DAY 1

DAY ROUTE:

Almaty - Altyn Emel National Park -Aktau colorful mountains and Katutau volcanic

Driving distance: 
ALMATY –ALTYN EMEL 260 km = 4 hours, SINGING SAND DUNE 48 km = 1 hour
Total driving distance 356 km = 7 hours
Hiking distance 2 km = 1 hour
Elevation Loss/Gain: 350m

Location # 1 ALTYN EMEL 

Altyn Emel covers about 4600 square kilometers between the Ili River and the Ak-Tau mountain range, near Lake Kapchagai, and consists mostly of desert and rocky terrain

Location #2  KATUTAU volcanic mountains

Volcanic rocks became naked in shallow gorges, water and wind have thoroughly worked over them. Fantasy of nature is inexhaustible; time was enough for creating monuments and sculptures.

Location #3  AKTAU mountains

Aktau (means "white mountains") is the chalk mountains of different colors, mostly white. The mountains have picturesque, Martian landscapes. The age of mountains is 60 - 70 million years. The mountains are composed of a lifeless bright-colored stones which are very mysterious creation of nature.

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DAY SCHEDULE:

07.00 – 11.00 Drive Almaty – Bas’shi village.
12.00 – 13.00 National Park arrangements, lunch in Bas’shi
13.00 – 14.30 Departure from Bas’shi to the KatuTau, with a stop Wildlife Photography.
14.30 – 15.30 Excursion around the KatuTau volcanic mountains
15.30 – 16.30 Drive from KatuTau volcanic mountains to Aktau mountains. 
16.30 – 19.30 Hike 
Accommodation in tents at a foot of the hills.
19.30 – 20.30 Dinner
Overnight in tents (tent camping) in Aktau mountains. or Transfer to the HOTEL (cozy, comfortable rooms + toilet + shower in the room)  (Discussed before trip)