Day 01
Almaty to Altyn Emel and the Singing Barkhan
- Depart from Almaty city for Altyn Emel National Park at 0700 hours.
- Arrive at Bassi village at 1100 hours, where tourist registration will be completed at the park's central office.
- Commence the excursion to the Singing Barkhan, located a few kilometres from the Ili River between the big and small Kalkan mountains. This sandy mountain is made up of the finest pure sand, which begins to "sing" with gusts of wind, producing a sound that resembles a flute. Before the beginning of sandstorms, the Barkhan produces a sound similar to a drumbeat.
- From the top of the Barkhan, admire a grand panorama of the surrounding countryside. To the south lies a thin strip of the Ili River, along with the purple mountains of Sogety and Boguty, beyond which the ridges of Ketmen rise toward the white peaks. At their foot stretches a foothill valley marked by thin strips of dry rainwater channels. If the weather is dry and windy, the Barkhan will "sing" its song to you, carrying over several kilometres. Return to the hotel or accommodation in tents.
