3-Day Altyn-Emel Desert Adventure with Singing Dune and Aktau Hike
About This Tour
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Altyn-Emel National Park on a 3-day journey through its wild desert landscapes. Climb the iconic Singing Dune for panoramic v...
Duration: 3 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Almaty, Aktau, Altyn-Emel National Park · Languages: English, Russian
Know before you go: This tour is private and can be changed according to your preferences. It can also be extended to 5-6 days by including visits to the green mountain plateaus, lakes, and/or the canyons of Charyn Park.; Walks on the route include an impressive hike along the ridges and gorges of the colorful Aktau Mountains. The duration of the hike can vary from 2 to 7 hours, depending on the physical fitness and requests of the tourists.; Accommodation includes camping and guest houses. Usually, we combine these two types of accommodation. Keep in mind that strong winds or extreme heat can make camping less appealing.; From March to November is the most suitable season, although during the summer months the weather can be extremely hot, reaching up to 40 degrees. Winter travel is also possible, but road conditions can be unpredictable.
About Altyn Emel National Park
Altyn Emel National Park
Explore the list of top ranked local tour guides in Altyn-Emel National Park. Get tour activities offered by tour companies and independent travel guides in Altyn-Emel National Park.
What's Included
- Nights of accommodation in a hotel outside Almaty
- Experienced English-speaking guides
- Jeep and driver
- Entrance tickets for all nature parks, museums, and sites according to the program
- Food: breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as mineral water and snacks during the transfers
- Camping equipment
- Good mood :)
Not Included
- Insurance
- Flight tickets
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Singing Dune and Wild Landscapes of Altyn-Emel
From Almaty, a 4-hour jeep ride takes us to the village of Basshi, where we obtain the necessary permits. We then continue for about an hour over 50 km of bumpy roads, passing savannah-like landscapes framed by the Dzungarian Mountains and the Ili River, to reach two volcanic hills and a 150-meter dune. This is one of the best places to spot kulans (wild horses) and rare Turanga poplars. After a 20-30 minute climb up the Singing Dune, enjoy panoramic views of the Ili Basin and distant mountain ranges, weather permitting. After a short coffee break, we return the same way. Dinner and a relaxing evening await at the guest house. Driving time on this day is 6 hours.260 km of asphalt and 100 km of off-road. Hotel accommodation.
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2Day 02
Katutau Formations and Aktau Desert Hike
After a good breakfast, we spend about three hours driving off-road through Altyn-Emel's semi-desert, with a stop in the Katutau Mountains. This is a small but interesting location, with reddish stones in unbelievable forms and shapes. Half an hour is more than enough for easy climbing and photos. At the foot of the Aktau Mountains, we take a break for a quick snack - sandwiches, fruit, tea, and coffee. In the afternoon, we hike into the stunning, colorful desert hills, exploring a landscape shaped over 60 million years. These layered mountains are like a geological time capsule, revealing ancient eras, including the time when giant ancestors of hippos roamed here. The hike can last from 2 to 5-6 hours, depending on the group. Afterward, a hot dinner will be waiting for us at the campsite. On this day, we will have 3 hours of off-road driving. About 4 hours of walking along the paths of the natural park. Overnight in tents.
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3Day 03
Desert Oasis and Return to Almaty
Our morning starts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee with a view of the Aktau Mountains; tea, omelet, cheese, and sandwiches are included. After packing our equipment, two hours of off-roading await us. Along the way, we visit a desert oasis to greet a 700-year-old willow tree. After that, we have about a 5-hour drive back to Almaty.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Almaty, Казахстан · Tour start: Алматы, Казахстан — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
