Singing Dune

About the place

A sand mountain up to 150 metres high that produces a low hum in dry weather, with wide Altyn-Emel views.

A sand mountain with an unusual voice

The Singing Dune stands between the Big and Small Kalkan mountains in Altyn-Emel National Park. The park links the accumulation of sand to winds meeting in this part of the Ili valley. Its name recalls the low sound of moving sand, but hearing it is not guaranteed on every visit.

This is a separate journey inside a national park, not a brief roadside stop. The dune route requires a permit and entry through Basshi. Driving across the entire park is not permitted, so choose additional stops using the official route network rather than distances on a map alone.

How to get there

Travel by tour, transfer or a dependable vehicle: Konaev → Saryozek → Basshi → park route 1.

Visiting tips

A permit via Basshi is required and there is no public transport. The dune may not sing after rain.

Check the permit process, entry point and road suitability for your vehicle before leaving; do not plan a drive straight across the park.

Carry water, closed shoes and protection from sun and wind. Treat the dune's sound as a possibility rather than a promised experience.