Altyn Emel National Park Tour

Route: Almaty Region (Kazakhstan)

Season: January - December

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Almaty - Altyn Emel

Departure from Almaty at 08:00. Transfer to Tamgaly Tas, located on the Ili River.

Tamgaly Tas is a unique monument of the distant past, where you can see images of Buddha and inscriptions in Tibetan, Kalmyk, and other languages, mainly of a spiritual or prayer nature, carved into ancient rocks. It remains unknown when and how these drawings appeared or who created them; scientists have been trying to solve this mystery for over 150 years.

Upon arrival at Tamgaly Tas, your guide will share interesting insights about this remarkable place. You will then have time to walk around and enjoy the scenic views. On the opposite bank of the river, you will also see a medieval-style film set built for the movie "The Nomad."

After the excursion, transfer to the village of Basshi. Lunch at the hotel. After lunch, an excursion to Altyn Emel National Park to visit 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.

Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Altyn Emel - Almaty

Breakfast at 07:30. Sightseeing tour to the Aktau and Katutau Mountains. Picnic lunch during the excursion.

The Katutau Mountains (Harsh Mountains) are very ancient, eroded formations with preserved volcanic features. The rock is fragile and easily breaks 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 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.

Among the findings are remains of giant rhinos, crocodiles, and turtles. These large, conical mountains resemble Egyptian pyramids and create a magical landscape of diverse shapes and colors.

Departure for Almaty at 18:00. Arrival in Almaty at approximately 22:00.

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 and lunch on Day 2

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

NOTE:

Tour reservations require full payment, which is refundable if the tour is canceled more than 15 days before the departure date.

50% of the tour price is refundable if the cancellation is made 15 days or less before the departure date.

The tour price is non-refundable if canceled 5 days or less before the departure date, as well as in case of a no-show.

Recommendation on Clothing:

Wear comfortable, sporty clothing suitable for the weather. A windproof and waterproof jacket is recommended during colder seasons. Choose closed, comfortable walking shoes (boots in cold weather, sneakers or similar in warm weather). Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a personal backpack to carry water and lunch during the excursion to the Aktau Mountains.

Attention:

Since part of the tour route passes through roads with clay soil that may become muddy during rain, access to some sightseeing locations may be restricted.