Altyn-Emel National Park Travel Guide

Featured Lists

Altyn-Emel National Park Essentials

Kazakhstan’s Altyn-Emel National Park preserves 4,600 square kilometers of unique geological and historical sites. The park features the 150-meter Singing Barkhan, a sand dune that emits low-frequency sounds, and the multicolored Cenozoic sedimentary layers of the Aktau Mountains. Significant archaeological sites include the Besshatyr complex, containing 31 Scythian burial mounds from the Iron Age, and the Taigak gorge petroglyphs. The landscape is further defined by the volcanic Katutau formations and the Oshaktas stone pillars, which historically served as signaling beacons.

8 places

Geological Wonders

Altyn-Emel National Park preserves a diverse range of geological formations in southeastern Kazakhstan. The Aktau Mountains showcase multi-colored sedimentary layers formed from an ancient seabed, while the Katutau range consists of frozen volcanic lava and ash shaped by millions of years of erosion. Historical sites include the Oshaktas stone stelae, believed to be a hearth site for Genghis Khan’s troops. These sites offer a glimpse into the region's Tethys Ocean past and its volcanic history.

6 places

Altyn-Emel National Park — Map

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit: May, September

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Poor

0° (feels like -5°) · extremes -17°–7°
-9° at night
5 rainy days
15 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 1 · low

Typical weather in February

Poor

3° (feels like -2°) · extremes -15°–11°
-6° at night
6 rainy days
15 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 2 · low

Typical weather in March

Poor

11° (feels like 5°) · extremes -8°–19°
-1° at night
7 rainy days
10 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 3 · moderate

Typical weather in April

Good

18° (feels like 14°) · extremes -4°–27°
5° at night
7 rainy days
13 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in May

Great

24° (feels like 20°) · extremes 3°–31°
10° at night
8 rainy days
17 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in June

Great

29° (feels like 26°) · extremes 9°–35°
15° at night
7 rainy days
15 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in July

Good

32° (feels like 29°) · extremes 13°–38°
17° at night
6 rainy days
17 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Up to 7 days above 35°

Typical weather in August

Good

30° (feels like 27°) · extremes 11°–36°
16° at night
4 rainy days
20 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 7 · high

Up to 5 days above 35°

Typical weather in September

Great

25° (feels like 21°) · extremes 4°–32°
11° at night
4 rainy days
19 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in October

Good

16° (feels like 12°) · extremes -3°–25°
4° at night
6 rainy days
16 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 3 · moderate

Typical weather in November

Poor

7° (feels like 3°) · extremes -10°–17°
-2° at night
7 rainy days
9 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 1 · low

Typical weather in December

Poor

2° (feels like -4°) · extremes -15°–8°
-7° at night
6 rainy days
11 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 1 · low

Climate data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2); NASA POWER + Copernicus ERA5-Land · 1996–2025

Practical information

Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge KZT · Card payments · Commonly accepted
Emergency numbers: 112
Electricity: Type C / Type F
220 V · 50 Hz

Languages: Kazakh, Russian
Tap water: Drink with caution
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +7

Learn more

Altyn-Emel National Park

Featured Lists

Altyn-Emel National Park Essentials

Geological Wonders

Altyn-Emel National Park — Map

Climate & when to visit

Typical weather in January

Typical weather in February

Typical weather in March

Typical weather in April

Typical weather in May

Typical weather in June

Typical weather in July

Typical weather in August

Typical weather in September

Typical weather in October

Typical weather in November

Typical weather in December

Practical information

Tours & Activities

Altyn-Emel National Park – Add to Your Trip