Singing Barkhan

Start your adventure with a scenic drive from Almaty, passing through wide-open grasslands, small rural villages, and the ever-changing landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan. As you drive, keep an eye out for herds of wild horses, grazing cattle, and soaring birds of prey. One of the most famous sights in Altyn-Emel is the Singing Dune, a 150-meter-high sand dune that seems to appear out of nowhere in the middle of the steppe. When the sand is dry, it creates a deep, vibrating sound, like the hum of an organ or an airplane engine. Legends say that this is the voice of spirits or even the great Genghis Khan himself. Climb to the top of the dune for breathtaking panoramic views of the Ili River and surrounding mountains.

Aktau Mountains

Next, explore the Aktau Mountains, an ancient seabed that has turned into a kaleidoscope of red, white, and yellow rock formations. These "painted hills" are over 400 million years old and hold fossils of prehistoric animals, including crocodiles and turtles that lived here when this area was an ocean.