Altyn-Emel: 1-Day Jeep Tour to the Mystical Singing Dune

One of the most famous attractions of Altyn-Emel National Park is the Singing Dune, a sand formation as tall as a 50-story skyscraper (150 meters). When the sand is dry, it produces a deep, vibrating sound, similar to the hum of an organ or a jet engine. The singing of the dune is a rare phenomenon that draws tourists from all over the world. Its volume can range from a faint squeak to a thunderous roar.

In ancient times, people believed these sounds were the voices of spirits and created countless legends around them. Soviet physicists from Leningrad studied the Singing Dune, and eventually, its mystery was unraveled. During our tour, our guide will share this fascinating story in detail.

Our adventure begins with a scenic drive from Almaty, passing through wide steppe plains, small rural villages, and ever-changing landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan. Along the way, we may see herds of wild horses, grazing livestock, and birds of prey soaring overhead.

After visiting the famous Singing Dune, we will explore the Aktau Mountains — an ancient seabed transformed into a kaleidoscope of red, white, and yellow rock formations. These “painted hills” are over 400 million years old and contain fossils of prehistoric animals, including crocodiles and turtles, which lived here when this area was covered by the ocean.

Altyn-Emel is also home to some of Kazakhstan’s rarest wildlife, including wild donkeys, goitered gazelles, golden eagles, and falcons. If we’re very lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard or the mighty argali (mountain sheep).

Since this area is remote and has no cafes or restaurants, we will stop at a nearby village for a chance to have lunch. Of course, if you prefer to bring your own food, you are welcome to do so.

We look forward to seeing you on this journey!