Things to Do in Altyn-Emel National Park, Қазақстан

Altyn-Emel National Park is Kazakhstan's largest national park, spanning over 4,600 square kilometers of diverse landscapes in the Ili River valley. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve showcases an extraordinary range of ecosystems, from desert steppes and sand dunes to river valleys and mountain foothills, making it one of Central Asia's most remarkable natural destinations. The park is famous for its unique geological formations, including the mysterious Singing Dune that produces haunting musical sounds when the wind blows across its surface. Established in 1996, Altyn-Emel serves as a crucial sanctuary for endangered wildlife species including the Przewalski's horse, Persian gazelle, and various rare bird species. The park's name translates to 'Golden Saddle' in Kazakh, reflecting the golden hues of its landscapes that change dramatically with the light throughout the day. Visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs, colorful mineral formations, and experience the raw beauty of Kazakhstan's wilderness while staying in traditional yurts or eco-lodges.

Top Things to Do in Altyn-Emel National Park

Singing Dune Experience

Visit the famous Singing Dune (Aigu-Kalkan), a 150-meter high sand formation that produces mysterious musical sounds when disturbed by wind or movement. The climb to the top offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding steppe and Ili River valley. The phenomenon is best experienced during windy conditions when the dune naturally 'sings' with haunting melodies.

Booking Tip: Best visited during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when winds are more frequent. Tours cost around $100-150 per day including transport and guide. Book with operators who provide 4WD vehicles as the dune requires off-road driving to reach.

Aktau Mountains Exploration

Explore the otherworldly Aktau Mountains, known for their striking white, red, and yellow sedimentary rock formations that create a Mars-like landscape. These ancient seabed formations contain fossils and minerals that tell the story of the region's geological history spanning millions of years. The area offers excellent hiking opportunities and photography spots, especially during golden hour.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours range from $80-120 per person. Choose operators with geological expertise for educational value. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide the best lighting for photography. Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there's minimal shade.

Wildlife Safari

Embark on wildlife viewing expeditions to spot the park's diverse fauna including the rare Przewalski's horses, Persian gazelles, golden eagles, and over 200 bird species. The park serves as a reintroduction site for endangered species, making it one of the best places in Central Asia for wildlife photography. Spring and early summer offer the highest chances of animal sightings.

Booking Tip: Multi-day safaris cost $150-250 per day including meals and accommodation. Book with certified guides who know animal behavior patterns. Dawn and dusk game drives offer best wildlife viewing opportunities. Bring binoculars and telephoto camera lenses.

Tamgaly Tas Petroglyphs

Discover ancient rock carvings at Tamgaly Tas, featuring Buddhist inscriptions and petroglyphs dating back over 1,000 years along the Ili River. These sacred rocks contain images of Buddha and ancient scripts that reflect the historical Silk Road connections through this region. The site offers insights into the spiritual and cultural heritage of ancient civilizations that passed through Kazakhstan.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $60-80 per person. Best combined with other park activities for value. Hire guides with archaeological knowledge to fully appreciate the historical significance. Visit during cooler months (April-May, September-October) for comfortable exploration.

Traditional Yurt Stay

Experience authentic nomadic culture by staying overnight in traditional yurts within or near the park boundaries. Enjoy traditional Kazakh hospitality, sample local cuisine including horse milk (kumys) and mutton dishes, and learn about the centuries-old nomadic lifestyle. Evening programs often include traditional music performances and storytelling around campfires under star-filled skies.

Booking Tip: Yurt accommodations range from $40-80 per person per night including meals. Book through established tour operators for safety and authentic experiences. Bring warm clothing as desert temperatures drop significantly at night. Spring through autumn offers the most comfortable weather for yurt stays.

Getting There

Altyn-Emel National Park is located approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Almaty. The most common route involves driving from Almaty to the park entrance near Basshi village, which takes about 3-4 hours by car. Most visitors arrange transportation through tour operators who provide 4WD vehicles necessary for navigating the park's rough terrain. Public transportation is limited, with occasional buses to nearby villages, but a private vehicle or organized tour is essential for accessing the park's main attractions. The nearest airport is Almaty International Airport, from where you can rent a car or join organized tours.

Getting Around

Transportation within Altyn-Emel requires 4WD vehicles due to sandy, rocky, and often unmarked terrain. Most visitors explore the park through organized tours that provide experienced drivers familiar with the challenging routes between attractions like the Singing Dune and Aktau Mountains. Distances between sites can be substantial (20-50 kilometers), and GPS navigation may be unreliable in remote areas. Walking and hiking are suitable for exploring specific sites once you've reached them by vehicle, but the vast scale of the park makes motorized transport essential for moving between different zones.

Where to Stay

Basshi Village Guesthouses

Altyn-Emel Eco-Lodge

Traditional Yurt Camps

Shengeldy Village Homestays

Camping Areas within Park

Kapchagai Resort Area

Food & Dining

Dining options within Altyn-Emel are limited to what tour operators provide or local guesthouses offer, typically featuring traditional Kazakh cuisine including mutton, beef, horse meat, dairy products, and bread. Most multi-day tours include all meals featuring hearty stews, grilled meats, fresh dairy products like kurt (dried cheese balls), and traditional beverages including tea and fermented mare's milk. Visitors should stock up on snacks and drinks in Almaty before departing, as there are no restaurants or shops within the park itself. Local families in nearby villages like Basshi may offer home-cooked meals showcasing authentic regional specialties and hospitality.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Altyn-Emel National Park is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are moderate, ranging from 15-25°C during the day. These seasons offer comfortable weather for hiking and wildlife viewing, with spring bringing wildflower blooms and autumn providing clear skies ideal for photography. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C, making outdoor activities challenging, while winter brings harsh conditions with temperatures dropping below -20°C and limited accessibility to some areas. Spring also offers the best chances for hearing the Singing Dune's natural sounds due to favorable wind conditions.

Insider Tips

Bring extra water and snacks as there are no facilities within the park - aim for at least 3 liters per person per day

Download offline maps before entering as cellular coverage is sporadic and GPS signals can be weak in remote areas

Pack layers including warm clothing even in summer as desert temperatures can drop dramatically at night, sometimes by 20-30 degrees Celsius

Things to Do in Altyn-Emel National Park