Altyn Emel National Park is one of Kazakhstan’s most extraordinary natural treasures, tucked away in the vast wilderness near Almaty. Its landscapes are so diverse and surreal they feel almost otherworldly—think rolling steppes, wild horses, towering dunes, and kaleidoscopic mountains that rival some of the most famous scenery in the United States.
The park’s standout attractions are the ethereal Singing Dunes, which hum with the wind, and the colorful layered Aktau Mountains. To reach these wonders, you’ll journey through sprawling plains where the distant mountains seem to ripple on the horizon. Altyn Emel showcases Kazakhstan’s nature in its purest form, offering an unforgettable escape into isolation and tranquility. This park remains a hidden gem, far from the usual tourist paths. The rugged roads and remote location deter many travelers, but for those who make the effort, the reward is an experience unlike any other. Simple guesthouses and the park’s untouched charm amplify the adventure, making it a must-visit for lovers of nature and solitude.
In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to plan an independent trip to Altyn Emel with a rental car. From obtaining permits to choosing accommodations and plotting your route, we’ve got all the essential details. Whether you’re planning a standalone visit or combining it with other nearby highlights like Charyn Canyon or Kaindy Lake, this guide will help you explore one of Central Asia’s most remarkable landscapes.
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About visiting Altyn Emel National Park
Altyn Emel National Park lies about 300 km northeast of Almaty, in southeastern Kazakhstan. Spanning roughly 4,600 square kilometers, it’s one of the largest national parks in the country. The park is famous for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, sand dunes, rock formations, and wide-open steppes.
The park’s major highlight is the Singing Dune. This natural wonder gets its name from the sounds the sand produces when the wind sweeps over it. A gentle breeze creates a soft squeak, while stronger winds produce a deep, rumbling tone, like an organ playing in the desert. History lovers will appreciate Bes Shatyr, or “Five Tents.” This complex features burial mounds built by the ancient Saka nomads during the Iron Age. Exploring these sites offers a glimpse into Central Asia’s nomadic past. Another must-see in the park is the Aktau Mountains. These colorful hills are made of bluish-gray sandstone and red clay, creating a stunning contrast against the desert backdrop.
At first glance, the park may seem like a dry, rocky expanse. But if you look closer, you’ll discover a surprising abundance of flora and fauna. Altyn Emel is home to 260 animal species and around 1,800 plant species. Keep an eye out for gazelles, ibexes, and the rare Turkmen half-donkey. If you are extremely lucky you might even spot a lynx, Przewalski horse, or bear. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 230 bird species in the area.
How to get to Altyn Emel National Park from Almaty?
Reaching Altyn Emel National Park from Almaty is a bit of an adventure, but the journey is as memorable as the destination. The fact that Altyn Emel is so hard to reach makes it even more of a hidden gem! The park’s northern entrance, near the village of Basshi, lies about 260 km from Almaty. If you’re up for a scenic drive, you’ll love the sweeping views of the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains along the way.
That said, getting there does require some planning since public transport isn’t an option. Even hitchhiking might leave you stranded, as Basshi is still far from the park’s main highlights. Here are your options for making the trip:
By rental car
The easiest and most flexible way to visit Altyn Emel from Almaty is by renting a car. It takes about 4–4.5 hours to reach Basshi, this village is the main starting point of your Altyn Emel journey. Google will say the drive from Almaty to Basshi will take around 3,5 hours, but factor in extra time for rough road conditions. When we visited, road construction was underway, so hopefully, things are smoother now.
A 4×4 is a must for this Altyn Emel National Park trip. The park’s terrain is rugged, and regular cars might not make it—or worse, they might break down. Most rental agencies won’t even allow standard cars to be taken into Altyn Emel. A 4×4 also lets you venture beyond the Singing Dune to marvel at the Aktau and Katutau mountains, which many tours skip. Trust us, those breathtaking landscapes are worth it!
If you’re planning a broader road trip, Almaty is an excellent starting point. From here, you can explore the Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Lake Kaindy, and Altyn Emel National Park in one epic journey.
Pro Tip: Fill up your tank every time you see a gas station. They’re few and far between. There’s one in Saryozek village on the way to Altyn Emel and another in Chundzha (or Shonzhy) if you’re heading toward Charyn Canyon afterward. Basshi itself has a gas station, but it’s hit-or-miss whether they have fuel. When we visited, an old lady in a small side building kept it running—don’t be fooled by the abandoned look!
By organized tour
For those who don’t drive or prefer a hassle-free option, organized tours are available. For the best prices, it’s better to hook up with a local travel agency in Almaty. Be aware, though, that these tours often cater to Russian-speaking travelers and usually focus on the Singing Dune alone. Booking tours online via Viator or GetYourGuide is also a possibility, this way you will get an English guide, smaller groups, and the chance to also visit Aktau, however, they might be more expensive.
