Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the deserts and colourful geological landscapes of Altyn Emel National Park. This three-day private tour combines the Singing Dune, a desert oasis and two nights of tent camping in the Aktau Mountains, with a full day dedicated to hiking through their canyons and plateaus. We finish with the extraordinary volcanic formations of Katutau before returning to Almaty.
For travel trade partners: this tour can also be integrated into longer, tailor-made Kazakhstan itineraries. Explore our B2B services →
Altyn Emel reveals a very different side of Kazakhstan: vast desert valleys, the Singing Dune, ancient volcanic rocks and the extraordinary coloured layers of the Aktau Mountains.
Two nights of tent camping in Aktau let you experience the quiet of the desert at sunset and sunrise, far from towns and busy roads.
A full day of guided hiking takes you beyond the roadside viewpoints, through Aktau canyons and across its plateaus, with time to appreciate the changing colours and formations.
In spring, tulips and poppies may bloom across the steppe. The park is also home to gazelles, kulans and other desert wildlife, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.
This private tour is arranged on request for your group, with a guide accompanying you throughout the journey and adapting the pace to conditions and participants.
What to expect
This is a three-day camping and hiking trip, with two nights in tents in the Aktau Mountains. There is no guest-house accommodation option
The second day includes approximately 5–6 hours of guided hiking (15 km, with about 400 m of ascent and descent) through canyons and plateaus. Bring comfortable hiking footwear and a daypack.
We provide tents, sleeping bags, mats and camp equipment. Breakfasts and dinners are prepared at camp; lunch on the hiking day is carried as a packed lunch. There are no showers at the campsite.
Expect cool nights in spring and autumn, even when days are warm. Altyn Emel is a desert, and we do not operate this tour during the extreme summer heat.
The drives from and to Almaty are long. Roads inside the national park can be rough, with off-road sections, so we travel by SUV.
This is a remote area with limited or no mobile coverage and no Wi-Fi. Our guide carries a group first-aid kit and follows our established safety and communication procedures.
Day 1 · Almaty – Altyn Emel NP – Singing Dune – Aktau Mountains
We leave Almaty early and drive via Konaev and Saryozek to Bas'shi village, the northern gateway to Altyn Emel National Park, to arrange the park entry permits. We then head into the park towards the Singing Dune, stopping at the ancient Oshaktas stone monuments along the way.
Rising above the desert between the Greater and Lesser Kalkan mountains, the Singing Dune is one of the park's most remarkable natural landmarks. In suitable weather, its sand can produce a deep humming sound. We take a walk along the dune's ridge and enjoy lunch with desert views.
Afterwards, we visit the old willow tree and oasis before continuing to the Aktau Mountains. We set up our tent camp on a glade surrounded by colourful hills. The guide prepares dinner, and we spend the first night in tents under the desert sky.
Meals · lunch, dinner
Accommodation · tent camping in Aktau hills
Walking · 2 hours, ↔ 2.5 km, ↑↓ 140m (515m to 655m)
Driving · 7 hours, ↔ 355km
Day 2 · Hiking in the Aktau Mountains
After breakfast at camp, we set off on a full-day hike through the extraordinary landscapes of the Aktau Mountains. Their layered white, red, orange and yellow sediments record a long geological history. Erosion has sculpted the hills into narrow canyons, ridges and broad plateaus, creating some of the most unusual scenery in Kazakhstan.
With our guide, we explore the canyons and plateaus of Aktau on foot, taking time to enjoy the formations and views. We carry a packed lunch and eat during the hike. The route takes approximately 5–6 hours, covering about 15 km with a total elevation change of around 400 m.
In the afternoon, we return to our camp on the glade. There is time to rest before a freshly prepared dinner and our second night in tents in the Aktau Mountains.
Meals · breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation · tent camping in Aktau hills
Walking · 5–6 hours, ↔ 15 km, ↑↓ 400m (550m to 950m)
Day 3 · Aktau Mountains – Katutau – Almaty
After breakfast, we pack up the camp and drive to Katutau to explore its striking volcanic rock formations. Katutau means “harsh mountains” in Kazakh. These ancient rocks have been shaped by wind, water and time into bizarre sculptural forms.
