Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune

Day 1. Singing Barhan Our journey begins in Almaty early in the morning. At 7:00 we set off towards Altyn-Emel National Park. The road passes through picturesque steppe landscapes and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature. By noon we will arrive in the village of Basshi - the gate to Altyn-Emel. Here we will have a delicious home-cooked lunch at a local guest house. After a rest, we will head to the famous Singing Dune, a unique natural phenomenon that is over 700 years old. When the wind blows across its slopes, the dune begins to "sing," producing sounds reminiscent of organ music. You will have time to climb to the top of the dune, enjoy breathtaking views of the vast steppe, and experience the magic of this remarkable place. In the evening, we will return to the village of Basshi, where we will stay at a guesthouse. You will find a cozy atmosphere, the hospitality of the hosts, and the opportunity to relax before the next busy day.

Day 2. Aktau Mountains In the morning, after breakfast at the guest house, we will head towards the majestic Aktau Mountains by off-road vehicles. These ancient mountains, composed of colorful sedimentary rocks, resemble a true "open-air stone museum." Their vibrant layered slopes, ranging from snow-white to red and turquoise hues, give the impression of being on another planet. During the hike, you will have the opportunity to climb to the observation points to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and capture stunning photographs. The amazing shapes and colors of Aktau tell a story that is millions of years old.

After Aktau, we will travel to the Katutau, which are volcanic mountains. Their bizarre rock formations resemble fantastic figures created by nature itself. When you look at the frozen lava shapes, it feels like you have entered another world. We will make a stop here and have an outdoor lunch. This is a great opportunity to relax, enjoy the silence, and feel the power of the ancient mountains. We will take a packed lunch prepared by the guest house owners with us, so that we can enjoy it outdoors later.

After the Katutau mountains, we will make a stop at an ancient willow tree with a 700-year history. This unique tree has become a symbol of nature's resilience and strength. We will have 20 minutes to relax, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before returning to the village.