The volcanic mountains of Katutau (Katutau means "frozen" or "severe mountains" in Kazakh) are one of the attractions of the Altyn-Emel National Park.
Katutau are the largest and highest desert mountains in Altyn-Emel, with the upper limit reaching 1630 meters. The Katutau lava mountains are the result of intense volcanic activity in the region. The frozen lava of the volcano has acquired bizarre forms here, becoming a unique natural monument.
Location
The Katutau Mountains are located in the eastern part of the Altyn-Emel National Park, south of the Dzhungarian Alatau ridge, 47 km from the village of Basshi, 25 km from the Aktau mountains.
The length of the Katutau mountains from east to west is 40 km, from north to south - 25-30 km.
Landform
Areas without vegetation are being intensively eroded.
In the middle part of the Katutau ridge, there is a large extinct volcano. The products of its powerful eruptions occupied a large area and subsequently eroded, taking on bizarre shapes.
"Katutau" translates from Kazakh as "harsh mountains," which is quite fitting, given the harsh continental climate of this area and the severe appearance of the landscape.
There is another translation of the word "katu" - "freeze," which can also be applied to these mountains with numerous remains of frozen volcanic lava.
Tourist Attraction
The Katutau mountains are a popular tourist attraction of the Altyn-Emel National Park. Tourists usually visit Katutau on their way to the Aktau cretaceous mountains or on their way back.
Photographers are attracted by islands of solidified volcanic lava. Depending on the lighting, they can look like fantastic figures, silhouettes of animals.
Travel Advisory
- The park is open for visitors only during daylight hours.
- You can stay overnight at the foot of the Aktau mountains, please warn the national park officials when purchasing the permit and the rangers at the entrance.
- It is prohibited to move around the park during dark hours.
- There are no water sources at all in the Aktau and Katutau mountains.
- There is almost no mobile communication in the park and the Internet does not work.
- The road along Route 3 is gravelly soil (chatter bumps), dusty and bad, causing strong vibration.
- The section of the road to the Katutau mountains is the worst and is rarely graded.
- Access to the Aktau mountains is only possible through the Basshi village.
Learn more about the route to know how much time you will need to visit the park.
- Passport
- Small handy backpack for personal items
- Personal hygiene items: a toothbrush, toothpaste, a towel, etc. in case of overnight stay in a hotel or a campsite
- Antibacterial wet wipes
- Paper tissues and toilet paper (plain, white, non-perfumed brands)
- Sunscreen cream
- Cream or spray against blood-sucking insects
- Smartphone / camera + chargers
- Personal medikit
- Drinking water (in the hot arid climate of the Altyn-Emel Park, you may need a lot of drinking water)
Wear comfortable nonstainable outdoor clothing: pants, a T-shirt or a long-sleeved shirt, a sweatshirt and a raingear. Summer outfit should be suitable for a very sunny, hot, as well as windy and dusty weather.
A headdress that protects from the sun and wind is a must.
Shoes should be lightweight, with good grip soles designed for hiking. Don't wear slippers.
Bring a set of clothes for the evening and flip-flops in case of overnight stay at a hotel or campsite (keep in mind that nights can be cold).
For the cold season, you will need warm hiking clothes and shoes, as well as thermal underwear.
The distances in the Altyn-Emel Park are large, so clothes, shoes and headgear should be as comfortable as possible for long hikes.
Be careful in the mountains and near the cliffs. Keep to the elaborate tourist routes.
Wear a sun hat and drink enough clean water to prevent dehydration in the desert climate.
Use an anti-tick spray on all clothing during the active period (May-June). Take care also of mosquito and midge repellents.
Do not touch animals, lizards and rodents, which can be infection carriers.
With normal wildlife safety and hygiene practices, you will enjoy your vacation and your exciting journey through the national park.
Tourism in the Altyn-Emel National Park is pro-environmental.
Garbage. Wherever you are, do not leave garbage (including organic) behind you, such as plastic, glass, metal, food waste, cigarette butts, napkins, tampons, pads, etc. Pack the garbage carefully in bags and take them out to specially designated places. Bring drawstring trash bags. Do not burn any kind of garbage.
Toilet. If you are away from a toilet, find a spot that is away from paths and water sources, and be sure that human feces do not contaminate water. In a hot desert, human waste does not biodegrade easily because there is little organic soil to help break it down. Do not bury them, but lightly cover them with soil so that the heat of the sun and light can speed up the decay process. Used toilet paper should also be sprinkled with soil. Use only plain, white, non-perfumed brands.
Caravansarai Campsite is located in the Basshi village, near the Altyn-Emel National Park office:
- a large country estate;
- comfortable caravans;
- a spacious guest house;
- Kazakh yurts;
- own touring cars.
Caravansarai Campsite in Basshi >>>
Tours to Altyn-Emel from Almaty >>>
Tours to Altyn-Emel from Basshi >>>
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