Early pick-up from your hotel, apartment or another address in the city.
ONE-DAY TOUR
Singing Dune
One-day tour
Private Singing DuneTour from Almaty
Discover the golden landscapes of Altyn-Emel National Park on a private one-day trip to the legendary Singing Dune.
Short overview
A rare natural wonder you can visit in one day
The Singing Dune is one of the most unusual natural attractions in Kazakhstan. It is a massive dune of clean quartz sand with steep slopes, located in Altyn-Emel National Park on the right bank of the Ili River, between the Big and Small Kalkan mountains.
Under certain conditions, dry sand begins to move and vibrate, creating a deep sound. It can resemble low throat singing, the sound of an organ or the distant roar of an aircraft. The sound depends on the weather, dryness of the sand and wind conditions.
About 250 km and 4–5 hours on the road, with stops by request.
In Basshi village, we arrange the entrance permit for Altyn-Emel National Park.
Walk to the dune, climb to the ridge if you wish, enjoy photo stops and panoramic views.
Light picnic with tea, coffee and snacks, plus time to enjoy the open steppe atmosphere.
Visit Shokan Valikhanov Spring, Oshaktas menhirs and then return to Almaty.
Trip format
A private route with no mixed tourist group
This trip is designed for a small private group of up to 3 guests, with a flexible pace, photo stops and route timing adjusted to your comfort.
Comfortable vehicleThe tour is operated by Tank 300 or Volkswagen Teramont. The road to Basshi village and the Altyn-Emel pass is paved; inside the national park, part of the route is on dirt roads.
Full-day routeThe distance is long, so this is a full-day trip with an early departure from Almaty and return in the evening or late evening.
Moderate activityThis is not a difficult sports hike, but walking on soft sand and climbing the dune require some effort. The climb is optional.
Weather mattersIn summer, it can be hot, sunny and windy. Spring and autumn are usually more comfortable, but strong winds are possible. In winter, the route depends on road and weather conditions.
The exact timing and program may change depending on the season, weather, road conditions and current national park rules.
Photo gallery
Landscapes of the Singing Dune and Altyn-Emel
Itinerary
Tour program
The timing is approximate and may change due to weather, road conditions, group pace and national park regulations.
06:30
Pick-up from your accommodation: hotel, apartment or another address in Almaty.
07:00
Departure from Almaty, road to Basshi village, stops by request and scenic photo stops.
11:30
Arrival in Basshi village.
12:00
Singing Dune: main part of the route, walk, photo stops and panoramic views.
13:00
Descent from the dune.
14:00
Light picnic, short walk and rest.
15:30
Shokan Valikhanov Spring and Oshaktas menhirs.
16:30
Return drive to Almaty.
22:00
Arrival back in the city.
Private Singing Dune Tour
A private tour with driver, English/Russian-speaking guide support and a light picnic.
400 USDper group up to 3 people · 1 day
The tour is organized only for your private group. One vehicle accommodates up to 3 guests. For a larger group, the price is calculated individually.
What to bring
- comfortable shoes;
- hat or cap;
- sunglasses;
- sunscreen;
- clothes according to the weather;
- passport or ID document;
- cash for personal expenses;
- light windbreaker in spring and autumn.
What is included
- transfer from Almaty and back;
- comfortable SUV transport for the entire route;
- private driver and safe driving;
- English/Russian-speaking guide support, route assistance and interesting facts;
- entrance fees and eco-post tickets;
- water during the route;
- light picnic: tea, coffee, cookies or a light snack;
- photo and rest stops by request.
What is not included
- personal expenses;
- purchases in shops and at gas stations;
- additional activities, if available on site;
- full lunch in a café;
- extra drinks and snacks.
About the tour
Singing Dune: sand, steppe, history and a rare natural phenomenon
About the Singing Dune tour
A private Singing Dune tour from Almaty is a one-day route to Altyn-Emel National Park for travelers who want to see one of Kazakhstan’s most unusual natural places without joining a large tourist group. The trip combines steppe landscapes, sandy slopes, views of the Big and Small Kalkan mountains, historical stops and the rare natural phenomenon known as the “singing” of the dune.
On a dry and windy day, the chances of hearing the sound are higher. The sound depends on sand dryness, wind and weather conditions, so it cannot be guaranteed. Even without the sound, the Singing Dune impresses with its scale, golden color and open panoramas of Altyn-Emel.
From the dune ridge, you can enjoy wide views of the national park. This part of the route reveals steppe landscapes, the Ili River valley, distant mountains and the dramatic contrast between sand and open space.
Why visit the Singing Dune
The Singing Dune is one of the rare places in the world where sand can produce a deep sound under certain conditions. This acoustic phenomenon makes the trip especially memorable. From the top, you can see the landscapes of Altyn-Emel National Park: steppe, mountains, the Kalkan ranges and the Ili River valley.
There are usually fewer tourists here than on popular routes such as Charyn Canyon or Kolsai Lakes, so the place feels spacious, quiet and remote. Golden sand, steppe, mountains and green areas near the spring create a beautiful contrast and make the route great for photography.
Shokan Valikhanov Spring
Not far from the Singing Dune, there is Shokan Valikhanov Spring — a small historical stop on the route through Altyn-Emel National Park. The place is connected with the name of Shokan Valikhanov, a Kazakh scientist, traveler and educator.
A stop at the spring gives you time to rest after walking on sand, see a greener area among dry steppe landscapes and add a historical layer to the nature-focused route.
Oshaktas menhirs
Oshaktas menhirs are an unusual location near the Small Kalkan mountains. These vertical stone steles stand alone in the open steppe. The name “Oshaktas” is often translated as “stone hearth”.
Different legends are connected with this place. According to one version, the stones may have been used as a base for a large hearth or signal fire. Their exact purpose is still not fully clear, which makes Oshaktas a mysterious historical stop in Altyn-Emel and a great addition to the Singing Dune route.
Who this tour is suitable for
This route is suitable for nature lovers, eco-tourism fans, photographers, couples, friends, beginner hikers and travelers looking for unusual experiences in Kazakhstan.
The tour can also be suitable for families with children over 5 years old, if the child is comfortable with a long road trip and can walk on sand. Climbing the dune is optional.
A different side of Kazakhstan
The Singing Dune shows a very different side of Kazakhstan: not only mountains and lakes, but also desert landscapes, endless steppe, ancient stories and rare natural phenomena. It is a route for those who want something unusual, spacious and memorable.
Important to know
Before booking
The route depends on weather, road conditions and current national park rules.
- the tour takes a full day;
- departure is early in the morning;
- the road is long;
- part of the road inside the park is unpaved;
- climbing the dune is optional;
- the route may be adjusted due to weather and national park rules;
- the sound of the dune depends on weather conditions.
FAQ
Questions & Answers
Up to 3 guests can travel in one vehicle.
We use Tank 300 or Volkswagen Teramont, depending on the route, season and number of guests.
The pace is relaxed, with stops by request and no rush.
A light picnic is included in the price. A full lunch in a café can be arranged along the route and is paid separately.
Yes, the route can be adapted depending on the weather, road conditions and your preferences.
No special sports training is required. You only need to consider walking on sand and the optional climb to the dune ridge.
The recommended age is from 5 years old, if the child is comfortable with a long road trip and can walk on sand. Climbing the dune is optional.
The tour starts early in the morning, and return to Almaty is usually in the late evening.
The guide can support the route in English and Russian.
Trip to Altyn-Emel
Would you like to visit the Singing Dune?
Contact us on WhatsApp, and we will help you choose the date, route, vehicle and travel format for your private group.