Konaev City

If we leave early in the morning, around 7:30, we'll easily avoid traffic while exiting the metropolis. By around 9:00 a.m., we’ll be passing through the city of Konaev. This small industrial town, built during the Soviet era, is situated on the shores of the Kapchagay Reservoir. It is notable for its numerous gambling establishments and casinos. Most of these casinos are located along the highway we’ll be traveling on, so we’ll get to see them as we pass by.

Kapchagai Reservoir

We are crossing a picturesque section of the Kapchagay Reservoir via the dam bridge of the hydroelectric power station, surrounded by rugged cliffs. From the bridge, there is a stunning view of the landscape. There's an option to stop near the observation deck to take in the sight of the lake. The Kapchagay Reservoir was created in the 1970s on the Ili River, the largest river in the region. Once we leave the Kapchagay Gorge, a majestic panorama of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains unfolds against the backdrop of the reservoir.

After crossing the small mountain pass of Arkharly, named after mountain goats, we will pass through the modest village of Saryozek, the administrative center of the agricultural Kerbulak district. This district stretches over an extensive area of approximately 200 kilometers. The road then winds through a scenic intermountain valley, nestled between the Arkharly and Altyn-Emel passes, where agriculture thrives.

After crossing the Altyn-Emel mountain pass, we will reach the Caravanserai campsite in the village of Basshi at around noon. There, we will take a break to settle into your chosen accommodation and have lunch.

After leaving the campsite, we will visit a small museum located in the National Park's office. The museum showcases exhibits on the attractions of Altyn-Emel Park, featuring samples of flora, fauna, and various paleontological finds.

The journey to the Singing Dune will take approximately one hour, driving across the steppe. Along the way, you might spot wild animals such as goitered gazelles, kulans, foxes, hares, large birds, and other creatures that inhabit the park. The trip is also accompanied by stunning views of the nearby mountains. Upon reaching the Singing Dune, you’ll have the chance to take a walk and climb to its peak. It’s a delightful and refreshing experience. If the weather is warm, you can even walk barefoot. From the top of the dune, there are breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, the river, and towering mountains. If you descend quickly from the dune, you’ll hear its unique "singing" sound. After your walk, you can relax in a nearby bungalow with a view of the dune close to the parking area.

On the way back from the Singing Dune to the campsite, we will stop by the mysterious stone steles of Oshaktas, located in the steppe, where you can enjoy a photo session.

700 Year Old Willow/Kosbastau

After waking up around 7 a.m., a hearty breakfast awaits you. Following that, we'll head to the park to continue our journey. Our first stop will be a 700-year-old willow tree. There, we'll take a stroll around the tree, admire the picturesque pond, and have a little photo session.

Katutau Mountain

Approximately half an hour after departing from Ivy, we will find ourselves in a picturesque gorge, home to the captivating Katutau lava mountains. These mountains are remarkable for their unique features and serve as an excellent backdrop for photographs. We will take a walk near the volcanic formations and delve into a discussion about how they were formed.

Aktau Mountains

After a half-hour journey across the steppe from the Katutau Mountains, where you can admire a grove of dancing Turanga trees—a rare relic species thriving in landscapes reminiscent of the African savanna—we will reach the final and most distant point of our route: the colorful Aktau Mountains. As you approach, these majestic formations will slowly emerge on the horizon, revealing their striking white ridges. In the Aktau Mountains, you can enjoy a hike along a tourist trail that cuts through a vibrant gorge, showcasing canyons in a palette of colors: white, brown, purple, and red. The location is perfect for capturing stunning photographs while delving into Earth's history spanning tens of millions of years. This ancient natural wonder offers an extraordinary opportunity to discover fossilized trees, minerals, and the remains of prehistoric creatures. For those who bring lunch, there is an opportunity to dine at a bungalow with breathtaking views of the Aktau Mountains.