Two-day tour to the Singing Dune and the Aktau Mountains

About tour:

Day 1: On the first day of the tour, we will go to the largest natural reserve in Kazakhstan – Altyn-Emel. The path to the reserve will take about five hours, so the tour will begin early in the morning. Just after leaving Almaty, we will pass the Ili river, Kapachagai reservoir and go to the mountains in the east. Reaching the reserve, we will have lunch at a local cafe and go to the gorgeous mountains of Aktau. The road to Aktau is unpaved, and we have to drive about 160 kilometers (a round-trip distance). A walk in Aktau will last up to five hours, and during this time we will have time to explore all the most beautiful corners of this wonderful place. In the evening, we will return to a small village in the reserve and stay in a guest house overnight.

Day 2: After having breakfast in the guest house, we will go to the Singing Dune – an amazing sight that arose several millennia ago. It actually does look simply amazing – even from afar among the stone rocks, the bright yellow top of the sandy mountain becomes noticeable, and the closer we get to it, the more impressive the landscape becomes. When we reach the dune, we will climb the sandy slope and rest on its top – from there a picturesque panorama of the river, mountains, and part of the national park opens. After visiting the Singing Dune, we will set off on our way back to Almaty, stopping for lunch at the same village in the reserve. We will arrive in Almaty late in the evening.

For this tour, we recommend you to wear comfortable trekking shoes, bring a windbreaker and hats.

IMPORTANT: In the Altyn-Emel nature reserve you have to drive about 260 km along dirt roads of not the best quality. Please be prepared for off-road adventures.

The tour starts from your hotel in Almaty. After the tour, the guide will accompany you to your hotel, or any other point in the city.

Other option for 2-days tour:

Looking for something else? Completely different way to spend 2-days in Kazakhstan is visit to Kolsai and Kaindy mountain lakes. Both of this tours is great options and we ready to organize any of them for you!