The main sandy highlight of Altyn-Emel, with a walk and optional climb to the ridge.
ALTYN-EMEL 2-DAY TOUR
Altyn-Emel Tour: Singing Dune, Aktau & Katutau
Short description
Sand dunes, steppe and colorful mountains in two days
This 2-day Altyn-Emel tour is more than a trip to the Singing Dune — it is a deeper introduction to one of the most unusual natural places in Kazakhstan. In two days, guests will see the golden sands of the Singing Dune, the historic Chokan Valikhanov Spring, the stone steles of Oshaktas, the Kosbastau oasis, the 700-year-old willow, the volcanic shapes of Katutau and the powerful colorful Aktau Mountains.
This route is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond a standard one-day tour and spend a night inside the national park at an approved camping area. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner outdoors, the silence of the steppe, a starry sky and the feeling of being far away from the city rush.
The journey combines nature, history, a light sense of adventure and a retreat-like atmosphere. There is no city hurry here — only the road, wind, sand, ancient stones, open horizons and mountains where the history of the earth seems to be written in layers.
A historic stop at Chokan Valikhanov Spring and the stone steles of Oshaktas.
Camping at an approved area, dinner outdoors, a starry sky and the 700-year-old willow.
Colorful mountains, volcanic rocks, photo stops and expressive landscapes of the second day.
Trip format
Private tour with overnight camping
The tour is organized only for your group, without joining other travelers. One vehicle accommodates up to 3 guests. This format allows you to travel at a relaxed pace, stop for photos, rest and enjoy the landscapes along the way.
Two days in the national park
The first day is dedicated to the Singing Dune, Chokan Valikhanov Spring and Oshaktas.
The second day includes Kosbastau, the 700-year-old willow, Aktau and Katutau mountains.
Night in nature
Overnight stay is arranged in a tent camp at an approved camping area.
This is not a hotel or yurt stay, but an atmospheric camping experience in nature.
Comfortable vehicle
The route is operated by a comfortable SUV or off-road capable vehicle.
There are unpaved sections inside the national park.
Moderate activity
No special sports training is required, but guests should be ready for a long road,
walking on sand and spending the night in a tent.
Space and reset
Altyn-Emel means wide steppe, silence, wind, night sky, ancient landforms
and a feeling of inner freedom.
Flexible pace
Travel time may vary depending on weather, road conditions, park rules and the pace of the group.
Photo gallery
Landscapes of Altyn-Emel
The Singing Dune, Aktau Mountains, Katutau rocks and the ancient willow in Kosbastau are the key highlights of this 2-day route.
Route
Tour program
The timing is approximate and may change depending on weather, road conditions, the pace of the group and national park rules.
Day 1
06:30
Pick-up from your accommodation: hotel, apartment or another address in Almaty.
07:00
Departure from Almaty, drive to Basshi village, optional stops and photo stops on the way.
09:30
Short rest stop on the road.
12:00
Arrival in Basshi village and registration for entry to the national park.
12:30
Light picnic before the active part of the route.
13:00
Singing Dune: walk near the dune, optional climb to the ridge and photo stops.
15:00
Rest after descending from the dune.
15:30
Chokan Valikhanov Spring: photo stop and short rest.
16:00
Oshaktas stone steles: steppe legends and photo stop.
16:30
Drive to the Kosbastau area.
19:00
Set up the tent camp at an approved camping area and relax.
20:00
Dinner preparation and evening in nature.
22:00
Overnight stay in tents.
Day 2
07:00
Wake-up, breakfast and camp packing.
08:30
700-year-old willow in Kosbastau: photo stop and short walk.
09:00
Drive to the Aktau Mountains.
10:00
Aktau Mountains: walk, colorful slopes and photo stops.
12:30
Light picnic.
13:00
Drive to the Katutau Mountains.
13:30
Katutau Mountains: volcanic rocks, photo stops and rest.
15:00
Return to Basshi.
16:00
Departure back to Almaty.
18:30
Short rest stop on the way.
22:00
Approximate arrival in the city.
Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour
A 2-day tour with a driver, bilingual RU/EN guide support, camping overnight and meals according to the program.
800 USD
per group up to 3 guests · 2 days / 1 night
We organize the tour only for your group. One vehicle accommodates up to 3 guests. For larger groups, the price is calculated individually.
What to bring
- comfortable shoes;
- hat or cap;
- sunglasses;
- sunscreen;
- clothes suitable for the weather;
- warm clothes for evening and night;
- flashlight or headlamp;
- power bank;
- wet wipes, personal medication and hygiene items;
- documents;
- cash for personal expenses.
What is included
- transfer from Almaty and back;
- comfortable SUV;
- driver service;
- bilingual guide support in Russian and English;
- entrance tickets and Altyn-Emel National Park fees;
- drinking water on the route;
- light picnic on the first day;
- outdoor dinner on the first day — one hot meal according to the program;
- breakfast and light picnic on the second day;
- organization of overnight stay at an approved camping area;
- guest tents;
- camp beds for sleeping;
- basic camping equipment: table, chairs, stove, dishes and camping inventory;
- Starlink connection during the tour, including the route and overnight area;
- photo and rest stops along the route.
