders of Altyn-Emel National Park
Embark on a full-day adventure from Almaty to Altyn-Emel National Park, home to Kazakhstan’s most stunning landscapes. Drive through vast steppe, rural villages, and rugged terrain, spotting wild horses and soaring eagles along the way.
Marvel at the Singing Dune, a 150-meter-high sand dune that produces a deep, humming sound when dry—a phenomenon wrapped in legend. Then, explore the Aktau Mountains, an ancient seabed transformed into a kaleidoscope of red, white, and yellow rock formations, dating back over 400 million years.
Keep an eye out for rare wildlife, including wild donkeys, goitered gazelles, golden eagles, and falcons—and, with luck, the elusive snow leopard.
Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through one of Kazakhstan’s most unique landscapes. Book now and experience the magic of Altyn-Emel!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
One day before your tour, our managers will reach out to you with all the essential details about your guide and the vehicle that will pick you up.
Itinerary
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1Singing Barkhan
Start your adventure with a scenic drive from Almaty, passing through wide-open grasslands, small rural villages, and the ever-changing landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan. As you drive, keep an eye out for herds of wild horses, grazing cattle, and soaring birds of prey. One of the most famous sights in Altyn-Emel is the Singing Dune, a 150-meter-high sand dune that seems to appear out of nowhere in the middle of the steppe. When the sand is dry, it creates a deep, vibrating sound, like the hum of an organ or an airplane engine. Legends say that this is the voice of spirits or even the great Genghis Khan himself. Climb to the top of the dune for breathtaking panoramic views of the Ili River and surrounding mountains.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Aktau Mountains
Next, explore the Aktau Mountains, an ancient seabed that has turned into a kaleidoscope of red, white, and yellow rock formations. These "painted hills" are over 400 million years old and hold fossils of prehistoric animals, including crocodiles and turtles that lived here when this area was an ocean.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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