Kazakhstan · National Parks

2-Day Altyn-Emel and Charyn Canyon Tour from Almaty

2 Days Round trip from Almaty Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the remarkable Aktau mountains in Altyn-Emel National Park
02 Visit the volcanic landscapes of the Katutau mountains
03 Experience the famous Singing Dune in Emel National Park
04 Walk through the dramatic scenery of Charyn Canyon

Discover Altyn-Emel National Park and Charyn Canyon on this 2-day trip from Almaty. Visit the remarkable Aktau and volcanic Katutau mountains, experience the famous Singing Dune, and pass through Kapchagai on the way to Bashy village. With an overnight stay in Bashy, this short journey combines some of southeastern Kazakhstan's most unusual landscapes in one compact adventure.

Visit the remarkable Aktau and volcanic Katutau mountains, experience the famous Singing Dune, and pass through Kapchagai on the way to Bashy village.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Almaty, Kapsagay, Aktau, Sharyn Canyon, Altyn-Emel National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Almaty to Bashy via Aktau and Katutau Mountains

Altyn-Emel National Park, located in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, is a unique and amazing place and one of the bright pearls of Semirichye. Many people have heard about the Singing Dune located within the national park, but not everybody knows that this area is also home to the picturesque and unusual Aktau Mountains and the volcanic Katutau Mountains.

On the first day, the trip starts at 8 am. The journey from Almaty to Bashy village takes around 4 hours, passing through the Kapchagai settlement and its reservoir.
See the Aktau Mountains.
Travel to the Katutau Mountains.

Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Bashy village in Altyn-Emel.

Day 02

Singing Dune and Charyn Canyon Excursion

The second day also starts at 7 am with a visit to the Singing Dunes of Emel National Park.
Transfer to Charyn Canyon.
Walk through the canyon.
Then return to the city at around 7-8 pm.