Some affordable group tours are offered by hostels like Almaty Backpackers and local agencies such as Steppe Spirit and Campit.kz, which you can contact on Instagram. Another option is Onyx Tour, which you can also reach through WhatsApp.
For higher-quality tours, check out Caravanistan’s recommendations. They suggest private tours with Asya and Alexey or scheduled tours run by Dina’s company. Caravanistan is a fantastic resource for all things Central Asia, and we’ve even used it to find travel partners, like when we split costs for a trip to the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan.
– Our Recommendation –
If you love flexibility and stopping to soak in the views, renting a car is hands-down the best option. You’ll have the freedom to explore the park at your own pace and can easily continue your journey to other destinations in Kazakhstan. However, if a tour is your only choice, go for one that includes more than just the Singing Dune. And don’t forget to enjoy the drive there—it’s a beautiful way to start your adventure!
Route to Altyn Emel National Park from Almaty
Altyn Emel National Park has two main entrances: the northern entrance near the village of Basshi and the less-used western entrance near Shengeldy, which leads to Besshatyr. Most visitors opt for the northern entrance as it provides easier access to the park’s key highlights, including the Singing Dunes and Aktau Mountains (Routes 1 & 3). Entering via Basshi is overall more convenient, especially if you’re visiting other attractions like Charyn Canyon. Plus, the roads leading to Basshi are in far better condition than the western entrance.
TIP | Download the 2GIS app, which also works offline and is the go-to navigation tool for Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. It’s often more accurate than Google Maps in this region and even shows public transport routes offline.
How to reach the Northern Entrance (Basshi)
The journey to Basshi from Almaty takes about 4 to 5 hours, covering roughly 260 kilometers. Basshi is where the park’s headquarters are located, and all visitors must stop here to arrange permits and pay entrance fees (more information on that in the next section).
Begin by driving north from Almaty on the A3 highway toward Saryozek. At the Saryozek roundabout, take a right onto the A353 highway toward Zharkent. Continue for about 80 kilometers and then look for a sign directing you to Basshi village and Altyn Emel National Park. From there, it’s another 2 kilometers to the park’s main office in Basshi.
While most of the route is straightforward, road conditions can slow you down. The first part from Almaty is a highway which is perfectly fine, after Saryozek the road gets more rickety with potholes. The last stretch to Basshi was under construction during our visit, so check ahead for updates—it might save you some bumps and time!
How to reach the Western Entrance (Shengeldy)
For those heading to the western side of the park to see the Besshatyr Burial Mounds and Tanbaly Tas petroglyphs (Route 2), Shengeldy Village serves as the entry point. The drive from Almaty to Shengeldy takes about 2 to 3 hours.
However, the road conditions on this route are notoriously rough, with sharp rocks scattered along the way, making it risky for regular vehicles. If you choose this route, purchase your tickets in advance at the Almaty office, as there’s no park headquarters here.
Getting permits and paying entrance fees
To enter the park, you’ll need a permit, which you can either buy in advance or at the Basshi headquarters.
Advance Purchase:
- Visit the Almaty office at Bogenbai Batyr 132 (corner of Panfilov Street, Office N305).
- Alternatively, call +7 705 610 25 11 for assistance.
On Arrival at Basshi:
- The main office is at 73 Askarbek Street, Basshi Village.
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a lunch break from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
- Contact: +7 (72840) 45209 or +7 705 610 25 11.
At the office, specify how many days you plan to stay, pay in cash for both your vehicle and the travelers in your group, and collect a ticket and a basic map. In September 2023, we paid 2,490 tenge per day (200 tenge for the car and 1,145 tenge per person)—an affordable price for such an incredible destination.
Keep your ticket and permit with you, as you’ll need to show them at various checkpoints in the park. The map is also essential—Google Maps stops showing the roads at certain points, so it’s helpful for estimating how much farther you need to drive. Additionally, take a photo of the informative maps displayed at the office—they can be a great reference during your visit!
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What to bring for your visit to Altyn Emel National Park
Altyn Emel National Park is quite remote and remains largely untouched by tourism. Don’t expect many facilities in the village of Basshi. While we came prepared with food and plenty of water, there is a small shop in Basshi where you can grab basic supplies if needed. Restaurants are nonexistent, but guesthouses provide breakfast and dinner. Be sure to confirm your meals when booking. If you’re like us, packing some extra snacks for daytime exploring is a great idea. Here’s what we recommend bringing:
- Sturdy Shoes or Hiking Shoes: You don’t need professional hiking boots, but the trails can be rocky, so a reliable pair of shoes is essential. (Also see: Hiking shoes for him)
- Hat and Sunscreen: The sun is intense, and there’s very little shade in the park. Protect yourself with a hat and sunscreen.
