The Altyn-Emel National Park lies within the Ili River Valley, in Kazakhstan’s Almaty Region, spanning the Panfilov and Kerbulak districts. To the south, the park is bounded by the Kapchagay Reservoir and the Ili River, while to the east, it reaches the Kokterek River and the Aktau Mountains. The park’s northwestern border is defined by the Altyn-Emel Range, which comprises the Altyn-Emel, Matay, Degeres, and Sholak mountain systems.
Covering a vast area of 307,653 hectares, Altyn-Emel National Park includes a protected zone of 62,845 hectares. Established on April 10, 1996, the park emerged from the reorganization of several previous conservation areas, including the Kapchagay Reserve Hunting Estate, the Baschi Agricultural Enterprise, the Almaty Reserve, and a breeding center. Its creation aimed to preserve the unique natural complexes of the Ili intermountain basin, as well as the region’s flora, fauna, paleontological and natural sites, and cultural and historical landmarks. The park also dedicates resources to fostering ecological tourism and environmental education.
The name «Altyn-Emel» translates to «Golden Saddle» in Mongolian, derived from a legend. It is said that in the early 13th century, Genghis Khan and his army crossed this valley. During sunset, he saw the golden-hued mountains in the distance and exclaimed, “Golden Saddle!” In fact, the Altyn-Emel Pass distinctly resembles the shape of a saddle.
In Altyn-Emel National Park, over 1,800 plant species flourish, including 21 species listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book of rare and endangered plants. Additionally, 60 flora species are rare endemic plants specific to the Ili-Balkhash Basin and the Dzhungar Alatau Mountains. The park is also home to a rich variety of fauna: 393 species of vertebrates and 1,658 invertebrate species inhabit the region. Among the vertebrates, 78 are mammals, 26 are fish, over 260 are birds, four are amphibians, and 25 are reptiles. Kazakhstan’s Red Book lists 56 animal species from this park, including the rare goitered gazelles, kulan (wild ass), and argali sheep. Przewalski’s horses were also reintroduced here from German zoos in the early 2000s and now roam freely within the park.
Altyn-Emel National Park is celebrated for its one-of-a-kind historical and natural landmarks, which draw visitors from across Kazakhstan and beyond.
These majestic dunes lie between the Small and Big Kalkan Mountains and consist of two towering sand dunes, 100 and 150 meters high, spanning about 240 hectares on a rocky plain. The southern dune, especially impressive, appears as a massive crystal sand hill devoid of any vegetation, featuring steep slopes that make climbing impossible. The dunes formed due to a unique “wind rose,” where powerful east and west winds brought sand masses that collided at the base of the two mountains, shaping these magnificent sand formations over centuries. Wind and sand movement creates a unique sound, reminiscent of a jet engine. Another fascinating fact is that the dune has retained its position for several millennia. Recognized as a monument of national significance, the Singing Dune is also listed among the “7 Wonders of Kazakhstan.” The true origin of these sounds remains a mystery, though many studies have explored this phenomenon.
Arguably the park’s most stunning and awe-inspiring site, the Aktau Mountains once formed the bottom of an ancient sea that filled the Ili Basin. As the water gradually evaporated, picturesque canyons and steep cliffs emerged, composed of colorful layers of various rock types. The lower sections of the canyons have hues of red and green, while the upper layers are strikingly white and patterned. Reaching up to 1,000 meters in height, these formations extend across 50 square kilometers. The Aktau Mountains are one of the most significant paleontological sites, showcasing deposits from the Cenozoic Era. Excavations have uncovered remains of prehistoric creatures, including brontotheres (swamp rhinoceroses), turtles, crocodiles, mastodons, and deer. The fossilized flora here also includes ancient xerophilous forests, ancestors of today’s oaks, poplars, and tugai trees.
Radon-rich warm springs nurture massive willow trees in certain parts of the park. One such place, the Kosbatau Gorge, is home to a majestic willow over 700 years old. This enormous tree’s thick branches extend down to the ground, and several people are needed to encircle its massive trunk. Local tribes regard this willow as sacred. According to legend, anyone who harms it will face inevitable doom. It’s also said that Genghis Khan himself once rested beneath its branches. The radon-infused water from these springs is believed to be therapeutic, reputed to cure a wide range of ailments.
At the foot of the Sholak Mountains lie the Bes Shatyr burial mounds, a historic Iron Age site consisting of around 30 mounds of varying sizes. The largest mound has a diameter of over 100 meters and stands almost 18 meters high. The larger mounds contain tombs made of Tien Shan spruce, which once held rulers, chieftains, and kings. Nobles and warriors were buried in the medium-sized mounds, while common soldiers were laid to rest in the smaller ones, often with their weapons. A network of tunnels and underground passages once connected these structures.
At the foot of the Sholak Mountains lie the Bes Shatyr burial mounds, a historic Iron Age site consisting of around 30 mounds of varying sizes. The largest mound has a diameter of over 100 meters and stands almost 18 meters high. The larger mounds contain tombs made of Tien Shan spruce, which once held rulers, chieftains, and kings. Nobles and warriors were buried in the medium-sized mounds, while common soldiers were laid to rest in the smaller ones, often with their weapons. A network of tunnels and underground passages once connected these structures.
Located in a gorge by the Small Kalkan Mountains, this spring is named after Chokan Valikhanov, the renowned Kazakh historian, scholar, and explorer. During an 1856 expedition, Valikhanov and his team rested by this spring, where he drank from its waters. Locals now consider this water sacred, believing it to have healing properties.
The park is home to many petroglyphs—ancient rock carvings dating back to various eras. These petroglyphs reveal insights into the tribes that lived here during the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and medieval periods. Most carvings depict scenes of hunting, battles, and animals, while others illustrate daily life. Notably, several Buddhist inscriptions have been found in the Taigak Gorge. The majority of these petroglyphs are located in the gorges of Taigak, Terekty, Kara-Espe, and Kzylauyz.
As Kazakhstan’s only desert park, Altyn-Emel offers a unique landscape diversity, featuring sand dunes, tugai (riparian) forests, river floodplains, plains, and mountains. Visitors can also encounter rare desert-dwelling animals such as the goitered gazelle and the kulan. Three well-marked tourist trails are equipped with signage, pavilions, observation decks, parking areas, rest stops, and facilities.
The park has six hotels offering all modern conveniences, as well as four campgrounds for tent stays. At the Shygyn border post, visitors can stay in a yurt within an ethnographic village, complete with access to a traditional Saka bath. