Altyn-Emel Park: Kazakhstan's natural treasure

Nestled in the heart of Kazakhstan, in the Almaty region, Altyn-Emel National Park is a true gem for nature lovers, adventurers, and culture enthusiasts.

With its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, this park deserves a prime spot on your itinerary.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.

The must-see highlights of Altyn-Emel National Park

Aktau Mountains

Formed by volcanic activity 400 million years ago, these mountains, which give the impression of walking on the surface of Mars, result from sedimentary deposits of an ancient lake, possibly the Tethys Ocean, reaching up to 1000 meters in height.

Characterized by gorges and canyons in vivid colors (green, red, blue, white), despite their name of "White Mountains," this site is a true open-air geological museum, offering a glimpse into the region's geological and paleontological history, from the emergence of land to the formation of desert mountains.

Excavations in the Aktau Mountains have uncovered remains of Cenozoic-era fauna, including rhinoceroses, crocodiles, and the fossil of Brontotherium, an ancestor of the hippopotamus. Plant fossils, such as poplars and willows, show the evolution of the local climate.

The unique and spectacular landscapes attract hiking, photography, and geology enthusiasts, providing an ideal setting for excursions and camping. The mountains are also popular for cycling, although motorcycles are prohibited in the canyons due to rock erosion.

The singing dune

Or the singing barkhan, the main attraction of Altyn-Emel National Park, is a quartz sand dune with no vegetation, famous for its unique sound resembling a deep hum.

This rare phenomenon is produced by the friction of the sand grains, emitting an audible noise over several kilometers. It is considered one of the seven natural wonders of Kazakhstan.

Located in the southern part of the park, the singing dune, which is 3 km long and 150 meters high, was formed around 200,000 years ago due to geological changes in the region.

It is easy to climb the dune, which offers a breathtaking view of the park.

‍

Tanbaly-Tas petroglyphs

The Tanbaly-Tas petroglyphs, located in the western part of Altyn-Emel National Park, in the Sholak Mountains, are rock art masterpieces dating back to the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Middle Ages.

Tanbaly-Tas is a major site of petroglyphs, featuring depictions of animals, human figures, and geometric symbols.

These artworks illustrate the relationship of ancient nomads with nature. Some engravings, such as those of two elephants and Buddhist inscriptions, reveal the influence of Buddhism in the region during the 9th-10th centuries.

Altyn-Emel National Park is part of a jeep tour “Almaty Region in 7 Days”, which I organize with locals. If you're interested in this idea, feel free to contact me via Instagram, Whatsapp, email (easternpathsdata@gmail.com) or book a call for any other travel project!

Practical tips

What to take for your visit to Altyn-Emel National Park?

• Clothing suitable for the climate, as summer is very dry and hot, so bring a hat and sunscreen, while winter is quite cold, thermal clothing is recommended.
• Good hiking shoes.
• Sufficient water, as there are no water sources nearby

Environmental protection

The park is a protected area. Be sure to respect the wildlife and flora by staying on marked trails and bringing bags to carry your waste with you.

Accomodation

Several accommodation options are available near the park, mainly in the village of Basshi, ranging from designated camping areas to hotels, yurts, and guesthouses.

Be sure to book in advance, especially during the peak season.

🛌 You can also contact me via Instagram or Whatsapp, I can help you organize a weekend with a night staying with locals!

Access to the park

From Almaty :

• By car: The park is about 300 km east of Almaty. You can rent a car or take a taxi. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours. Follow the A2 road towards Kegen, then take the road to Basshi, the park’s main entrance.
• By bus: Buses regularly depart from Almaty to the village of Basshi. Once in Basshi, you will need to take a taxi or rent a vehicle to reach the park.‍

Entrance fees to Altyn-Emel National Park vary depending on the season and type of visit. Generally, the entrance fees for foreigners are around 2000 to 4000 KZT (approximately 4 to 8 EUR) per person. Additional fees may apply if you wish to visit specific areas or hire a guide. It is recommended to check the updated fees on the park's official website before your visit.

📚 You may be interested in these readings:

Travelling to Kazakhstan as a single woman

Do you need a visa to go to Kazakhstan?

Is Kazakhstan dangerous?

Visit Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan

Budget to go to Kazakhstan