Introduction

In southeastern Kazakhstan, where the endless steppe meets desert and distant mountains blur into the horizon, lies one of Central Asia’s most extraordinary natural landscapes — Altyn Emel National Park.

Located a few hours from Almaty, the park is a place where nature still feels vast and untamed. Golden sand dunes rise like frozen waves from the desert floor. Multicoloured mountains glow red, yellow and white beneath the sun. Across the steppe, rare wildlife roams the open plains — from Persian gazelles to the last truly wild horses on Earth.

For travellers exploring Kazakhstan beyond its cities, Altyn Emel offers something rare: a landscape that combines dramatic geology, ancient nomadic history and remote wilderness in one unforgettable destination.

It is a perfect place for nature lovers, photographers, adventure travellers and anyone curious about the wild beauty of Central Asia.

Where is Altyn Emel National Park Located?

Altyn Emel National Park is located in southeastern Kazakhstan, approximately 250 kilometres northeast of Almaty, the country’s largest city. The park sits within the Ili River Valley, between the Ili River and the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau mountains.

Covering more than 4,600 square kilometres, Altyn Emel is one of the largest protected natural areas in Kazakhstan. Its landscapes range from desert and sand dunes to volcanic mountains and open grasslands.

Because of this diversity, many travellers describe the park as a miniature version of Kazakhstan itself.

Climate

The park has a continental desert climate:

Summers are extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C
Winters can be cold and windy
Rainfall is very limited throughout the year

Best time to visit

The most comfortable seasons to visit Altyn Emel are:

Spring (April – June)
Wildflowers bloom across the steppe, temperatures remain mild, and migratory birds return to the region.

Autumn (September – October)
The landscape turns golden, temperatures are cooler, and wildlife becomes easier to spot.

Summer visits are possible but require preparation due to intense heat.

How to Get to Altyn Emel National Park

The closest major city and international gateway is Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural capital and main travel hub.

From Almaty to Altyn Emel

There are two main entrances to the park:

Basshi Village (Northern Entrance)
Distance: about 250 km
Travel time: 4–5 hours by car

This is the most common entry point and where the park headquarters are located.

Shengeldy Village (Western Entrance)
Distance: about 200 km
Travel time: 2–3 hours

This entrance leads to the historical areas of the park, including the Bes Shatyr burial mounds.

Transport options

Renting a car
Driving from Almaty is the most flexible option. A vehicle with higher clearance is recommended, as some park roads are unpaved.

Guided tours
Many travel agencies in Almaty offer 1-day or 2-day tours to the Singing Dunes and other park attractions.

Private driver
Hiring a local driver is common for travellers who prefer not to drive long distances.

Park permits

Entrance permits and route permissions must be obtained either:

At the Altyn Emel Park Office in Almaty, or
At the park headquarters in Basshi village

Because the park is large and remote, each route requires a separate permit.

Top Things to Do in Altyn Emel National Park

Climb the Singing Sand Dune

The park’s most famous attraction is the Singing Sand Dune, a massive golden dune stretching nearly 3 kilometres long and 150 metres high.

What makes this dune unique is its ability to produce a deep humming sound when dry sand shifts under the right conditions. The phenomenon is rare — fewer than 30 singing dunes exist worldwide.

Visitors can climb the dune for panoramic views over the Ili River valley and the surrounding steppe. From the top, the landscape feels endless.

Even when the dune is silent, the experience of standing on this vast ridge of sand is unforgettable.

Explore the Aktau Mountains

Many travellers consider the Aktau Mountains the most spectacular landscape in the entire park.

Aktau means “White Mountains” in Kazakh, but the cliffs here reveal far more colours than the name suggests. Layers of ancient sediment create dramatic bands of white, yellow, orange and deep red.

Over millions of years, wind and water carved the mountains into narrow canyons, ridges and valleys. Walking through them feels like stepping onto another planet.

The region is also important for science. Fossils discovered here show that prehistoric animals once roamed this desert landscape.

For photographers and hikers, Aktau is easily one of the most impressive natural sights in Kazakhstan.

Visit the Katutau Mountains

Close to Aktau lies another extraordinary landscape — the Katutau Mountains.

Unlike the layered formations of Aktau, Katutau is formed from ancient volcanic rock. The dark red and black cliffs create dramatic shapes that rise suddenly from the surrounding steppe.

Short hikes through the valleys reveal striking rock formations and unusual desert scenery.

Together, Aktau and Katutau showcase the remarkable geological diversity of Altyn Emel.

Discover the Bes Shatyr Burial Mounds

Beyond its landscapes, Altyn Emel also protects some of the most important archaeological sites in Central Asia.