- Cash: There are no ATMs in or near Altyn Emel, so bring enough cash from Almaty to cover expenses.
- Snacks and Water: Outside of Basshi, there are no general stores or water sources in the park. Carry plenty of water and a few snacks to keep you going.
- Toilet Paper or Tissues: Facilities are sparse and basic—think drop toilets with no paper. Be prepared.
- Hoodie or fleece: Weather can vary, with hot days and cooler nights, especially in summer. Layers will keep you comfortable.
- Lightweight Daypack: You’ll need a comfortable bag to carry all these essentials during your explorations, we like the ones from Deuter.
Accommodation Options in Altyn Emel National Park
When visiting Altyn Emel National Park, accommodation is primarily concentrated in the village of Basshi. Additionally, there’s a hotel at the Shygan ranger’s post near the Singing Dunes. The village of Basshi is a quiet village with an authentic village atmosphere. You will almost won’t encounter another soul when wandering around here. You might bump into some cattle that roam the street (careful when driving around here!). Besides that, it’s mostly pure village sounds such as a rooster waking you up in the morning.
Guesthouses in Basshi
As of 2024, Basshi has around eight guesthouses, with prices ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 tenge, typically including breakfast and dinner. You can book a guesthouse by calling (if you speak Russian) or messaging via WhatsApp or Telegram—Google Translate can be a lifesaver here. Alternatively, you can simply show up and find a place on the spot. There’s no need to worry about availability; locals are very accommodating and always seem to have space for tourists.
Facilities are simple but provide a glimpse into Kazakhstan’s rural lifestyle while supporting the local community. Another bonus? The home-cooked meals at these guesthouses are often better than what you’ll find in many restaurants.
We stayed at Guest House Ardak, which had a warm and lively atmosphere over the weekend. The accommodation was basic but clean, and the hosts were incredibly welcoming. We stayed in a private room, though larger groups might be placed in hostel-style shared rooms. The highlight? The food. The dinners were some of the best home-cooked meals we’ve ever had during our travels! Another option worth considering is Гостиница, which we heard good things about as well.
Camping Inside the Park
For those with their own camping gear, staying inside the park is an option. While we didn’t choose this route, there are four designated camping spots available for free. Camping is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature, but make sure to come prepared, as facilities are likely minimal.
- Shygan – First ranger post from Basshi towards the Singing Dunes.
- Mynbulak – A stop located on the bend before turning to the Singing Dunes.
- Kosbastau – Area near the 700-year-old willow tree on the way to Aktau.
- Aktau Mountains – Near the resting area (note: no water is available here).
Highlights in Altyn Emel National Park
The most iconic natural wonders of Altyn Emel National Park are the Singing Dunes and the Aktau Mountains. Below, we’ll dive into these highlights and explain how to reach them from Basshi.
Other fascinating spots in the park include the lava-formed Katutau Mountains, whose rugged terrain resulted from intense volcanic activity, which you can visit along the way to the Aktau Mountains. On the drive, you will be passing through the Kosbastau oasis. This oasis features warm underground springs that sustain ancient trees, like the famous 700-year-old willow that is also along the way.
The park also offers cultural treasures with a history that spans thousands of years. The most ancient artifacts include the Besshatyr necropolis, which contains Saka burial mounds, and the Tanbaly Tas petroglyphs, dating back to the Bronze Age. These can only be visited from the Western entrance near Shengeldy.
The Singing Dunes
The Singing Dunes, or Aigaikum (“singing sands”), is the crown jewel of Altyn Emel National Park. As you approach, the dune comes into view—a crescent-shaped sand hill rising dramatically from the landscape. It spans 1.5 kilometers in length and stands 120 meters tall. Sheltered between two mountain ranges, it retains its shape year-round.
The dune’s name comes from a rare phenomenon: when the wind blows, vibrations in the sand produce a deep, humming sound. Fewer than 30 dunes worldwide have this “singing” ability. Unfortunately, during our visit, strong winds and stormy clouds drowned out the sound. Even without it, the scene was breathtaking. The pictures really don’t do the place justice.
You can hike to the top of the dune for panoramic views or walk around its base. Some visitors even slide down from the summit! Climbing is strenuous—you’ll sink deep into the sand with every step. Walking along the ridge is easiest as it offers firmer footing. On windy days, the climb becomes even tougher. By the time we returned to the car, our shoes were filled with sand! If you prefer, hiking barefoot might make the ascent easier.
