[2025 Kerbulak District Attraction] Travel Guide for Altyn Emel National Park (Updated Jun)

When searching for Almaty day trip notes, the most mentioned spots are the Two Lakes and One Canyon or Big Almaty Lake. Few people mention the Altyn-Emel National Park, located over 200 km from Almaty. This national park mainly has two routes: 1. Singing Dune - 100 km round trip on rough roads The Singing Dune consists of two sand dunes, large and small. If you've seen many deserts, this might be skippable (P16-P18). 2. Aktau Mountain (Aktau Canyon) - 150 km round trip on rough roads This is the highlight of the entire national park. After 75 km of bumpy roads, the parking lot marks the starting point for the canyon hike. A 3 km walk along the riverbed leads to the White Canyon and Red Canyon. The entire canyon is filled with sparkling gypsum crystals, with well-preserved Danxia landforms and many Mars-like landscapes. Perhaps due to the extremely poor road conditions in the park, visitor numbers are low. On the day we visited, we were the only ones in Aktau Canyon. ‼️ Self-drivers must be mentally prepared: The sandy, rough roads are truly terrible. The washboard roads will make you question your life choices. Even at 60+ km/h in a 4WD, you may still skid or get stuck. Don't ask why we didn't drive at 20-30 km/h - slowing down makes the bumps even worse. After 250 km of washboard roads, even the fridge and microwave in our RV had shifted from their mounts. ‼️ Don't rush to the park entrance to buy tickets: There's no ticket office at the entrance, only a checkpoint. First navigate to Basshi village and purchase tickets at the Kassa Office. For 2 people, 2 days, 1 night + RV camping inside the park, the total cost was 7,550 KZT. ‼️ Before entering the park: - Fill up your gas tank - Bring enough drinking water and food There are no gas stations, no phone signal, and no supply points along the way. Designated camping spots are available.

#hiddengems The surface of Mars here doesn't look like a simulation! The urban area of Alashutu is second only to the largest city in terms of historical tradition. Not only does the city enjoy exploring the surrounding natural wonders, but the stunning scenery of Alcim, especially the Mars like scenery in the Chener Desert National Park, is really not a performance!! Before departing from the following attractions, it is necessary to bring snacks in the wilderness. Finding a restaurant in the wilderness is much easier than finding a restroom!! Be sure to bring cash and do not swipe your card throughout the entire process. Altyn Emel National Park O is the most important nature reserve in Kazakhstan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Being a part of this site will not compromise the scenery! The rock layers from billions of years ago give this area an alien like appearance,

Altyn Emel National Park, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, is a vast protected area known for its diverse landscapes, including the stunning singing sand dunes, the Aktau Mountains, and the Ili River. The park, established in 1996, is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Bukhara deer. The unique phenomenon of the "singing dunes" draws visitors, as the shifting sands emit a melodic sound. The Aktau Mountains showcase colorful rock formations, adding to the park's geological allure. Altyn Emel National Park provides a glimpse into the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Central Asian steppes, making it a significant destination for eco-tourism and conservation efforts in Kazakhstan. #Tripstars