Altyn Emel national park
Altyn Emel National Park is one of the largest and most beautiful national parks in Kazakhstan. It is located in the Ili River Valley in the southeast of the country and covers an area of approximately 4,600 square kilometers. The park is known for its stunning natural landscapes, unique geological formations, and diverse flora and fauna.
Altyn Emel National Park: Kazakhstan’s Desert Symphony of Sand, Mountains & Wildlife
Landscape Diversity: Altyn Emel is celebrated for its diverse landscapes, including vast sand dunes, steppe grasslands, mountains, and the Ili River. The park offers a wide range of natural beauty, from the famous singing dunes to rocky canyons and lush river valleys.
Singing Dunes: The Singing Dunes (also known as the "Barkhan" dunes) are a prominent natural wonder in the park. These dunes emit a distinctive, melodious sound when the sand is disturbed, typically by the wind or people sliding down them. The dunes are known for their unique acoustic properties and the breathtaking views they offer.
Kazakh Village: Within the park, there is a traditional Kazakh village called Basshi. Visitors can experience the local culture and hospitality of the Kazakh people, learn about their customs and daily life, and enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine.
Starry Skies: The park's remote location and low light pollution create ideal conditions for stargazing. The night sky in Altyn Emel is a stunning sight for astronomy enthusiasts.
Visiting Altyn Emel National Park provides a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and geological wonders of Kazakhstan's southeastern region. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the natural world and experience the magic of the singing dunes, the Aktau Mountains, and the rich cultural traditions of the Kazakh people.
Located in southeastern Kazakhstan near the Ili River and the Kapchagai Reservoir, Altyn Emel National Park is a natural wonderland covering over 4,600 km². Known for its diverse landscapes, including desert, steppe, mountains, and oases, Altyn Emel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate and a paradise for ecotourists, geologists, and photographers.
From the mysterious Singing Dune to the colorful Aktau and Katutau Mountains, Altyn Emel is one of the most unique and accessible wilderness areas in Central Asia.
Where Is Altyn Emel National Park?
Altyn Emel is located:
120 km northeast of Almaty
In the Almaty Region, near the town of Basshi (the main park entrance)
Nestled between the Ili River and the Tien Shan foothills
Most visitors enter through Basshi village, where permits and guides can be arranged.
Top Attractions in Altyn Emel National Park
🎵Singing Dune (Dune of Barkhan)
A massive sand dune that emits a humming or “singing” sound when the sand shifts — a rare natural acoustic phenomenon.
Height: ~150 meters
Length: ~3 km
Best time to hear the “song”: Dry, windy days
🏔️Aktau Mountains
These chalk-colored, multi-layered hills look like Mars on Earth. Rich in ancient marine fossils and stunning rock formations.
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan”
Ideal for hiking and photography
⛰️Katutau Mountains
Ancient volcanic hills, twisted and eroded into surreal shapes — ideal for geological exploration and dramatic landscapes.
🐐Wildlife Watching
Home to over 250 animal species, including:
Kulan (Asiatic wild ass)
Goitered gazelle
Argali (mountain sheep)
Golden eagle & lammergeier
Rare saiga antelope (occasionally sighted)
🏺Besshatyr Burial Mounds (Scythian Tumuli)
A sacred archaeological site with 30+ burial mounds from the 6th–4th century BCE. Features petroglyphs, stone circles, and ancient cult sites.
What to Do in Altyn Emel National Park
🚙 Self-drive or guided tours across the park
🥾 Hiking in the mountains and dunes
📸 Landscape and wildlife photography
🌌 Stargazing and wild camping
🐾 Eco-tourism and birdwatching
🐎 Horseback riding (available in local villages)
Best Time to Visit Altyn Emel
✅ Spring (April–May): Wildflowers bloom, weather is mild, and wildlife is active
✅ Autumn (September–October): Cooler temperatures and colorful desert hues
🚫 Avoid summer (June–August): Extremely hot (up to 45°C), especially in desert areas
Getting to Altyn Emel
From Almaty: ~4-hour drive via Kapchagai and Shengeldy
Park entry: From Basshi village, where registration and permits are issued
4WD recommended, especially to reach remote areas like Aktau/Katutau
Travel Tips
🪪 You need a permit: Obtain at the park office in Basshi
🧭 Hire a guide if going off-road or overnight
💧 Carry extra water, snacks, and sunscreen
📶 No mobile signal in remote areas
🏕️ Camping is allowed in designated zones
Combine Altyn Emel With Nearby Attractions
Make a longer tour by including:
🌊 Charyn Canyon (2.5 hours away)
🏞️ Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes
🏙️ Almaty city tour before or after
🧘 Tamgaly Tas Petroglyphs near the Ili River
Final Thoughts: Altyn Emel — Where Sand Sings and Mountains Glow
Whether you’re drawn by the mystical song of the dune, the surreal geology, or the chance to see wild steppe animals, Altyn Emel National Park offers an unforgettable journey into Kazakhstan’s ancient landscapes. Still under the radar for most international tourists, it’s a perfect destination for those seeking wild beauty, silence, and vast open skies.