Singing dunes & Aktau mountains group tour to Altyn Emel
Overview
Available languages
16 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore Altyn Emel National Park — one of Kazakhstan's most surreal landscapes. Hike through the otherworldly Aktau Mountains, volcanic Katutau formations, and climb the legendary Singing Dunes that hum as you descend.
1-Day Tour: Aktau Mountains → Katutau → Singing Dunes. Pickup 5:30 AM, return ~10 PM. Lunch at a local guesthouse included.
2-Day Tour: Day 1 — Aktau Mountains, Katutau, 700-year-old Willow Tree, overnight in Basshi village with homemade dinner and campfire under the stars. Day 2 — Singing Dunes, return to Almaty. Breakfast and dinner included.
Private Tour: Full itinerary for your group only. Flexible pace, personalized experience.
All options include: English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and all national park entrance fees.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
What To Expect
Aktau Mountains
We will drive out to the bottom of the Ocean to explore the Chalk Mountains of Aktau. Here is schedule for the tour: 5:30 am Pick up time 7:30 am Quick stop to WC/market 9:00 am Bashi village/Enrence to national park Off-road way to first location 10:00 am Arriving to Aktau mountains 12:00 am Departure
Katutau Mountain
Next we will stop in the volcanic mountains of Katutau. Unusual rock forms, created by nature. 12:30 Arriving to Katutau 13:10 Departure to the village 13:50-14:30 Lunch
Options
Private tour to Altyn Emel
Private tour to Altyn Emel Pickup included
2 days tour with overnight
1 overnight in Basshi village: We will overnight in Basshi village with private rooms with washroom attached Duration: 2 days Meals are included: First day: Late breakfast and Dinner Second day: Breakfast and Lunch Itinerary of the tour: Timing: First day 7:00-7:30 - Pick up 9:30 - First pit stop 11:30 - National park stop, luncj 13:30-15:30 - Aktau mountains SUV jeep Pickup included
Singing dunes & Aktau mountains 1 day group tour to Altyn Emel
Pickup included
What‘s Included
National parks entrance fees
Bottled water
English speaking guide
Hearty lunch of local cuisine (vegetarian option is available)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
110 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Interesting tour to see another part of Kazakhstan
rebeccajd4,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fun trip! The mountain area was interesting to hike around, and the singing dunes were like nothing I have experienced before. It is windy at the top of the dune, so bring something to cover your hair and eyes if possible. Our guide Nurzhan (John) and the drivers were also great and personable. Recommended!
Best experience and valued short trip
satapornk2019,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Everything went well that time. Didi was doing her job VERY NICE. She shared a lot of experience and entertained to everyone perfectly. A bit tried of little late from the plan in evening due to long running. If there is some break for having dinner some station closely the time of din, it would be better! Overall lovely! I love this trip!! 😊
Best tour
Linkokong,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had Nurzhan as my tour guide. He is very nice. He took care of us and always offered help. We could choose the pick up point at hotel entrance which is very convenient. We had so much fun there!
A memorable day
matthieuv827,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best experience in Kazachstan, mountains as if your in a fairy tale, and the dunes you can get a tune from. Really amazing!! A memory that's worth more the cost.
Our Trip to the Singing Dune
Olga K,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome! Interesting guide, convenient route, and a pro driver — smooth, safe, and comfortable ride. Clean inside, AC on point. Thanks to the team, we'll be back!
One of the to book tours
Al198807,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our group tour to Altyn Emel National Park was one of the highlights of the trip to Kazakhstan. Visiting the Singing Dunes and Aktau Mountains felt like exploring another planet — the landscapes were absolutely stunning and unlike anywhere we’ve been before. Everything was well organized, from transportation to timing at each stop. Our guide, John was friendly, informative, and kept the group engaged throughout the journey. We especially appreciated how smoothly the trip was managed despite the long distances and changing terrain. The Singing Dunes were such a unique experience, and the colorful rock formations of the Aktau Mountains were breathtaking. There were plenty of opportunities for photos and time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Almaty and wanting to experience Kazakhstan’s incredible nature beyond the city.
Awesome Experience
Hari Kiran Y,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with Aktau, Kaktau, and Singing Dunes. Our guide, Didi was awesome and a great Kazakh guitar player.
Enjoy your trip to Almaty
Getaway16402676694,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was the most enjoyable tour. Not to think about moving SUV vehicles, it was comfortable and especially pleasant and friendly to meet a Cassini driver.
It's a long trip, leaving at 5:30 in the morning and returning to the hotel at 11:30 in the evening....
Chao W,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was a long trip, leaving at 5.30am and returning to the hotel at 11.30pm. The time was spent mostly on the road, with two attractions combined for a three-hour tour and the Arkin Desert being great. The guide takes care of everyone's emotions in the group. Lunch was too rudimentary, with only meat buns and vegetable salad, and Katutao on the itinerary didn't go.
Surreal Landscape
Hariharan S,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was really good. Special mention to our driver who drove responsibly and our guide Saida for taking care of us. Surreal landscape of Kazakhstan. Altyn Emel national park should be in everyone's itinerary.
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