Altyn-Emel National Park

National Park · 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan

Area 5,201 km²

Time zone Asia/Almaty

Official website altyn-emel.kz

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Explore Altyn-Emel National Park

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.

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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