Altyn-Emel National Park
The Singing Dune and the Painted Aktau Hills
A desert national park on the Ili river, about four hours north-east of Almaty. The Singing Dune, a lone barkhan about 150 m high, hums in dry weather when sand slides down it; the Aktau mountains are layered white, red and ochre clay, and the Katutau hills are volcanic. Kulans (wild asses) and goitered gazelles graze the plains. The park office in Basshi sells the permit and has guesthouses; distances inside the park are long and off-road, so come with a driver or a two-day tour from Almaty. Hot from June to August: climb the dune early or late.
Highlights
- Climb the Singing Dune and hear it hum
- The striped Aktau mountains
- Kulans and gazelles on the plains
- Besshatyr burial mounds
- Stars over the desert at Basshi
Things to do
- Climb the Singing DuneEvening · 3h
- Aktau and Katutau mountains by 4x4Morning · 7h
- Besshatyr burial moundsAfternoon · 1h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: April – June, September – October
Heads up
Hot Canyon Floors and Dunes
In July and August the Charyn canyon floor and the Singing Dune pass 35°C with no shade. Walk early or late, carry plenty of water and a hat.