Itinerary

1. Day 1: Almaty - Altyn Emel National Park

   • Depart from Almaty city for Altyn Emel National Park at 0700 hours
   • Arrive at the Bassi village, where registration of tourists will be done at the central office of the park at 1100 hours
   • Commence the excursion to the Singing Barkhan, located a few kilometres from the Ili River between the big and small Kalkan mountains. This sandy mountain consists of the smallest pure sand, which, with the gusts of wind, begins to "sing", and its sound resembles a flute. Before the beginning of sandstorms, the Barkhan produces a sound similar to that of a drumbeat.
   • From the top of the Barkhan, admire a grand panorama of the surrounding countryside. Towards the south is a thin strip of the Ili River, the purple mountains of Sogety and Boguty, beyond which the ridges of Ketmen look out over the white peaks. At their foot stretches a foothill valley riddled with thin strips of dry channels of rainwater. If the weather is dry and windy, the Barkhan will "sing" to you his song, spread over several kilometres. Return to the hotel or accommodation in tents

2. Day 2: Aktau - Katutau - Singing Dunes

   • After breakfast, begin the excursion to Ak-Tau and Katu Tau mountains at 0800 hours.
   • Marvel at Aktau Mountains (White Mountains), world-famous paleontological deposits located in the natural park of Altyn-Emel. In the layers of Paleogene lacustrine sediments, well-preserved remains of ancient animals whose age is estimated at 25-30 million years are found. Among the finds are the remains of giant Rhinoceroses, Crocodiles and Turtles.
   • See the mountains of Katutau (Harsh mountains) and spot several extinct volcanoes. Find the most original forms of volcanic formations (frozen lava) preserved here. There are also diverse outcrops in yellow, red, violet, and variegated clays that give a unique look to the landscape of the mountains. The mountains of Katutau are the most waterless, steep and gloomy, characterised by steep slopes and numerous gorges.
   • Departure to Almaty at 1500 hours. Arrival in Almaty at 2000 hours