ALTYN-EMEL

Creating a park

The appearance of the Altyn-Emel Park dates back to 1996. By organizing this reserve, the state aimed to preserve and increase rare representatives of the animal and plant world, popularize ecotourism and improve the conditions of nature use, traditional for the local population.

The uniqueness of the nature of the national park is due to its location at the point where the deserts of Turan and Dzungaria meet. The penetration of representatives of the flora and fauna of these regions into the territory of the reserve marked the beginning of the ecosystem that has developed here.

To date, the park has about 70 names of rare and unique flora in this region, 29 of which are listed in the state Red Book. The reserve boasts the most numerous populations of kulan and gazelle on the planet, as well as a wealth of varieties of birds of prey. In the national park, the horse of Przhevalsky, which disappeared in the wild nature of Kazakhstan, is brought out. This is the first attempt in the country to return the species to its natural conditions.

In addition to unique plants and animals, the national park includes famous natural monuments: "Singing Dune"; Aktau and Katutau mountain ranges, in the rock of which numerous fossils of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic era are found; mineral thermal springs with healing water.

"Altyn-Emel" is not only a nature reserve. On its territory there are historical and archaeological monuments of great scientific value. These are the Saka Necropolis of the VI-V centuries BC, the Royal mounds "Besshatyr", as well as a complex of 31 common mounds. Ancient petroglyphs and Buddhist inscriptions carved in stone have been preserved on some rocks of the national park.

There is a legend that during the conquest of Asia by Genghis Khan's troops, the great ruler, looking at the sunset-lit mountains, exclaimed: "Altyn Emel!". Translated from Mongolian, it means "golden saddle". Since then, one of the mountain ranges has been called that, and already today the entire national park. Caravans traveling along the Great Silk Road passed through the territory of the reserve. And in 1856, the great Kazakh researcher Chokan Valikhanov passed through the current national park. Now the place of his halt is called "Chokan Spring".

multi-day tours to ALTYN-EMEL

TOUR PACKAGE 4.2

4 days

Bashi village / Tiger mountains / Saty village / Black canyon / Singing Dune / Charyn Canyon / Kolsai lake 1 / Kolsai lake 2 / Aktau mountains / Kokpek gorge / Kaindy lake / Baiseit

$
1667
$
1850

TOUR PACKAGE 5.2

5 days

Bashi village / Tiger mountains / Saty village / Black canyon / Singing Dune / Charyn Canyon / Kolsai lake 1 / Kolsai lake 2 / Aktau mountains / Kokpek gorge / Kaindy lake / Baiseit

$
2093
$
2200

TOUR PACKAGE 6.1

6 days

Bashi village / Singing Dune / Aktau mountains / Katutau / Tiger mountains / Zharkent Mosque / Charyn Canyon / Moon Valley / Yellow Canyon / Black canyon / Saty village / Kolsai lake / Kaindy lake / Kokpek gorge / Assy or Issyk lake / Almaty city / Green Bazar / 28 park Panfilov / Cathedral / Kok-Tobe

$
2556
$
2870

TOUR PACKAGE 8.1

8 days

Bashi village / Singing Dune / Aktau mountains / Katutau / Tiger mountains / Zharkent Mosque / Charyn Canyon / Moon Valley / Yellow Canyon / Black canyon / Saty village / Kolsai lake / Kaindy lake / Kokpek gorge / Assy or Issyk lake / Almaty city / Green Bazar / 28 park Panfilov / Cathedral / Kok-Tobe

$
2767
$
2930

If you are interested in ONE-day tours to Altyn-Emel

ALTYN-EMEL

1 day

Find out the price and book a tour only to Altyn-Emel

Why it is worth visiting Altyn Emel

If you want to enjoy the unique beauty of nature, plan a visit to Altyn Emel nature park, that is famous for its picturesque sites. Tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy their magnificent views. Chalk Mountains of Aktau and a rare natural landmark Singing Dune have become peculiar symbols of this place.

Geographical characteristics

The natural landmark of Kazakhstan Altyn Emel national park is located in the southeastern part of the Republic on the territory of Zhetysu region. It is located between the Ili River and the mountains of the Dzungarian Alatau. If you get from Almaty as part of the tour Altyn Emel group, the trip will take about 3 hours. The protected area is more than 300 thousand hectares. Altyn Emel is considered to be the 3rd largest among all national parks in Kazakhstan.

Altyn Emel national park territory includes various landscape complexes. Walking along it, you can see mountainous and sandy-desert scenery. The natural attraction consists of the plain that adjoins the right bank of the Ili River, and the mountainous part that is represented by the spurs of the Dzungarian Alatau and the majestic slopes of the Altyn Emel ridge.

Singing Dune

In translation from the Kazakh language, barkhan Aigaikum is meant as singing sands. The main natural attraction, which is included in the Altyn Emel tour, is an embankment of pure quartz sand with a steep slope. There is no vegetation on the hill. The movement of dry sand leads to the friction of fine sand grains. As a result, a characteristic sound is formed, which is compared to low singing. Such a phenomenon can be found only in a few places on the planet. The singing Dune in Altyn Emel park became a nominee of the contest 7 new wonders of the world. It has been given the status of a natural monument of national significance.

Chalk mountains of Aktau

Another impressive attraction of Altyn Emel park is the unusual mountain structures. In translation from the local language, the name of the attraction Chalk Mountains means mountains slopes of white color. They represent a unique formation that appeared as a result of the drying up of the ancient ocean. So the monument of nature got its name for the composing rocks unusual color.

Katutau Lava Mountains

The formation of Lava Mountains, which have become one of the famous natural monuments of Altyn Emel National park, occurred as a result of intense volcanic activity in the region. Not far from them you can see the oasis of Kosbastau, which is famous for its warm springs that support the life of old-timers plants.

Seasonality

Spring and autumn are considered the most appropriate time for visiting Altyn Emel park Kazakhstan.

Interesting facts

The dunes emit melodious sounds mainly in dry weather, for which it got its name. The songs can be heard several kilometers away from these places. The sound is born due to the friction of small sand grains against each other.

For receiving detail information about national park tours, please contact us for advice. Our travel agency organizes unforgettable trips that will give you and your loved ones a lot of positive emotions. We will do our best to make your vacation in Kazakhstan the best possible way.

Pick up a tour

Click on the button and we will select a tour according to your wishes

WHAT TO TAKE ON TOUR

Comfortable walking shoes
Trekking boots, sneakers or comfortable hiking shoes are the best solutions.
Sunscreens and repellents
Cosmetics with a UV filter, repellent creams, a hat and sunglasses will definitely come in handy while walking.
Comfortable and warm clothes
During a holiday in the mountains of Almaty, the temperature can fluctuate significantly, and it is better to grab warm clothes that do not hinder movement.
If you have chosen the economy format of a weekend tour in Kazakhstan, you can take water beverages, and food with you to have a snack or have a picnic in one of the picturesque locations along the route.
Food and drinks
Talgat Zhangaziyev
Professional tour guide, founder of Silktravel and videographer
Hi, dear traveler! My name is Tau.
After I started traveling the world and seeing the beauty of different countries, which inspired me to share the beauty of my home country with avid travelers and beauty seekers.
We offer private tours by comfortable SUV
with all-inclusive service.

our guides

WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT SILKTRAVEL?