Altyn-Emel National Park
Kazakhstan · Jetisu Region · 700 m
Description
Altyn-Emel is a desert park on the north bank of the Ili where three separate things sit within a day of each other. The Singing Dune is a three kilometre ridge of sand that hums when it slides, the Aktau hills are banded chalk in pink and white and green, and the Katutau hills next to them are black volcanic rock. On the plain below stand the Besshatyr kurgans, Saka royal burial mounds of the fifth century before Christ. Kulan and gazelle are the reason the park exists, and the herds are easiest to find at first light. Entry needs a permit and in practice a vehicle.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – May or September – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Singing Dune and the sound it makes
- Banded chalk of the Aktau hills
- Besshatyr Saka royal kurgans
- Volcanic Katutau hills
- Kulan and goitered gazelle on the plain
- Ili river bank and its tugai woods
- Basshi village stay
- Tamgaly-Tas rock Buddhas on the Ili(Day trip)
- Night sky over the desert