In recent times, outdoor enthusiasts have begun discovering Kazakhstan. The country is rich in magnificent natural wonders, ancient history and culture, as well as places for unforgettable active leisure. One such place is Altyn-Emel National Park, which is well-known not only among locals but also foreign tourists and outdoor lovers. This article will delve into the features and types of active leisure available in this state natural park.
Where Altyn-Emel National Park is located
Altyn-Emel Reserve is a state natural park located in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan, in the heart of the historical region of Semirechye. The park is situated between the Dzungarian Alatau mountains and the Ili River, approximately 250 kilometers from the city of Almaty.
Visitors can access the national park through its central office located in the village of Basshi. Therefore, if travelers are seeking more detailed information about the location of Altyn-Emel, it is recommended to input the GPS coordinates or examine the map for the village of Basshi in the Basshi rural district.
How tourists can get to the Altyn-Emel nature reserve
Travelers come to Almaty and from there go to different parts of Kazakhstan to spend their vacations, organize active rest. Therefore, let's consider in detail how to get to Altyn-Emel from Almaty.
To reach Altyn-Emel National Park, tourists need to travel north from Almaty towards Taldykorgan. By car, it is recommended to take the Almaty-Konaev-Saryozek route. This is a toll road, so it’s important to factor this into the budget.
Before reaching Saryozek, there is a roundabout where you should turn right towards Zharkent. Continue driving until you reach the Altyn-Emel Pass. After descending from this pass, about 10 kilometers ahead, you will find a road turning right with a sign for Basshi and the reserve. Follow the signs for approximately two kilometers to the central office of the park. This route is chosen by tourists who want to visit Mount Aktau and the Singing Dune.
Alternatively, there is a second entrance to the reserve through checkpoint No.1. This is for travelers who have arranged remote access to the national park. In this case, tourists need to turn right after Kapchagay—follow the road to the village of Shengeldi, Kerbulak. After Shengeldi, drive along the Kapchagay Reservoir's shoreline to the western end of the Dzungarian Alatau.
What types of recreation are available to travelers on Altyn Emel
Today, there are many tours available for Altyn-Emel, with prices kept at a tourist-friendly level. Due to the wide range of tour options, travelers can choose the most suitable type of leisure for themselves. The most popular activities include:
— Hiking at the Singing Dune, the bottom of an ancient ocean
— Bike tours
— Quad biking and motorcycling
— Mountain trekking
— Climbing ancient volcanoes
— RV tours and much more.
Altyn-Emel National Park attracts tourists from around the world with its vast spaces and diverse landscapes. This provides visitors with numerous opportunities to diversify their active leisure, organize professional photo and video tours, and enjoy the beauty of the starry sky. A popular option is a weekend tour that allows visitors to see the main natural attractions and explore the park's flora and fauna with a professional guide.
Attractions of the reserve
This national park in Kazakhstan is rich with natural wonders that captivate every visitor. The most popular attractions include:
— The Singing Dune: A natural monument of national significance and considered one of the seven wonders of Kazakhstan
— The Aktau Chalk Mountains: A unique open-air geological museum, aged 400 million years
— The Katutau Mountains: Formed due to intense volcanic activity in the region
— The Kosbastau Oasis with its underground hot springs
— The Saks Burials of Besshatyr and the petroglyphs of Tanbaly Tas: Ancient historical artifacts that attract enthusiasts of mysteries and antiquities.
To view these unique natural features, thousands of tourists travel to Almaty from around the world.
In Altyn-Emel, hotels are actively filled with tourists who come not only to see the aforementioned attractions but also to experience the park’s rich flora and fauna. The park’s unique location and diverse landscapes have led to a rich animal and plant world. Here, visitors can find 31 species of plants and 66 rare animal species listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The park staff pay special attention to the preservation and increase of populations of deer, snow leopards, kulan, Przewalski's horses, argali, and gazelles.
Where to stay in Altyn-Emel
Altyn-Emel offers a variety of accommodation options, including recreation centers, guesthouses, hotels, and inns. The most popular are the guesthouses in Altyn-Emel, which offer everything needed for a comfortable stay. Whether for a weekend or a longer stay, the recreation centers in Altyn-Emel maintain affordable prices for tourists, regardless of the length of stay.
Conclusion
Altyn-Emel National Park is one of Kazakhstan’s natural wonders. Here, tourists can organize various types of active leisure, from hiking to biking. The park’s diverse natural riches provide unforgettable experiences for travelers.