How to get to the Singing Dunes
From Basshi, the Singing Dune is about 100 kilometers away. Take the route down south from the village and take the right on the fork after leaving town. This drive takes around one hour one way. If you’re coming from Almaty, it’s possible to visit in the afternoon after you arrive. Drop off your luggage at your guesthouse, grab your permit and map from the park office, and head out. To catch the golden hour on the dune, leave Basshi 1.5–2 hours before sunset. The checkpoint is 25 minutes into the drive, where you’ll need to show your permit. Plan to return before 8 PM, as the park closes at that time during summer.
Fair warning: the road to the dune is rough, with the infamous washboard surface shaking you all the way there. A 4×4 vehicle is almost essential. Despite the bumpy ride, the surroundings are spectacular. The endless Kazakh steppes stretch out, dotted with dried bushes and gravel, framed by distant mountains. We even spotted a herd of gazelles along the way!
The single-lane gravel road is easy to navigate since the tracks from previous vehicles are clear. With so little traffic, you can stop anywhere along the way to snap some photos. On our drive back, we couldn’t resist pulling over when the stormy sky transformed into a stunning sunset, complete with a vibrant rainbow. It was pure magic.
Aktau and Katutau Mountains
The third route in Altyn Emel leads to the Aktau and Katutau Mountains. This route, in our opinion, offers the park’s most spectacular scenery. Covering 160 kilometers, it’s a full-day adventure. Visiting both the Singing Dunes and these mountains in one day is challenging, so staying one or two nights in Basshi is highly recommended.
The landscapes here feel otherworldly. Spend time hiking around the Aktau Mountains, and if possible, visit the Katutau range too. Bring enough water and snacks for the day to have a scenic picnic amidst the stunning scenery.
The Aktau Mountains were our main reason for visiting Altyn Emel. Pictures online showed surreal, almost rainbow-colored desert landscapes. Fossils of ancient plants and animals, over 25 million years old, have been discovered here, making it a unique paleontological site. The Aktau Mountains (meaning “white mountains” in Kazakh) rise abruptly from the steppe. Horizontal bands of white, red, and orange streak across the chalky range, creating a pastel-like effect. These colors come from sediment deposits and volcanic activity that carved gorges and canyons into the terrain.
The Katutau Hills (“severe mountains”) are volcanic in origin. While less colorful than Aktau, they offer intriguing cooled lava formations set against prairie-like surroundings. Unfortunately, we skipped Katutau to focus on Aktau, but others say both are worth visiting.
Getting to Katutau & Aktau
From Basshi, drive two kilometers south to a fork and turn left (the same fork as from the singing dunes, however for those you have to turn to the right). The first stretch is paved, passing through two small villages, but it soon becomes another washboard road. This road feels even rougher than the one to the Singing Dunes. At times, the noise makes conversation impossible.
On the way to Katutau, you’ll pass the 700-year-old willow tree, where campsites and lodging are available. The last stretch before Katutau resembles landscapes of the American West. Turn left at the Katutau signpost to reach the viewpoint.
If you’re heading straight to Aktau, stay on the main road. The views become increasingly dramatic as you approach. Take breaks to soak in the surroundings! At the end of the road, a parking area with picnic spots offers a base for exploring. Trails lead through sandy riverbeds and up steep hills.
Hiking to the top of one hill is a must. The trails are unpaved but well-trodden. From above, the colorful Aktau Mountains stretch out like a lunar landscape. We spent three hours exploring, captivated by the striking reds, yellows, and pinks. The glittering sand added a magical touch. We hiked up one of the red hills and if you look closely to the stones beneath your feet you can spot turquoise-colored ones, almost like the Kazakh flag!
What else to see nearby Altyn Emel
We combined Altyn Emel National Park with a road trip to other must-see destinations in the Almaty region. After two days in Altyn Emel, we continued to Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan’s version of the Grand Canyon. From there, we made our way to the village of Saty to explore Kaindy Lake and the Kolsai Lakes in the following days.
Here are some other popular spots you can combine with Altyn Emel or visit as a day trip from Almaty:
Big Almaty Lake
This alpine lake sits high in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, making it one of the region’s most elevated lakes. The views are breathtaking, and the area offers plenty of hiking opportunities.
Kolsai Lakes & Kaindy Lake
These are a trio of crystal-clear lakes surrounded by lush forests and soaring mountain peaks. Kaindy Lake stands out with its eerie submerged forest, creating a surreal atmosphere.
Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon, often called Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon, is a natural marvel. You can hike along the canyon floor or admire the dramatic rock formations and sweeping views from above.
Issyk Lake & Turgen Gorge
Issyk Lake, just an hour’s drive from Almaty, sits in a picturesque mountain gorge with a flowing river nearby. Turgen Gorge is equally stunning, with evergreen forests, rushing rivers, and rugged cliffs shaping the landscape.
Practical Travel Resources
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