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

Almaty , Kazakhstan

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

Active

20h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Our tour is a full-fledged two-day trip with an overnight stay, which allows you to take your time and enjoy the beauty of Altyn-Emel at a leisurely pace.

On the first day, we depart from Almaty and head to the village of Basshi. There, we will have lunch at a guesthouse, after which we will travel to the famous Singing Barhan. In the evening, we will return to the village, where we will have dinner and spend the night in the atmosphere of true Kazakh hospitality.

The next day, after breakfast, we will head to the picturesque mountains of Aktau and Katutau, and also make a stop at the relict willow with a 700-year history. This is a rare opportunity to see all the main attractions of the park in two days, without rushing and with comfort. In the evening, we return to Almaty, taking with us new impressions and vivid memorie

Available options

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

Pickup included

What's included

Overnight stay in cozy local guesthouse

English speaking guide

Day 2 Breakfast

Hearty lunch of local cuisine *vegetarian option is available

Air-conditioned vehicle

Day 1 Lunch and dinner in a cozy local guesthouse with home-style atmosphere.

Bottled water 1 Liter per day

Day 2 Packed lunch to go for your journey

eco fees

Detailed itinerary

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.

Available languages

Guide guide

RU EN

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

It is not suitable for children under 18 years of age

Please note that the organizer may cancel the event for unforeseen reasons.

About Almaty

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is a vibrant blend of modern urban life and stunning natural beauty. Known for its apple orchards, scenic mountain backdrop, and rich cultural heritage, it offers a unique travel experience with its bustling markets, Soviet-era architecture, and nearby outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Kok Tobe Hill

Kok Tobe Hill offers panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, featuring a TV tower, a small amusement park, and a restaurant.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours Free to enter, fees for attractions

Zenkov Cathedral

Zenkov Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral, is a wooden Russian Orthodox church located in Panfilov Park. It's one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and a notable example of Russian architecture.

Historical/Religious 30-60 minutes Free

Green Bazaar

Green Bazaar is a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and local crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and sample traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Medeu Skating Rink

Medeu Skating Rink is a popular destination for ice skating and ice hockey. Located in the mountains, it offers stunning views and a unique sporting experience.

Sports/Adventure 2-3 hours Entrance and rental fees vary

Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Ile Alatau National Park. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint Half-day to full-day trip Free to enter, fees for parking and guided tours

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beshbarmak

A traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat (usually horse or lamb) and noodles, served with a broth.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Lagman

A hearty noodle soup with chunks of meat, vegetables, and a rich broth.

Main course Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and no meat.

Shashlik

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually lamb, chicken, or beef.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Baursaks

Deep-fried dough balls, often served as a snack or breakfast item.

Snack Vegetarian, can be vegan if made with vegetable oil.

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing Snowboarding Ice skating Spa treatments Tea house visits Park picnics

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Almaty for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Kazakh, Russian
Widely spoken: Russian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

Time Zone

ALMT (Almaty Time, GMT+6)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Almaty is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Violent crime is rare, but travelers should exercise caution at night and in poorly lit areas. Political protests and demonstrations can occur, so it's best to avoid large gatherings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Almaty International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Almaty-2 Railway Station

By bus

Sayarnaya Bus Station, Sairam Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Almaty. They are affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yandex.Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Kok Tobe Saryarka Zhetysu

Day trips

Charyn Canyon

200 km (124 miles) • Full-day trip

Charyn Canyon is a stunning natural wonder located about 200 km east of Almaty. Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan,' it offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a unique desert landscape.

Kolsai Lakes

300 km (186 miles) • Overnight trip

The Kolsai Lakes are a series of three stunning alpine lakes located in the Kolsai Lakes National Park. They offer breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a serene mountain setting.

Issyk Glacier

60 km (37 miles) • Half-day to full-day trip

Issyk Glacier is a unique glacier located about 60 km east of Almaty. It's one of the few glaciers in the world that can be reached by car, making it a popular destination for day trips.

Festivals

Almaty Apple Festival • September Almaty International Film Festival • September Almaty Jazz Fest • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Kazakh or Russian to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Visit the Green Bazaar for an authentic taste of local life and to sample traditional Kazakh cuisine
Take the cable car up to Kok Tobe Hill for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains
Explore the nearby mountains and lakes for a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences
Try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak, lagman, and shashlik at local restaurants and markets