SINGING DUNES
THE MUSIC OF SANDS
Singing dunes in Kazakhstan are an amazing natural phenomenon that does not leave indifferent tourists from all over the world. Dunes are sand hills that emit fascinating sounds when moving, created by the friction of grains of sand against each other.
Duration
3 Days
Start from
Almaty
6:00 AM
Transport
4x4 Jeep
MAGICAL SOUND
The dunes produce a unique humming sound when the sand moves. This natural phenomenon occurs due to the friction of sand grains and creates an otherworldly melody that echoes across the desert.
TOUR PROGRAM
Day One
Departure from Almaty - Charyn Canyon (Trekking) - Saty Village (Lunch) - Kaindy Lake - Saty Village (Dinner, overnight)
- Departure from Almaty (in the morning), to the Charyn Canyon (220 km, about 3 hours)
- Arrival in the Charyn Canyon, trekking tour (3-5 km, 2.5 hours)
- Departure to the village of Saty (guest house) (100 km, about 1.5 hours), lunch
- Departure to Kaindy Lake (15 km, about 40 minutes), trekking tour 2-4 km (3 hours)
- Departure to the village of Saty (15 km, about 40 minutes), dinner-free
Road length: 350 km, total time: 6 hours
The second day
Saty Village (Breakfast) - Kolsai Lake - Saty Village (Lunch) - Black Canyon - Departure to Almaty
- Breakfast at the Saty (guest house)
- Departure to Kolsai Lake (15 km, about 20 minutes)
- Arrival to Kolsai Lake, trekking tour (2-6 km, 3 hours)
- Departure to the village of Saty (guest house) (15 km, about 20 minutes), lunch
- Departure to the Observation deck of the Black Canyon (60 km, approximately 50 minutes)
- Departure to Almaty (220 km approximately 3 hours)
Road length: 315 km, total time: 7 hours. The driver will leave you anywhere in the city.
You have see something is not in program?
The route can be changed or supplemented at your request; if you dream of seeing an attraction not listed in this program, contact the tour organizers - we will definitely try to resolve this issue and tell you about all possible options.
- On the 1st day, you can see other canyons in addition to or instead of the valley of castles, such as Lunny, Bestamak, Temerlik.
- On the 2nd day, you can go to the second Kolsai lake by horse or on foot.
- Instead of a guest house, you can stay overnight in tents or a hotel near Lake Kolsai.
Examples of customization options
Guide all be around
If unforeseen circumstances arise, you have any ideas, you want to clarify something - immediately contact our guides. They are always ready to help you with a variety of issues :)
Your guide is always with you
ABOUT THE TOUR
The Singing Dunes (Barkhan) is one of the most mysterious natural phenomena in Kazakhstan, located in the Altyn-Emel National Park. This massive sand dune, standing 150 meters high and stretching 3 kilometers in length, produces a unique humming sound that can be heard for miles around, especially in dry weather.
The 'singing' phenomenon occurs when sand grains rub against each other during wind movement or when people slide down the dune. Scientists believe the sound is created by the synchronized vibration of sand grains, which produces frequencies similar to a low-pitched musical instrument. The sound has been described as resembling a distant drum, an airplane engine, or even a pipe organ.
The Altyn-Emel National Park, where the dunes are located, is a vast protected area covering 5,200 square kilometers. The park is home to diverse ecosystems, from desert landscapes to mountain ranges, and hosts numerous rare and endangered species. The most famous resident is the Przewalski's horse, the only truly wild horse species in the world, which was successfully reintroduced to the park.
The tour combines the experience of the Singing Dunes with visits to other remarkable sites in the national park, including the Katutau Mountains with their colorful volcanic formations, the ancient burial mounds of the Saka people, and the stunning views of the Ili River valley. This multi-day adventure offers a comprehensive exploration of one of Kazakhstan's most unique natural regions.
Tour Highlights
- Experience the mysterious singing phenomenon
- Climb to the top of the 150-meter sand dune
- Visit the Altyn-Emel National Park
- See the colorful Katutau Mountains
- Spot Przewalski's wild horses
- Explore ancient Saka burial mounds
COSTS
Guest House
The price includes:
- guide/driver
- fuel
- car (Land Cruiser)
- guest house accommodation
- all meals during the tour
- entrance fees to parks
Hotel
The price includes:
- guide/driver
- fuel
- car (Land Cruiser)
- hotel accommodation
- all meals during the tour
- entrance fees to parks
Kolsai Lake Hotel
The price includes:
- guide/driver
- fuel
- car (Land Cruiser)
- Kolsai Lake hotel accommodation
- all meals during the tour
- entrance fees to parks
DESERT SUNSET
Watch the most spectacular sunset of your life as the golden sun sets behind the endless sand dunes. The changing colors of the sky create a magical atmosphere that you will never forget.
What Our Guests Say
Real experiences from travelers around the world
Amazing experience! Juliya is the best guide we've ever had. The Kolsay Lake tour was absolutely breathtaking. She knows every hidden spot and makes you feel safe throughout the journey.
June 15, 2024
Incredible adventure in Charyn Canyon! The rock formations are like nothing I've seen before. Juliya's knowledge of geology and local history made the tour educational and fun.
July 22, 2024
Perfect organization! Everything was well-planned from accommodation to transportation. The Singing Dunes were magical at sunset. Highly recommend!
August 10, 2024
Une expérience inoubliable! Juliya is passionate about Kazakhstan and it shows in every detail of the tour. The food was delicious and the landscapes stunning.
May 30, 2024
Best trip of my life! The mountains of Kazakhstan are spectacular. Juliya made sure we saw the most beautiful viewpoints and took amazing photos for us.
September 5, 2024
Fantastic guide and wonderful country! The horse riding tour through the steppe was a dream come true. Juliya is professional, friendly, and speaks excellent English.
July 18, 2024
FAQ
The tour price includes accommodation, all meals during the tour, transportation (car with driver), guide services, entrance fees to national parks and attractions, and bottled water. Flights to/from Almaty, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
No, we don't rush! Our philosophy is quality over quantity. We typically spend 2-4 hours at each major location, giving you time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings. We visit 1-3 places per day depending on the tour, ensuring a relaxed and immersive experience.
We use comfortable 4WD vehicles (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar) suitable for mountain roads and off-road conditions. All vehicles are well-maintained, air-conditioned, and equipped with first aid kits. For larger groups, we use minivans with ample luggage space.
Our groups are intentionally small, typically 2-8 people. This ensures personalized attention, flexibility in the itinerary, and a more intimate experience with nature. We never do mass tours with large crowds.
Most of our tours are suitable for people with average fitness levels. We offer different difficulty levels - from easy walks to moderate hikes. The guide will adjust the pace to the group's abilities. If you can walk 5-10 km on relatively flat terrain, you'll be fine for most tours.
We recommend not planning any flights or important transport on the return day until after 6 PM. Tours typically end in Almaty between 4-6 PM, but mountain roads and weather can cause delays. It's better to stay one extra night in Almaty before your departure.
Absolutely! We make regular stops every 1.5-2 hours for rest, photos, and restroom breaks. We also stop at local cafes and markets so you can try authentic Kazakh food and buy fresh produce. The journey is part of the adventure!
Essential items: comfortable hiking shoes, layers of clothing (weather changes quickly in mountains), rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, camera, and a small backpack for day hikes. We provide a detailed packing list after booking.