Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
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Age 12 and under
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Quick answer
Is Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune worth booking?
Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune is a 20-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $1500 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 48 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 20 hours
- From
- $1500 per person
Our tour is a full-fledged two-day trip with an overnight stay, which allows you to take your time and enjoy the beauty of Altyn-Emel at a leisurely pace. On the first day, we depart from Almaty and head to the village
What you get
- Overnight stay in cozy local guesthouse
- English speaking guide
- Hearty lunch of local cuisine *vegetarian option is available
- Day 2 Breakfast
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Day 1 Lunch and dinner in a cozy local guesthouse with home-style atmosphere.
About this experience
Our tour is a full-fledged two-day trip with an overnight stay, which allows you to take your time and enjoy the beauty of Altyn-Emel at a leisurely pace. On the first day, we depart from Almaty and head to the village of Basshi. There, we will have lunch at a guesthouse, after which we will travel to the famous Singing Barhan. In the evening, we will return to the village, where we will have dinner and spend the night in the atmosphere of true Kazakh hospitality. The next day, after breakfast, we will head to the picturesque mountains of Aktau and Katutau, and also make a stop at the relict willow with a 700-year history. This is a rare opportunity to see all the main attractions of the park in two days, without rushing and with comfort. In the evening, we return to Almaty, taking with us new impressions and vivid memorie
What's included
Included
- Overnight stay in cozy local guesthouse
- English speaking guide
- Hearty lunch of local cuisine *vegetarian option is available
- Day 2 Breakfast
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Day 1 Lunch and dinner in a cozy local guesthouse with home-style atmosphere.
- Bottled water 1 Liter per day
- Day 2 Packed lunch to go for your journey
- eco fees
What you'll see and do
Singing Barkhan
Day 1. Singing Barhan Our journey begins in Almaty early in the morning. At 7:00 we set off towards Altyn-Emel National Park. The road passes through picturesque steppe landscapes and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature. By noon we will arrive in the village of Basshi - the gate to Altyn-Emel. Here we will have a delicious home-cooked lunch at a local guest house. After a rest, we will head to the famous Singing Dune, a unique natural phenomenon that is over 700 years old. When the wind blows across its slopes, the dune begins to "sing," producing sounds reminiscent of organ music. You will have time to climb to the top of the dune, enjoy breathtaking views of the vast steppe, and experience the magic of this remarkable place. In the evening, we will return to the village of Basshi, where we will stay at a guesthouse. You will find a cozy atmosphere, the hospitality of the hosts, and the opportunity to relax before the next busy day.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Aktau Mountains
Day 2. Aktau Mountains In the morning, after breakfast at the guest house, we will head towards the majestic Aktau Mountains by off-road vehicles. These ancient mountains, composed of colorful sedimentary rocks, resemble a true "open-air stone museum." Their vibrant layered slopes, ranging from snow-white to red and turquoise hues, give the impression of being on another planet. During the hike, you will have the opportunity to climb to the observation points to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and capture stunning photographs. The amazing shapes and colors of Aktau tell a story that is millions of years old.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Katutau Mountain
After Aktau, we will travel to the Katutau, which are volcanic mountains. Their bizarre rock formations resemble fantastic figures created by nature itself. When you look at the frozen lava shapes, it feels like you have entered another world. We will make a stop here and have an outdoor lunch. This is a great opportunity to relax, enjoy the silence, and feel the power of the ancient mountains. We will take a packed lunch prepared by the guest house owners with us, so that we can enjoy it outdoors later.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Katutau Mountain
After the Katutau mountains, we will make a stop at an ancient willow tree with a 700-year history. This unique tree has become a symbol of nature's resilience and strength. We will have 20 minutes to relax, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before returning to the village.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kazakhstan_Almaty_trip
Know before you go
- 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
- It is not suitable for children under 18 years of age
- Please note that the organizer may cancel the event for unforeseen reasons.
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 20 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 48
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune cost?
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Prices start at $1500 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Almaty usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune take?
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Plan for about 20 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Almaty is not rushed.
Is Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 20-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Almaty can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Almaty and add a light layer if any part of the 20-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Altyn-Emel 2-Day Tour: Aktau, Katutau & the Singing Dune start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Almaty within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Almaty?
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On Outty we rank every Almaty experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour, Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour, Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Almaty?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Almaty?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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