Everything you need to plan your trip
By Nomad Outfitters · Updated 30 October 2026
Start at the park office in Basshi
Basshi village, where the park office is, is about 250 km from Almaty, around 3 to 3.5 hours by car; the last stretch is gravel. Every visitor needs a pass from the office. It is valid for one day and you choose your route in advance. There is no accommodation inside the park.
Sand that hums
The dune is about 150 m high and 3 km long, between the Big and Small Kalkan ranges. When the wind moves the sand it makes a low hum, best heard in dry weather. The climb to the top takes about 30 to 40 minutes on loose sand.
White, red and ochre hills
Aktau means "white mountains". The colored layers were laid down by ancient lakes and rivers, and fossils of rhinos, crocodiles and turtles have been found here. Nearby Katutau is a landscape of old volcanic rock; it is easy to add, but means less time in Aktau.
About 700 years old
At Kosbastau, 28 km east of Basshi, stands a willow thought to be about 700 years old: about 20 m tall, with a trunk 15 m around. Three parts of the park, Altyn-Emel East, Central and West, joined the UNESCO World Heritage site "Cold Winter Deserts of Turan" in 2023.
All year
April to June and September to October are the best months. On summer tours we start very early and rest in the middle of the day, when the desert is at its hottest.
Best months
Sources: UNESCO: Cold Winter Deserts of Turan; Tengrinews (route, pass, 2026); Tengrinews (2026 fees); Welcome.kz (willow); Advantour (Singing Dune).
Altyn-Emel National ParkНациональный парк Алтын-Эмель
The Singing Dune, the Aktau Mountains and the old willow, with a night at a guest house.
- 2 daysone night at a guest house
- Privateyour own guide and car
- Desertdunes and colored hills
- Three meals a day
- Park permits and drinking water
- Free cancellation
What you will see
The main stops on our Altyn-Emel tours.
Singing Dune
About 150 m high, with views over the Ili River from the top.
Aktau Mountains
Colored clay hills with a walk through the main canyon.
Oshaktas
Three standing stones near the Singing Dune.
Wildlife
In 2025 rangers counted about 3,600 kulans and 5,500 goitered gazelles.
Altyn-Emel questions
How far is Altyn-Emel from Almaty?
About 250 km to Basshi village, where the park office is, around 3 to 3.5 hours by car.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Every visitor needs a one-day pass from the park office in Basshi, with the route chosen in advance. Our tours include it.
Why does the Singing Dune sing?
When the wind moves the dry sand, the dune makes a low hum. It is best heard in dry weather.
Is Altyn-Emel a UNESCO site?
Three parts of the park are, as part of the "Cold Winter Deserts of Turan" World Heritage site, inscribed in 2023.
Can we add Katutau?
Yes. Katutau is very close to the Aktau Mountains and easy to add, but it means less time in Aktau, because the Aktau walk takes a while.
When is the best time to visit?
We run tours here all year. April to June and September to October are the mildest months, and on summer tours we start early, before the heat.
Tours that visit Altyn-Emel
2 days2 дняAltyn-Emel National ParkНациональный парк Алтын-Эмель
The singing dune and the chalk hills of Aktau.Поющий бархан и меловые горы Актау.
from $260 per personот $260 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
5 days5 днейPopularПопулярныйGolden Ring of ZhetysuЗолотое кольцо Жетысу
Our most complete route across Zhetysu.Наш самый полный маршрут по Жетысу.
from $660 per personот $660 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
3 days3 дняGolden Ring of ZhetysuЗолотое кольцо Жетысу
The same national parks, in three days.Те же нацпарки за три дня.
from $450 per personот $450 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре