Altyn Emel National Park is a nature park in Almaty region.
Its most famous locations are the
Singing Dune, named for the sounds it makes in windy weather.
Mountains of Aktau - White Mountains - incredible landscapes that just shock the imagination with colors and shapes, from white, like chalk, to layered red - orange colors.
The 700-year-old Willow, which according to legend is older than many cities. And also the
Katutau Mountains (Katytau) - bizarrely shaped magmatic rocks of red color.
Historical attractions - the complex
"Bes Shatyr", represented by ancient Sak barrows.
There are various representatives of fauna in Altyn Emel: gazelles, hares, gazelles and birds.
Altyn Emel National Natural Park is around 270 kilometers from Almaty. The path to it passes by the Kapchagai Reservoir.
The road to the park's locations - Singing Dune, Willow and the Aktau and Katytau Mountains - runs along a country road, so it is more comfortable and safe to get there in four-wheel drive off-road vehicles.
The area of Altyn Emel National Park is over 307 thousand hectares, on one side it is bounded by the Ili River, on the other - by the spurs of the Tien Shan.
The territory of the complex is represented by rubbly, sandy and clay mountain ranges.
Distances between sights are considerable, that's why overnight tour is recommended, although there is an option of 1-day express-tour if you don't want to waste time.
The Altyn Emel Nature Park has several major attractions that are worth visiting:
- Singing Barkhan,
- Aktau and Katytau Mountains,
- 700-year-old Iva,
- Besshatyr mound complex.
Travels between locations take time, so to fully and comfortably enjoy the views, we advise to go on a tour for 2 days. To spend the night at a hotel in the village of Basshi or in a tent near the 700-year-old Willow-tree to enjoy the views of the starry sky.
The guide will show you the most picturesque places, tell you about the history of the park and its legends, take pictures.
During the tour you can often see representatives of the fauna of Altyn Emel - red-listed gazelles, hares, rodents, eagles and other birds.
