Kazakhstan · National Parks

2-Day Safari Tour of Almaty and Altyn Emel National Park

2 Days Round trip from Науаи көшесі 208/2 Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Hike to the peak of the Singing Dune
02 Barbecue at the mineral spring of Chokan Valihanov in Altyn Emel National Park
03 Be amazed by the wonder of the Ak-Tau and Katu-Tau mountains
04 Experience local life in Basshy village

Visit one of the most interesting and mystical places near Almaty, Altyn Emel National Park. This 2-day safari includes an ascent to the peak of the Singing Dune, hiking and walking in the Ak-Tau and Katu-Tau mountains, barbecue in the open air, relaxation after off-road travel near a 700-year-old willow, and a glimpse of local life in Basshy village.

This 2-day safari includes an ascent to the peak of the Singing Dune, hiking and walking in the Ak-Tau and Katu-Tau mountains, barbecue in the open air, relaxation after off-road travel near a 700-year-old willow, and a glimpse of local life in Basshy village.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Almaty, Altyn-Emel National Park

Languages English, Polish, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Explore Altyn Emel National Park and the Singing Dune

Road length: 790 km.

07:00 am: Departure from your hotel in Almaty.
11:00 am: Arrival at Basshy village in Altyn Emel National Park for lunch.
12:00 pm: Departure from Basshy village.
1:30 pm: Arrival at the Singing Dune in Altyn Emel National Park for a hike to its peak.
4:30 pm: Departure from the Singing Dune.
4:45 pm: Arrival at the mineral spring of Chokan Valihanov in Altyn Emel National Park for a barbecue.
6:30 pm: Departure from the mineral spring of Chokan Valihanov.
7:30 pm: Arrival at Basshy village for Sak's sauna and dinner.

The program can be changed or supplemented according to your desire.

Day 02

Discover the Ak-Tau and Katu-Tau Mountains

07:30 am: Have breakfast.
08:00 am: Departure from Basshy village.
09:30 am: Arrival at the Ak-Tau mountains in Altyn Emel National Park for a walk inside the canyon, followed by a coffee break.
11:30 am: Departure from the Ak-Tau mountains.
12:00 pm: Arrival at the Katu-Tau mountains in Altyn Emel National Park for a photo stop.
12:30 pm: Departure from the Katu-Tau mountains.
01:45 pm: Arrival at the 700-year-old willow in Altyn Emel National Park for a barbecue.
03:00 pm: Departure from the 700-year-old willow.
08:00 pm: Arrival in Almaty.

Where this trip takes you

Singing Dune, Ak-Tau mountains, Katu-Tau mountains, Basshy village

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Науаи көшесі 208/2 2 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Car and fuel
English-speaking driver-guide
Coffee

What's Not Included

Meals
Accommodation
Entrance fees

Know before you go

Route: Almaty, Basshy village, Singing Dune, Basshy village, Ak-Tau mountains, Katu-Tau mountain, 700-year-old willow, Almaty.

Unearthly landscapes of Aktau white hills and cliffs spread across an area of 80 m2, while the Singing Dune is a natural wonder of the world that charms visitors with its size and mystery. You will experience completely untouched wild nature. It is a great place for a dialogue with nature.
You will visit Altyn Emel National Park, one of the biggest national natural parks in Kazakhstan.
The Singing Dune is a state landscape nature monument and a favorite tourist sight.
In the chalk mountains of Aktau, traces of extinct subtropical plants, petrified bones of ancient animals, and giant rhinoceroses that inhabited the earth 20-50 million years ago have been found in the clefts.
The Katutau Mountains are the most arid, empty, and dark. They differ in their steep slopes and numerous gorges.
The seven-hundred-year-old willow is so large that five people joining hands can encompass this tree. The willow's branches have bowed down under their own weight and resemble thick trunks.
See the unique stone steles