Singing Dune and Aktau Mountains: Three-Day Tour

BOOK TOUR TO ALTYN-EMEL

Alert

We kindly ask you to book a tour to Altyn-Emel in advance, at least a few days before the planned trip.

The Singing Dune and the Aktau cretaceous mountains are the well-known and recognizable symbols of Altyn-Emel, unique natural monuments under the protection of UNESCO.

We offer you a three-day tour along the most famous routes of the Altyn-Emel National Park. You will see and hear one of the 7 wonders of Kazakhstan, the legendary Singing Dune by the name of Aigaikum, and also make a trip to the fantastic mountains of Aktau and Katutau.

Total distance: about 780 km

Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

Excursion routes: Route 1 (Singing Dune), marked in yellow on the map, and Route 3 (Aktau mountains), marked in red

Number of tourists: any

Season: all (it can be hot in summer)

Tour Programme

Day 1:

Transfer from Almaty to the Basshi village - about 250 km (Almaty-Basshi road takes about 4 hours, excluding stops). The road passes through the city of Kapchagai (now Konaev), the Ili river in its widest place, where it flows from the Kapchagai reservoir, the village of Saryozek, the picturesque passes of Arkharly and Altyn-Emel.

Accommodation in the guest house of the Caravansarai campsite.

Day 2:

Transfer to the Aktau mountains - about 70 km from the Basshi village. The road passes through the steppe, via the villages of Nurym and Aktobe, and the Zhagalbaily post.

Walking along the canyons of the Aktau mountains, photo shooting.

Transfer to the Katutau mountains - about 25 km from the Aktau mountains.

Walking around the lava gorge of Katutau, photo shooting.

Transfer to the 700-year-old willow in the Kosbastau oasis with a warm radon source - about 20 km from the Katutau mountains.

Walking, photo shooting.

Return to Basshi.

Day 3:

Transfer to the Singing Dune - about 50 km from the village of Basshi. The road passes through the steppe, surrounded by the Dzhungarian mountains, the mountains of Katutau and Kalkans, via the Shygan and Mynbulak posts.

Climbing the sand dune, photo shooting.

Stopping at Chokan Valikhanov's spring, "Dinosaur Trail".

Visiting the Oshaktas steles.

Return to Almaty.

Places of Interest:

The Singing Dune and the Aktau cretaceous mountains are the main places to see in the Altyn-Emel National Park. The tour program includes the volcanic mountains of Katutau, the 700-year-old willow, as well as historical monuments, Oshaktas stone steles (13th century) and the spring of Shokan Valikhanov (mid-19th century). Optionally, you can also make a stop on the "dinosaur trail" at the foot of the Small Kalkan mountain.

On the way back from the Altyn-Emel Park, you can visit Tulpar, the unique museum of Soviet retro cars in the city of Konaev. The museum also displays household items from the Soviet era.

Singing DuneSinging Dune
Aktau MountainsAktau Mountains
Katutau MountainsKatutau Mountains
700-Year-Old Willow700-Year-Old Willow
Oshaktas StelesOshaktas Steles
Chokan Valikhanov's SpringChokan Valikhanov's Spring

Notes:

The tour program is variable. On the first day, you can leave Almaty early in the morning and visit the Singing Dune that day, and on the third day, leave the village of Basshi immediately for Almaty.

It is always advisable to leave a visit to the Aktau mountains on the second day (middle of the tour), since this major tourist site is the farthest and requires more time to explore.

The tour takes less than 3 days. Practice shows that such a program is the most comfortable for tourists. There is an opportunity to take a leisurely walk and fully relax in nature.

Prices

Number of touristsPrice per person, KZT / Total price, KZT
1365800 / 365800
2189900 / 379800
3131300 / 393900
4102000 / 408000
593500 / 467500
680200 / 481200
770800 / 495600

Prices are valid for 2023.

The cost of a 3-day tour to the Singing Dune and Aktau mountains is shown for a 4-seater and a 7-seater car (for 1 tourist and the total number of tourists).

Alert

The prices result from serious difficulties in organizing car trips to the Altyn-Emel National Park.

Very difficult road conditions in Altyn-Emel lead to rapid wear and tear of vehicles. We maintain a fleet of rare vehicles that can withstand the rigors of off-road conditions and standby vehicles in the event of a breakdown.

Trips to the park from Almaty are also associated with a heavy burden on drivers who work 10 or more hours a day.

Our tours include the accommodation of tourists at the Caravansarai campsite in the national park, with all the amenities and the opportunity to relax after a tiring trip.

The price includes:

Meals are not included in the tour. You can order national meals in Basshi.

Food Menu for Pre-Order >>>

Also, at the Caravansarai campsite, you can cook any meal at any time (the campsite is equipped with kitchens with all the equipment, there is a summer kitchen, outdoor grill). To do this, you need to bring food and drinks with you. There is a small shop on the campsite where you can buy basic foodstuff but it is better to buy food in Almaty.

In the city of Kapchagai (now Konaev) there is a cafe of national and European cuisine on the way.

Helpful Information

Things To Take >>>
Outfit >>>
Security Measures >>>
Environmental Awareness >>>

Please send us your request using the feedback form below, and we will contact you ASAP:

Arba Travel

Your Guide to Altyn-Emel National Park

© 2023, Arba Travel

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Arba Travel Contact Info:

Phone: +77089711687

Contact us by WhatsApp >>>

Chat with us on Telegram >>>

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