Distance
Distance of the tourist route: 46.5 km one way (Basshi village - Singing Dune, the route is marked in yellow on the map).
Basshi village → 6 km → Shygan post → 30 km – Mynbulak post → 10.5 km → Singing Dune → 2 km → Valikhanov's spring → 7 km → Oshaktas steles → 37.5 km – Basshi village.
Places to Visit
The Singing Dune, or Aigaikum ("singing sands") is the main attraction of the Altyn-Emel National Park.
Monument of nature of republican significance. It is considered one of the 7 natural wonders of Kazakhstan and entered the list of nominees for the world competition "7 new wonders of nature", held in 2007-2011.
Singing DuneThe spring of Shokan Valikhanov, not far from the Singing Dune, is one of the historical places of Altyn-Emel.
Here in 1856, the famous Kashgar expedition headed by Shokan Valikhanov, the great Kazakh scientist, educator and traveler, stopped to rest.
Valikhanov's SpringThe Oshaktas steles ("stone hearth") is a cultural and historical monument of the era of Genghis Khan (13th century), according to the official version.
It is believed that the steles were installed by Mongol warriors, for a cauldron or for a signal fire. However, they are more similar to the menhirs of the Saka era (I millennium BC), since there are similar structures in the western part of Altyn-Emel, near the Saka necropolis of Besshatyr.
Oshaktas StelesTravel Advisory
- The park is open for visitors only during daylight hours.
- Overnight stays and camping at the Singing Dune are prohibited. The nearest camping place is the Mynbulak post, 10 km from the dune.
- It is prohibited to move around the park during dark hours.
- There is almost no mobile communication in the park and the Internet does not work.
- The road along Route 1 is gravelly soil (chatter bumps), dusty and bad, causing strong vibration.
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.
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.
