Altyn-Emel is the only desert national park in Kazakhstan, known for its vast expanses and the exotic beauty of the Kazakh steppe.
The desert — or more accurately, the semi-desert — of Altyn-Emel is situated in the Ili basin, between the Ili River to the south, the Dzhungarian Alatau mountains to the north and west, and the arid Katutau and Aktau mountains to the east. It is a geographically fascinating location: the parched, desert-like steppe borders lush river and mountain valleys, while a unique wind rose within this whimsical landscape created a remarkable natural phenomenon — the Singing Dune.
Despite its arid nature, the local landscape is incredibly diverse: picturesque mountains rise on all sides, the majestic Ili River flows to the south, and small oases with life-giving springs can be found throughout. The most compelling features of the Altyn-Emel desert are the Singing Dune, the oases, and the desert plants.
This natural wonder has been created by winds over many thousands of years because of unique location of the desert mountains.
