Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau)
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau) worth booking?
Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau) is a 34-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $620 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (7)
- Duration
- 34 hours
- From
- $620 per person
If you want to immerse yourself among unique historical and cultural monuments, walk among rare species of plants and animals, see the famous Singing dune, see the wonders of the Aktau and Katutau Mountains and visit a world-renowned paleontological field where the remains of ancient animals dated at 25-30 million years old were found, then this tour is for you!
What you get
About this experience
If you want to immerse yourself among unique historical and cultural monuments, walk among rare species of plants and animals, see the famous Singing dune, see the wonders of the Aktau and Katutau Mountains and visit a world-renowned paleontological field where the remains of ancient animals dated at 25-30 million years old were found, then this tour is for you!
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Dinner
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Accommodation
- Guide
What you'll see and do
Altyn-Emel National Park
During the tour you will: • Visit the sites at the ALTYN EMEL National park (included in the UNESCO Historical list) • See rare animals a like Kulan, Przewalski's horse • Visit the singing dunes, hiking to the top and enjoying the wonderful view of this ancient area • Enjoy stories about the history of the areas you will be visiting by your English-speaking guide • Travel to the Aktau Mountains, where you will see a world-renowned fossil field, where the well-preserved remains of ancient animals 25-30 million years old have been found. • See the Kakutau Mountains, that include mountains with volcanic crystalized lava flow under which lay formations of figures and landscapes. • See a 700-year-old willow Itinerary: DAY 1. Singing Dunes 08:00- Depart from Almaty. 12:00- Arrive at the Basshi village and have Lunch 14:00- Drive to the Singing dune 15:00- Arrive at the Dunes and have an an excursion 18:00 Travel to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. DAY 2: Aktau and Katutau mountains 08:00- Breakfast 09:00- Travel to the Aktau mountains 10:30-13:00- Excursion of the mountains 13:00- Lunch 14:00- Travel to Katutau Mountains 15:00-17:00 - Excursion 17:00- Drive back to Almaty
360 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kazia Tour
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect
View was amazing. Guide was also really kind and experienced. On our way to destination, driver stops at store or station so you don’t have to worry about toilet or water
Response from the operator: Dear Tomoki, thank you very much for your kind review! We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful views and were satisfied with our guide and driver. We’re glad that the stops along the way made your journey more comfortable. We hope to welcome you back to Kazakhstan again!
via Tripadvisor
An unforgettable journey
We sent a request to Gulzat and after just two days everything was organized and we started. The journey was beautiful, the scenery on the way was magical, I enjoyed every kilometer. We had a great driver with whom we felt very safe, also the conversations with him on the way were interesting and entertaining, which made the long drive especially nice. We didn't need a guide and didn't book a guide. The Altyn-Emel National Park is unique and worth every cent, our biggest Recommendation The Guest house in the village that Gulzat chose for us was simple and good; this is food was fresh and very tasty, the accommodation (3-bed room with shower and toilet) comfortable and the beds comfortable. With us in the Guest house were other travelers from Germany and Switzerland, with whom we liked to talk over dinner. We can only recommend Gulzat, she was an attentive and precautionary tour guide who likes to pay attention to details and special requests. Thank you very much!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
The best 2 day tour outside of Almaty
This 2 day tour exceeded my expectations. Natalie our guide- driver picked is up from our hotel and we started our adventure. The vehicle was comfortable and spacious. It was a 4hr drive to get to the lodging. The drive took us out of the city where experienced amazing scenery. The guesthouse was very basic private rooms with own bathroom. All the different guest staying there ate at a common long table. There was lots of home cooked regional food provided. The mom and grandma that cooked cleaned and served us were very kind. First day we hiked the canyon and ridge tops. The scenery was spectacular. The second day we hiked to the top of the singing dunes and sat up top and enjoyed. On the drives we saw golden eagles, pheasants, gazelles and incredible landscapes. Our guide Natalia made us feel like family. Her knowledge of Kazakhstan and the culture, traditions and history helped us gain a deeper understanding of the people in that region. We have travelled the world over the years and I can say Natalie is a fantastic guide. I highly recommend her!! Kate
Response from the operator: Dear Kate, Thank you for taking the time to write this detailed review. I am so glad that this journey left such a lasting impression on you, and that you are so generously sharing it here! I will certainly pass on your kind words to Natalie. We look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures!
via Tripadvisor
Worth The Drive!