The Bes Shatyr Burial Mounds date back to the Saka tribes, nomadic warriors who ruled the Eurasian steppe more than 2,000 years ago.

The name Bes Shatyr means “Five Tents”, although the site actually contains nearly 30 burial mounds.

The largest mound rises about 17 metres high and once contained underground chambers where Saka rulers were buried.

Standing among these ancient structures offers a powerful glimpse into the region’s nomadic past.

See the Terekty Petroglyphs

Hidden within the Sholak mountains are the Terekty petroglyphs, ancient rock carvings created thousands of years ago.

These carvings depict hunters, animals such as ibex, and mysterious human figures. Archaeologists believe they date from the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age.

Though smaller than the famous Tamgaly petroglyphs near Almaty, they provide another fascinating connection to Central Asia’s ancient cultures.

Wildlife in Altyn Emel National Park

Despite its seemingly empty landscapes, Altyn Emel is rich in wildlife.

The park protects more than 250 species of animals and over 200 species of birds.

Among the most iconic animals are:

Przewalski horses
The last remaining species of wild horse that has never been domesticated.

Goitered gazelles
Graceful antelope adapted to life in the desert.

Asian wild asses (kulans)
A rare wild donkey species native to Central Asia.

Birds of prey
Including eagles, falcons and buzzards that soar above the steppe.

More elusive animals such as lynx, bears and snow leopards are believed to inhabit the mountains, although sightings are extremely rare.

One-Day Trips & Nearby Destinations

Altyn Emel is often visited as part of a larger journey through southeastern Kazakhstan.

Several incredible destinations lie within a few hours’ drive.

Charyn Canyon

About 3 hours from Almaty, Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon. Its dramatic red rock formations and deep valleys make it one of Kazakhstan’s most famous natural landmarks.

Kolsai Lakes

Located near the Kyrgyz border, the Kolsai Lakes are a series of alpine lakes surrounded by forests and mountains. The area is perfect for hiking and horseback riding.

Kaindy Lake

Known for its submerged forest, Lake Kaindy is one of the most surreal landscapes in Central Asia.

Many travellers combine these destinations with Altyn Emel on a multi-day road trip from Almaty.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options near Altyn Emel are limited but comfortable.

Basshi Village

Basshi is the main base for visiting the park.

Altyn Emel Hotel
Located near the park headquarters, this simple but comfortable hotel offers clean rooms and basic facilities.

Local homestays
Several families in Basshi host travellers. Staying in a homestay offers a more authentic experience of rural Kazakh hospitality.

Camping

Camping is possible at designated locations inside the park, such as:

Mynbulak Ranger Station near the Singing Dune
Kosbastau Oasis, which also has a natural hot spring and an ancient willow tree

Camping allows visitors to experience the park’s incredible night skies and silence.

Where to Eat

Food options in Basshi village are limited but sufficient.

Most visitors eat at:

The restaurant near the park headquarters hotel
Local homestays offering homemade Kazakh meals

Typical dishes include plov, lagman noodles, fresh bread and traditional Kazakh meat dishes.

Because services inside the park are minimal, it is wise to bring snacks and drinking water when exploring the routes.

Transportation Inside the Park

Altyn Emel National Park is vast, and distances between attractions are significant.

Visitors typically travel inside the park using:

Private vehicles
Tour vehicles
4x4 jeeps for certain routes

Driving is generally straightforward, though some sections are unpaved desert roads.

Practical Travel Tips

Currency

The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). There are no ATMs in Basshi village, so bring enough cash.

Internet and SIM cards

Mobile signal inside the park is very limited. It is best to download maps before arriving.

Safety

Altyn Emel is safe but remote. Travellers should bring:

Plenty of water
Sun protection
Snacks
A basic first aid kit

Summer temperatures can be extreme, so early morning exploration is recommended.

Respect the environment

Because Altyn Emel remains a fragile ecosystem, visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Final Thoughts

Altyn Emel National Park reveals a side of Kazakhstan that few travellers expect.

Here the landscapes feel ancient and untouched. Sand dunes sing in the desert wind, multicoloured mountains rise from empty valleys, and wild horses still run across the steppe.

For travellers seeking something beyond traditional destinations, Altyn Emel offers one of Central Asia’s most unforgettable adventures — a place where nature, history and silence combine to create a truly remarkable journey.

Altyn Emel National Park Travel Guide: Kazakhstan’s Singing Dunes, Rainbow Mountains and Wild Steppe

Altyn Emel National Park Travel Guide: Kazakhstan’s Singing Dunes, Rainbow Mountains and Wild Steppe