Altyn Emel National Park Tour

Route: Almaty Region (Kazakhstan)

The travel route will run along a deserted area, with a large part passing through the territory of Altyn Emel State National Park, located in the Ili Basin. There are many interesting historical and natural attractions in the park. The most popular of them are the Aktau Mountains, the Katutau Mountains, and the Singing Dune.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Almaty - Altyn Emel Park, Singing Dune

Group meeting and departure from Almaty at 07:00. Lunch (picnic) at the Myn Bulak cordon of Altyn Emel State National Park. Transfer to the Singing Dune, walking, and photography. Transfer to the overnight location on the bank of the Ili River. Setting up camp, dinner, and a short briefing on the next day's program. Free time. Overnight in the tent camp on the bank of the Ili River.
Total automobile mileage on this day: approx. 350 km

Day 2: Singing Dune

Early wake-up at 05:30 for photographing the dawn at the dune. Return to the camp, breakfast, free time. Lunch at the camp. Walking around the area until sunset. Return to the camp, dinner, and a short briefing on the next day's program. Free time. Overnight in the tent camp on the bank of the Ili River.

The Singing Dune, reaching a height of 120 meters and a length of about 3 km, is located in one of the corners 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, which starts to "sing" in windy weather, and its sound resembles organ music.

Before a sandstorm, the dune sounds like a drum. From the top of the dune, you can observe a grand panorama of the surroundings. In the south, a thin strip of the Ili River is visible, as well as the purple mountains of Sogety and Boguty, with the white peaks of the Ketmen Ridge in the background.

To the west, the horizon is obstructed by the steep slope of the Big Kalkan, and to the east by the Small Kalkan. In the north, the violet-blue ridge of the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains, as well as Chulak, Matai, and Altyn Emel, is visible. If the weather is dry and windy, the dune will "sing" its song, which can be heard from several kilometers away.

Day 3: Singing Dune - Katutau Mountains

Early wake-up at 05:30 for photographing the dawn at the dune. Return to the camp for breakfast. Disassembly of the camp and transfer to the Katutau Mountains. Arrival at the overnight location, lunch, and setting up camp. Walking around the area and photographing the sunset. Return to the camp, dinner, and a short briefing on the next day's program. Free time. Overnight in the tent camp in the Katutau Mountains.

Total automobile mileage on this day: approx. 80 km, walking distance: 2–10 km

Day 4: Katutau Mountains

Early wake-up at 05:30 for photographing the dawn in the mountains. Return to the camp, breakfast, free time. Lunch at the camp. Walking around the area until sunset. Return to the camp, dinner, and a short briefing on the next day's program. Free time. Overnight in the tent camp in the Katutau Mountains.

The name "Katutau Mountains" comes from the Mongolian dialect and means "harsh mountains." These mountains are indeed harsh, as confirmed by geological surveys indicating that they are entirely of volcanic origin. In ancient times, there were volcanoes here comparable in size to Vesuvius, Etna in Europe, and Avacha in Kamchatka.

Evidence of volcanic activity includes the remains of mud volcanoes in the surrounding area. There was once a huge prehistoric basin at the foot of the volcanoes. Over time, volcanic activity ceased, and the area was gradually covered with sediments washed down from the mountains. Millions of years passed, the water disappeared, and the basin floor began to erode under the influence of wind and water, revealing buried volcanic craters, lava flows, ash, and volcanic bombs. Nature has created surreal and bizarre formations from these elements.

Day 5: Katutau Mountains - Aktau Mountains

Early wake-up at 05:30 for photographing the dawn, followed by a walk in the mountains. Return to the camp for breakfast. Disassembly of the camp and transfer to the Aktau Mountains. Arrival at the overnight location, setting up camp, and lunch. Walking around the area until sunset. Return to the camp. Dinner and a short briefing on the next day's program. Free time. Overnight in the tent camp in the Aktau Mountains.

Total automobile mileage on this day: approx. 30 km, walking distance: 2–10 km

Days 6–8: Aktau Mountains

Early wake-up at 05:30 for photographing the dawn, followed by walks in the mountains. Return to the camp, breakfast, free time. Lunch at the camp. Walking around the area and photographing the sunset. Return to the camp, dinner, and a short briefing on the next day's program. Overnight in the tent camp in the Aktau Mountains.

The chalky Aktau Mountains are a world-famous paleontological site. In the layers of Paleogene lacustrine deposits, well-preserved remains of ancient animals dating back 25–30 million years have been found. These include remains of giant rhinos, crocodiles, turtles, and more. The Aktau Mountains present an enchanting spectacle of diverse shapes and colors—red clay, bluish-gray calcareous sandstone, gravel, and gypsum-bearing sediments. Stone galleries stretch for kilometers, and textures change with every turn of the winding gorges.

Day 9: Aktau Mountains - Almaty

Early wake-up at 05:30 for photographing the dawn, followed by a short walk in the mountains. Return to the camp for breakfast. Disassembly of the camp and departure for Almaty. Lunch on the way. Arrival in Almaty at approximately 18:00.

Total automobile mileage on this day: approx. 250 km

TOUR FEATURES:

The tour program is very intensive. Almost all camp-to-camp transfers will be off-road. You will need to wake up very early and walk a lot to find the best shots. All of this takes place in the desert, where the weather changes frequently: it can be very hot during the day and quite cool in the evening and at night.

There are many dangerous insects and reptiles in the area. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to refrain from alcohol consumption and to remain extremely cautious.

TOUR PRICE: On request

TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:

Transport services along the entire route

English-speaking guide and photographer services

Camping equipment for common use (tents, table, chairs, cooking utensils)

Food for cooking in field conditions

Permits for visiting protected natural areas and all environmental fees

TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:

Accommodation in Almaty before/after the tour, if required

Airport transfers, if required

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

Rental of personal camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, care mat, personal utensils, etc.)

Medical insurance

Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan, if required

Personal and other expenses not mentioned in the program

RECOMMENDATIONS ON CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT:

Considering that evenings and nights can be quite cold, be sure to bring:

Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants

Warm fleece or Polartec jacket

Windproof jacket

Several sets of underwear, multiple pairs of socks, including warm socks

Several short-sleeve T-shirts and shorts

Proper hiking boots and lightweight camp shoes (sneakers)

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Head torch with adjustable brightness and extra batteries

Thermos (1–1.5 liters) or another water container

Personal hygiene items and a personal first aid kit (essential for chronic conditions)

Camera, waterproof case, neutral density filter, tripod, remote control, wide-angle and telephoto lenses

Anti-acarid (tick-repellent) remedy

Tent, sleeping bag, care mat, and personal utensils