Not included
- personal expenses;
- purchases in shops and at gas stations;
- additional activities, if available on site;
- full lunch in a café;
- additional drinks and snacks;
- sleeping bags — available on request for an extra fee;
- hotel accommodation and personal comfort items.
About the tour
2-Day Altyn-Emel Tour from Almaty
This 2-day Altyn-Emel tour is a route for travelers who want to see more than a one-day trip can offer.
Singing Dune, Valikhanov Spring and Oshaktas
The first day of the tour starts with a drive from Almaty toward Basshi village — the main entry point for the routes to the Singing Dune, Aktau and Katutau. After national park registration, the group heads to the Singing Dune.
After the Singing Dune, the route continues to Chokan Valikhanov Spring. Guests then visit Oshaktas — mysterious stone steles standing in the steppe. These ancient stones are connected with steppe legends, nomadic history and the atmosphere of the Great Steppe.
Overnight camping in Kosbastau
In the evening, the group moves to an approved camping area near Kosbastau. Here we organize a tent camp, outdoor dinner and an overnight stay under the starry sky.
The second day starts with breakfast at the camp and a visit to the 700-year-old willow in Kosbastau. It is not just a natural attraction, but a living symbol of resilience, time and inner strength.
Aktau and Katutau Mountains
The Aktau Mountains are one of the most impressive locations in Altyn-Emel. Their light, reddish, yellow and gray layers create the feeling of another world.
Katutau has a different character: more rugged, volcanic and fantastic in shape. This location adds drama and contrast to the route.
Who this tour is for
This tour is ideal for guests who want to experience Altyn-Emel more deeply than in one day: walk around the Singing Dune at a relaxed pace, see the colorful Aktau and Katutau Mountains, feel the vastness of the steppe and spend a night in nature.
The route is for those who love beautiful landscapes, photo routes, unusual natural places and the atmosphere of a real journey. There will be road, sand, mountains, open horizons, an evening at the camp, dinner outdoors and a starry sky far from the city.
The format is suitable for a couple, family or small group, as well as for guests who want to reset, change the usual surroundings and spend two days in one of the brightest national parks in Kazakhstan.
Good to know
Nature route with overnight camping
The tour takes place inside Altyn-Emel National Park: steppe roads, natural locations, photo stops, colorful mountains and a night at an approved camping area.
We plan the route, meals and camping setup in advance so guests can relax and enjoy the journey, nature and atmosphere.
- departure from Almaty is early, and the road takes a large part of the first day;
- the road to Basshi is mostly asphalted;
- there are unpaved sections inside the national park;
- climbing the Singing Dune is optional;
- the sound of the dune depends on weather conditions;
- overnight stay is arranged in a prepared tent camp at an approved area;
- the overnight format is camping-style, with basic outdoor comfort;
- the route goes through a national park, so it is important to respect nature and follow park rules.
Overnight conditions
Overnight stay is in tents at an approved area of the national park. We bring water, meals, tents, camp beds and basic camping equipment: table, chairs, stove, dishes and necessary inventory. This is not a hotel format, but an atmospheric night in nature: steppe silence, open sky, dinner at the camp and a chance to feel Altyn-Emel without hurry or city noise.
Questions and answers
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 2 days and 1 night. Departure from Almaty is usually early in the morning on the first day, and return to the city is in the evening of the second day, approximately around 21:00–22:00.
Where do we spend the night?
Overnight stay is arranged in a tent camp at an approved camping area of the national park, near Kosbastau or another agreed area.
Can we camp near the Singing Dune?
No, overnight stay near the Singing Dune is not planned. The camp is set up only in an approved area of the national park.
What is included in the camping setup?
The camping setup includes tent camp organization, guest tents, camp beds, basic camping equipment, outdoor dinner and breakfast in the morning.
Is there connection during the tour?
Mobile connection in some parts of the national park can be unstable. Starlink connection is provided during the tour — both on the route and at the overnight area.
Can we travel with children?
Yes, but for this tour we recommend children from around 5 years old who can handle a long road, walks on sand and an overnight stay in a tent.
Is the route physically difficult?
The route is not a sports hike, but it is more active than a standard excursion. Guests should be ready for a long road, walking on sand, natural locations and an overnight stay in a tent.
Will we hear the “singing” of the dune?
The sound of the Singing Dune depends on dry sand, wind and weather conditions, so it cannot be guaranteed.
Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a light picnic, outdoor dinner and breakfast on the second day. Meals are arranged in a camping format.
How is this tour different from a one-day tour?
The 2-day route adds Kosbastau, the 700-year-old willow, Aktau Mountains, Katutau Mountains and an overnight camping experience in nature.
Is this tour good for a retreat and quiet escape?
Yes, this route is well suited for a calm reset, quiet time in nature and a break from the city.
READY TO TRAVEL
Would you like to join the Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour?
Contact us on WhatsApp, and we will help you choose a date, route, vehicle and trip format for your group.