We explore the Katutau area, enjoy lunch and then begin our return journey to Almaty, arriving in the evening.
Meals · breakfast, lunch
Driving · 7 hours, ↔ 315km
Service and prices
Transfers
all transfers according to the itinerary on SUVs, pick up and drop off in Almaty
Accommodation
tent camping in Aktau, 2 nights: we provide living tents, sleeping bags & mats, kitchen gear, table/chairs, lighting etc.
Meals
3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
drinking water
Guiding / Safety
English-speaking guiding throughout the tour
All guided hikes and excursions according to the itinerary
A comprehensive group first-aid kit is carried on every tour and is always easily accessible — with the guide at all times, whether in the vehicle or in the field
All tours are continuously monitored by our coordination team. Guides maintain regular mandatory contact with the office, ensuring real-time awareness of the group’s location, progress and overall situation throughout the tour
Clear communication is a core part of our safety system. For larger groups, radio communication is used between guides, vehicles or sub-groups to ensure smooth coordination at all times
All vehicles used on our tours undergo regular technical inspections and additional in-house checks before and after each trip. Each vehicle is equipped for the specific route and conditions, including off-road travel and remote areas, with an on-board kit for unexpected road situations.
National Park entry fees and permissions
Altyn Emel NP for 3 days and all northern attractions
Prices:
$670 per person per tour - if there are 4-6 people in group
$685 per person per tour - if there are 3 people in group
$945 per person per tour - if there are 2 people in group
$1560 - 1 person (individual service)
Price does
not include
international flights to/out Almaty
any visa/migration issues, fees and support, if applicable
accommodation (hotel), meals and any entertainment in Almaty before/after a tour
airport/train/bus station meetings/transfers
personal traveller’s insurance
personal expenses like souvenirs, calls etc.
rent of personal clothes, shoes, gear etc.
optional activities
porters for personal belongings, suitcases, backpacks and bags during the tour
menu does not include soft and alcohol drinks, snacks, beverages
Important notes
We are responsible for your safety in the activities described in the tour program. Horseback riding, camel riding (services provided by local residents on the spot) - at your discretion and under your responsibility.
The cost of the tour is based on shared accommodation in tents (double tents). Single accommodation (individual tent for a single person) is possible for an additional fee. Please inform us in advance if you want to require single tent(s).
Let us know in advance if you have any specific food requirement (like vegetarian menu or food allergies)
Temperatures in Spring and Fall in Almaty region depend on the height above sea level, location and current weather conditions. Below data is for information only, for April and late September - steppes/semideserts (Charyn, Altyn Emel, Chunja), 250m-700m ASL: +18..+28C degrees daytime, +5..+15C degrees in the night
Altyn Emel is a desert: we do not travel in this area in summer (can be +50C degrees, which is not safe and not comfortable). This tour is available from late March to late May and from early September to mid-October.
We recommend having for this trip: hiking shoes/trainers/light boots, high socks, slippers or sandals, long trekking pants, shorts, t-shirt with long and short sleeves, thermo-underware top and bottom - for night in tents, warm jacket (like thick fleece), light down jacket, wind/waterproof jacket or costume (raincoat and pants), peaked cap, buff, sunglasses, sun protection lotion, hat, water bottle, backpack for day hikes, personal hygienic set with a small towel, headlamp for tent camping.
There can be no cellular connection in certain places outside the city (on the roads and in remote places). No wi-fi available.
In remote villages, there may be a problem with paying with cards. If you plan to buy some small items or souvenirs, make sure to have cash - Kazakh Tenge.
There can be ticks in steppes and deserts. You may take anti-tick repellent, or also treat your hiking shoes/clothes in advance.
This tour is based on SUVs, which have limited trunk space. Limit your belongings to one duffel bag and one small backpack per person. Suitcases with wheels will not be accepted.
Meals · lunch, dinner
Accommodation · tent camping in Aktau hills
Walking · 2 hours, ↔ 2.5 km, ↑↓ 140m (515m to 655m)
Driving · 7 hours, ↔ 355km
Guiding / Safety
Prices:
