Altyn Emel National Park Tour
A lot to offer: dunes, semi-desserts, ancient clay mountains, frozen volcanoes among others.
Katutau lava formations
Rising like frozen waves in the desert — a surreal volcanic landscape shaped by ancient eruptions in Altyn-Emel Park
The Katutau Mountains, meaning "harsh" or "frozen" in Kazakh, are a stunning volcanic formation in Altyn-Emel National Park. Once shaped by powerful eruptions, the solidified lava has eroded into bizarre, sculpture-like forms. This surreal, vegetation-free landscape changes with the light, revealing animal-like silhouettes that captivate photographers. Katutau is a must-see stop on the way to the famous Aktau Mountains, offering a glimpse into the Earth’s fiery past
Almaty
Our start point
Kapchagai Lake
A lifeline in the steppe — the Reservoir powers the region and fuels recreation, from fishing to beach adventures near Almaty
Singing Dune
A natural wonder that emits a deep, resonant hum when the wind moves its sands—a rare and mysterious desert phenomenon
Basshi village
Basepoint of any trip to the Altyn Emel National Park
Aktau Mountains
Hike through the otherworldly lanscape — a maze of colored cliffs and ancient canyons waiting to be explored in Altyn-Emel's wild heart
Katutau lava formations
Rising like frozen waves in the desert — a surreal volcanic landscape shaped by ancient eruptions in Altyn-Emel Park