Hidden between singing dunes, striped mountains, and endless steppe lies one of Kazakhstan’s most breathtaking – and least-known – natural wonders: Altyn Emel National Park.
Part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this vast wilderness is home to wild horses, gazelles, and golden eagles. Whether you’re chasing surreal desert landscapes or craving solitude far from the tourist trail, Altyn Emel delivers in every way.

This self-drive guide has everything you need to plan the perfect adventure – from getting there to the best routes, sights, and overnight stays.

• 1. Location & Overview
• 2. Getting to Altyn Emel National Park
• 3. Entry & Visitor Center
• 4. Best Routes & Sights
• 5. Where to Stay
• 6. Self-Drive Tips

1. Location & Overview

Altyn Emel National Park lies about 155 miles northeast of Almaty, in southeastern Kazakhstan. Covering more than 1,775 square miles of semi-desert, dunes, and colorful rock formations – a paradise of open skies and raw nature.

Google Maps Tip: The main entrance and Visitor Center are in Basshi (formerly Kalinino) – your base for exploring the park. View the Visitor Center on Google Maps

2. Getting to Altyn Emel National Park

By Rental Car

The drive from Almaty to Basshi takes around 4–5 hours (185 miles) via Kapchagai and Saryozek. The main roads are paved and in good condition, but inside the park you’ll find gravel and sandy tracks – so a 4×4 vehicle is essential.

We rented a simple Hyundai Accent in Almaty and stayed overnight at a guesthouse in Basshi. The next morning, we left the car at the Visitor Center. If you arrive before 9 AM, the staff can help arrange a local driver for your park tour – and it’s often easy to join up with other travelers to share costs.

Price example: In September 2025, we paid 25,000 KZT (about $55) for a private transfer to the Singing Dune, which took about three hours round-trip. It was the perfect way to experience the park at a relaxed pace.

With Private Driver or Transfer

If you prefer not to drive yourself to Basshi, many tour operators and guesthouses in Almaty offer private transfers or guided tours to Altyn Emel. This option gives you comfort and flexibility without the hassle of navigation. Here is the practical tour option from Almaty

3. Entry & Visitor Center

Access to the park is only possible through registration at the Visitor Center in Basshi. You’ll need your passport for registration and to obtain your entry permit and route information.

Entry Fee (Sept 2025): 3,774 KZT (about $8 for two people), cash only.

Opening Hours (Sept 2025): 08:00–13:00 and 14:30–17:30

4. Best Routes & Sights in Altyn Emel National Park

The Singing Dune: The park’s most famous attraction – a 490-foot-high dune that produces a deep humming or “singing” sound when the sand shifts.

• Distance: About 30 miles from Basshi (1.5-hour drive)
• Best Time: Morning or evening (midday sand can exceed 120°F)
• Climb to the top for jaw-dropping views over the Ili River, the Tien Shan Mountains, and the vast steppe.

Aktau & Katutau Mountains: Located 50–55 miles from Basshi, these surreal mountain ranges showcase millions of years of geological history. Allow a full day for this route. The Aktau Mountains, also known as the ‘White Mountains’, feature striking layers of red, yellow and white sediments that have been shaped by erosion into otherworldly forms. The Katutau Mountains, also known as the ‘Hard Mountains’, feature dark volcanic rock sculpted into bizarre formations.

Self-Drive Tip: We continued our road trip toward Charyn Canyon and found a secret spot to hike up the colorful ridges right off the roadside. You can locate it easily on Google Maps

Kosbastau & Terekty: Two of the park’s hidden gems – both worth visiting if you’re up for a bit of adventure. Kosbastau is a small oasis with centuries-old willow trees and a natural spring – a green surprise in the dry steppe and Terekty is home to Bronze Age petroglyphs, scattered across the rocks – a glimpse into ancient nomadic life. These spots can be tricky to find without a guide.

5. Where to Stay

The best base for exploring is Basshi Village.

• Guest House Basshi: Simple, friendly, and often includes breakfast & dinner.
• Aigul Guesthouse: Clean, family-run, with home-cooked meals available.

Camping is allowed with a permit from the Visitor Center, but staying in Basshi is usually more convenient (electricity, running water, showers).

6. Self-Drive Tips in Altyn Emel National Park

• Fuel: The last gas stations are in Saryozek and Basshi
• Roads: Can become impassable after rain – check weather conditions
• Navigation: No signs inside the park – use offline GPS (Google Maps or Maps.me)
• Signal: No cell service beyond the entrance
• Guides: Highly recommended if it’s your first visit
• What to bring: 4×4 vehicle with full tank, offline maps, plenty of water & snacks (no shops inside the park), sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), warm clothes for the evening, equipment (binoculars and camera), your passport and cash in Kazakhstani Tenge (no ATMs)

Our conclusion: Altyn Emel National Park will leave you speechless. Whether you’re climbing the Singing Dune, photographing the striped Aktau Mountains, or watching wild horses gallop across the steppe, you’ll feel the untamed spirit of Kazakhstan like nowhere else. If you’re craving adventure, solitude and raw beauty, Altyn Emel should be at the top of your list.

Are you planning to visit Altyn Emel National Park – and if so, when?
Share this guide with your favorite road trip buddies and leave us a comment below!

Discover Your Next Travel Destination: