Altyn-Emel National Park: Tourist Routes

Altyn-Emel National Park offers three main touristic routes:

1. Singing Dune (marked in yellow on the map)

2. Saka burial mounds of Besshatyr (marked in green)

3. Aktau and Katutau mountains (marked in red)

For Routes 1 (Singing Dune) and 3 (Aktau Mountains), you have to enter the national park ONLY via the Basshi village, with a pass issued either at the central office in Basshi, or remotely by the following numbers:

+77079390039, +77778019670 (payment via Kaspi Bank app)

For Route 2 (Besshatyr), you can enter the national park ONLY via Checkpoint 1 near the Shengeldy village, with a pass issued remotely, by the above-mentioned phone numbers.

You cannot drive across the central territory of the national park as it is a conservation area. Tourists can only follow Routes 1 and 3 (Singing Dune and Aktau Mountains) coincidently.

Route 2 (Besshatyr) is available separately.

Route 1: Singing Dune

The most popular route is the Singing Dune, one of the 7 wonders of Kazakhstan >>>

Route 2: Besshatyr Mounds

A route for lovers of historical artifacts: the Besshatyr burial mounds, the royal necropolis of the Saka era >>>

Route 3: Aktau Mountains

The farthest route is the Aktau mountains, the dried-up bottom of an ancient ocean >>>

Car Rental

There is no public transport to Altyn-Emel. You can only get to the national park by your own or rented car.

You can rent a car in Kazakhstan using the Economy Bookings and Rentalcars services which unite the largest brands of the car rental industry around the world. Many of them have their locations in Kazakhstan, so you can choose a suitable car for your trips at the best prices. It is easy, convenient and reliable.

NB: Please book a car in advance, then you will have more choice than in the high season. Also please note that car rental prices are constantly increasing.