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Almaty: 2-Day Altyn-Emel, Singing Dune & Aktau Tour

Activity provider: AsiaByLocals
Almaty: 2-Day Altyn-Emel, Singing Dune & Aktau Tour
Almaty: 2-Day Altyn-Emel, Singing Dune & Aktau Tour 2
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2-day trip from Almaty visiting Arrival in Basshi & Lunch, Singing Dune Experience and Basshi Dinner & Overnight Stay. Operated by Almaty Tours by Birlik.

Highlights

  • Travel in a small group of up to 6 for a more personal experience

Almaty: 2-Day Altyn-Emel, Singing Dune & Aktau Tour: Key Facts

PriceFrom $1104 per person
Duration2 days
LanguagesEnglish
Tour typeGuided Tour
BookingDirect with the local operator — no OTA markup

Choose from 1 available option

Almaty: 2-Day Altyn-Emel, Singing Dune & Aktau Tour

2-day trip from Almaty visiting Arrival in Basshi & Lunch, Singing Dune Experience and Basshi Dinner & Overnight Stay. O...
2 days
English
$1,104
Free cancellation

Full description

A 2-day trip out of Almaty taking in Arrival in Basshi & Lunch, Singing Dune Experience, Basshi Dinner & Overnight Stay and Kosbastau Oasis & Ancient Willow. There are 5 stops in all.

The running order is Arrival in Basshi & Lunch, then Singing Dune Experience, then Basshi Dinner & Overnight Stay, then Kosbastau Oasis & Ancient Willow, then Aktau Mountains Exploration.

The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Almaty, Comfortable transportation from Almaty and back, 4WD/off-road transportation inside Altyn-Emel National Park and Professional English-speaking guide. It does not cover alcoholic beverages, Personal expenses and souvenirs and Optional activities not listed in the itinerary, so budget for those separately.

Tour Itinerary

Itineraries are customisable as per your request

The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive to Basshi

Begin with morning pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Almaty. Travel comfortably by 4x4 toward Basshi, the gateway to Altyn-Emel National Park, with a planned refreshment stop along the way. We keep the journey relaxed and allow time for short breaks rather than rushing directly to the park.

Arrival in Basshi & Lunch

Arrive in Basshi, complete the necessary park entry formalities, and enjoy lunch before entering Altyn-Emel. This pause gives you time to rest, refresh and prepare comfortably for the afternoon desert route.

Singing Dune Experience

Continue by 4x4 to the legendary Singing Dune. Walk along the sand ridge, climb as far as you feel comfortable, and enjoy wide views across the Ili River valley and surrounding mountains. Under the right natural conditions, shifting sand can create the dune’s famous deep resonant sound. There is no pressure to reach the top.

Basshi Dinner & Overnight Stay

Return to Basshi after the dune experience. Check in to your comfortable overnight accommodation, enjoy dinner, and have time to relax before the second day. Breakfast is included the following morning. Rooms are arranged for a comfortable stay, normally with one or two guests per room.

Breakfast & Departure for Aktau

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation in Basshi before setting out by 4x4 for the second day of exploration. Travel deeper into Altyn-Emel National Park toward the colorful Aktau Mountains, with a relaxed pace and time for scenic stops along the way.

Kosbastau Oasis & Ancient Willow

Stop at the peaceful Kosbastau Oasis on the way to the Aktau Mountains. See the remarkable centuries-old willow tree, stretch your legs, and enjoy a short rest and photo stop before continuing deeper into Altyn-Emel National Park.

Aktau Mountains Exploration

Explore the spectacular colorful landscapes of the Aktau Mountains. Walk through the canyon at a comfortable pace, discover dramatic layers of red, white and orange rock, and enjoy plenty of time for photos and panoramic views. There is no rush and no requirement to complete a difficult hike.

Lunch & Scenic Return to Almaty

After exploring the Aktau Mountains, enjoy a relaxed lunch before beginning the scenic journey back to Almaty. Travel comfortably with short stops when needed and finish your 2-day Altyn-Emel adventure with convenient drop-off at your hotel or accommodation.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Almaty
  • Comfortable transportation from Almaty and back
  • 4WD/off-road transportation inside Altyn-Emel National Park
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Altyn-Emel National Park entrance fees
  • 1-night accommodation in a local guesthouse
  • Breakfast
  • 2 lunches
  • Traditional local dinner
  • Bottled water throughout the tour
  • Coffee and tea during planned rest stops
  • Visit to the Singing Dune

Excludes

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Horse or camel riding, if available
  • Single-room supplement, if requested
  • Gratuities

Important information

Meeting point

The operator confirms the exact meeting point and time once your booking is confirmed, and you will have it well before the day. If you would rather know before you book, message us on WhatsApp and we will ask them for you.

Know before you go

  • Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Secure payment
Complete your booking safely with Razorpay. Full refund if you cancel 24h prior. Read more
Duration 2 days
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Wheelchair accessible

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Main Tour Price
Starting from $1,104
$1,104
Need a custom booking or have a larger group?Contact Support via WhatsApp
We reply within 5 minutes
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Secure payment
Complete your booking safely with Razorpay. Full refund if you cancel 24h prior. Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Almaty, Comfortable transportation from Almaty and back, 4WD/off-road transportation inside Altyn-Emel National Park, Professional English-speaking guide, Altyn-Emel National Park entrance fees, 1-night accommodation in a local guesthouse, Breakfast, 2 lunches, Traditional local dinner, Bottled water throughout the tour, Coffee and tea during planned rest stops, Visit to the Singing Dune
The duration of the Almaty: 2-Day Altyn-Emel, Singing Dune & Aktau Tour is typically 2 days. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled start time for a smooth check-in. Your guide will meet you at the designated meeting point and ensure the experience runs on schedule while remaining flexible to your pace.
For most experiences, we highly recommend an early morning start. This allows you to avoid the midday heat, bypass the largest crowds, and capture the best lighting for photography. Your guide can advise on the optimal timing based on the season and specific attractions included.
Yes, once your booking is completed via our secure payment gateway, you will receive an instant confirmation email with your tour details, meeting point address, guide's name, and direct contact information. You can also view and manage your booking through your AsiaByLocals account dashboard.
Yes! All our private tours are fully customizable. Whether you want to add extra stops, skip certain locations, change the pace, or adjust the start time — simply let your guide know in advance or on the day. We aim to create a personalized experience tailored to your interests and energy level.
We offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may be subject to a partial charge depending on the tour type. Weather-related cancellations for outdoor and boat tours are handled on a case-by-case basis, with full refunds or free rebooking offered when safety is a concern.
Most of our experiences are family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages. However, some tours involving extensive walking, water activities, or early morning starts may be better suited for children aged 5 and above. Please check the specific tour description for age recommendations, or contact us for personalized family itinerary advice.
After booking, you will receive detailed meeting point instructions via email. Most tours include complimentary hotel pickup within the central area. For tours without pickup, your confirmation email will include the exact address, Google Maps pin, and your guide's phone number for easy coordination. Guides typically arrive 10 minutes early and will message you on WhatsApp.
We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, Apple Pay, and Razorpay for Indian cards. All payments are processed through a PCI-compliant secure gateway with 256-bit encryption. You can also pay in multiple currencies — the price is automatically converted to your local currency at checkout.
Yes, all AsiaByLocals guides are licensed professionals who have been rigorously vetted through background checks, skill assessments, and customer reviews. Many hold government-issued tourism licenses, university degrees in history or cultural studies, and have years of experience leading tours for international travelers. Every guide maintains a minimum 4.5-star rating to remain active on our platform.
Starting from$1,104Free cancellation