The beauty of this national park must be seen to be appreciated … it is exceptional and well worth the long drive and basic overnight accommodation. Natalie was our skilled & knowledgeable guide, as well as excellent driver and wonderful person. The food was delicious & plentiful. The dunes do sing! The canyons are incredible! We have hiked in many places and this national park ranks in the top 5!
Response from the operator: Dear David, Thank you and Kate for taking the time to write such kind words from each of you personally. We truly appreciate it. It was a pleasure working with you right from the moment you booked this tour. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the route and our services so much. Yes, Natalie is indeed an excellent guide and driver. Best regards, The Kazia Tour Team Dear David, Thank you and Kate for taking the time to write such kind words from each of you personally. We truly appreciate it. It was a pleasure working with you right from the moment you booked this tour. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the route and our services so much. Yes, Natalie is indeed an excellent guide and driver. Best regards, The Kazia Tour Team Dear David, Thank you and Kate for taking the time to write such kind words from each of you personally. We truly appreciate it. It was a pleasure working with you right from the moment you booked this tour. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the route and our services so much. Yes, Natalie is indeed an excellent guide and driver. Best regards, The Kazia Tour Team Dear David, Thank you and Kate for taking the time to write such kind words from each of you personally. We truly appreciate it. It was a pleasure working with you right from the moment you booked this tour. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the route and our services so much. Yes, Natalie is indeed an excellent guide and driver. Best regards, The Kazia Tour Team
via Tripadvisor
I feel fooled
We booked a 2 day tour with breakfast and lunch included. On the first day we arrived at noon and had the Aktau and Katutau on the 1st day instead of on the 2nd day. On the evening of the first day it was said that we would not get lunch for the second day, although it was and is still in the tour schedule. I contacted the travel company and was told that it was "one of the cheapest offers and there was nothing cheaper". It still didn't answer my request. "We also adjusted the prices yesterday" was the next sentence. We hadn't booked the tour "yesterday". That's why I still don't understand what the price adjustment has to do with the content that wasn't promised and booked to us. I booked it and I want it. Whether or not the price was adjusted the next day is no longer my problem. On the 2nd day after breakfast at 8:38 am we left for the dunes and the tour ended at 11:00 am and we went back to Almaty although the plan was 5:00 pm. Around 3:00 p.m. we were back at the hotel. The driver was ok, but he didn't serve as a guide. We saw what was planned, but unfortunately it wasn't a guided tour. Good that the sights were explained with the information boards. It's an outrage that I wanted to invest my hard-earned money in something nice, but got something like this. Just because we're not in the country "regularly" doesn't mean you should pull that kind of thing off with tourists.
Response from the operator: Dear Mrs Gunel, Thank you for reaching out to us regarding your recent tour experience. We apologize once again for the miscommunication and inconvenience that occurred due to the exclusion of lunch from the tour package. We understand your frustration, and we are committed to making amends. We have reviewed your request for a 30% refund, and after carefully considering the circumstances and our operational costs, we regret to inform you that we cannot accommodate the full 30% refund as it would result in a significant loss for our company. However, we recognize our responsibility in the matter and would like to offer you a refund of 3 times lunch price as a gesture of goodwill and a sincere apology for the oversight. We appreciate your understanding that the rate you initially booked was already competitive compared to other tour companies, and we hope that this proposed solution demonstrates our commitment to your satisfaction. If you have any further concerns or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer support team at WA number +77761117300. We truly value your feedback and look forward to the opportunity to serve you better in the future. Regarding the plan of the tour. Order of visiting sites depends on weather condition. In summer Dune's sand is very hot and we visit it early morning when we have wind where as Aktau's landscapes more expressive on the sunset. The driver speaks perfectly English and made a lot of our tours. Always the best reviews. To be honest he is not so fast at hiking and if tourists more experienced at hiking and wants to explore by themselves he shows direction and wait at agreed places. He couldn't finish the tour without our guest finish their hiking and get in the car. Warm regards,
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 34 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $620 to $1,160
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kazia Tour, who run 17 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.4.
See everything Kazia Tour runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau) cost?
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Prices start at $620 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 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau) take?
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Plan for about 34 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 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 7 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 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau)?
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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 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 34-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau)?
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Around 2 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 34-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau) 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, Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire. 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.
What is included in Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau)?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and Dinner. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau) offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau) if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Almaty. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Altyn emel 2 days tour. (Singing dune, AkTau, KattyTau)?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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