Altyn Emel National Park And Charyn Canyon Tour

Route: Almaty Region (Kazakhstan)

Season: January - December

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Almaty - Altyn Emel

Departure from Almaty at 07:00 am. Arrival at Altyn Emel National Park at 10:00 am. Sightseeing at the Kyzylauyz Petroglyphs. Picnic in nature.

The Kyzylauyz Petroglyphs are located in the Taigak Gorge, where you can find five groups of inscriptions in the Tibetan language, all with the same meaning: "Om Mani Padme Hum." There are also images of tribal symbols, mountain goats and sheep, scenes of collective hunting for goats and deer, depictions of musical instruments, and illustrations of festive gatherings with multiple participants.

Sightseeing at the Besshatyr burial mounds.

The Besshatyr burial mounds are one of the main attractions of Altyn Emel National Park. "Besshatyr" translates as "five tents," likely referring to the five largest burial mounds in the area, some of which were excavated by archaeologists in the mid-20th century. The Besshatyr necropolis is considered a sacred site of the ancient Saka tribes who lived in present-day Kazakhstan in the 6th century BC. In total, 18 royal burial mounds, with diameters ranging from 8 to 70 meters and heights from 2 to 20 meters, are spread across an area of 2 square kilometers.

Transfer to the Altyn Emel hotel. Dinner. Overnight in Altyn Emel.

Day 2: Altyn Emel

Breakfast at 07:30 am. Sightseeing tour to the Singing Dune.

The Singing Dune, reaching a height of 120 meters and stretching about 3 km in length, is located in one corner of Altyn Emel National Park, a few kilometers from the Ili River, between the Big and Small Kalkan Mountains. This sandy hill consists of very fine, pure sand that begins to "sing" in windy weather, producing a sound similar to organ music.

Before a sandstorm, the dune can sound like a drum. From the top of the dune, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the surroundings. To the south, a thin strip of the Ili River is visible, along with the purple mountains of Sogety and Boguty, rising beyond the white peaks of the Ketmen Ridge. To the west, the horizon is dominated by the steep slope of the Big Kalkan, while the Small Kalkan lies to the east. In the north, the blue-violet ridge of the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains, along with Chulak Mountain, Matai, and Altyn Emel, can be seen.

If the weather is dry and windy, the dune will "sing," and its sound can be heard from several kilometers away.

Return to the hotel for lunch at 12:00 noon. Sightseeing tour to the Katutau and Aktau Mountains.

The Katutau Mountains (Harsh Mountains) are very ancient, eroded formations with preserved volcanic features. The rock is fragile and breaks easily under physical impact. Over time, wind and water have carved intricate shapes into the formations. Sedimentary rocks from the ancient Tethys Ocean are also preserved here, forming unique natural landscapes.

The Aktau Mountains (White Mountains) are a world-renowned paleontological site. Within layers of Paleogene deposits, well-preserved remains of ancient animals dating back 25–30 million years have been discovered, including fossils of giant rhinos, crocodiles, and turtles. These large, conical mountains resemble Egyptian pyramids and create a magical landscape of diverse shapes and colors.

Return to the Altyn Emel hotel. Dinner and overnight in Altyn Emel.

DAY 3: Altyn Emel - Charyn Canyon - Almaty

Breakfast at 08:00 am. Transfer to Charyn Canyon. Sightseeing in the "Valley of Castles." Sightseeing and a picnic.

Charyn Canyon is a natural complex, unique not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. It was formed during the Paleogene period and resembles the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in North America, although it is smaller in size. The steep canyon slopes reach heights of 150–300 meters.

The terrain is remarkably rugged, with numerous ravines forming a dense and chaotic network. Wind and water have shaped the famous "Valley of Castles," where you are surrounded by fascinating rock formations resembling towers and fortresses made of sedimentary rocks. The valley stretches over 2 km, with widths ranging from 20 to 80 meters. Over millions of years, nature has created this extraordinary landscape.

You can spend hours walking among these unusual rock formations, amazed by the creativity of nature.

Departure for Almaty at 16:00. Arrival in Almaty at 20:00.

PRIVATE TOUR PRICE:

Please contact.

TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:

Double accommodation in a hotel in Altyn Emel National Park

Transportation as per the program in a comfortable minivan

Sightseeing as per the program with an English-speaking guide

All environmental and entrance fees during the tour

Meals: Lunch and dinner on Day 1; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 2; breakfast and lunch on Day 3

Drinking water (1 liter per person per day)

TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:

Accommodation in Almaty, if required

Meals not specified in the program or not included in the tour price

Single accommodation supplement

Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan, if required

Personal expenses and other costs not mentioned in the program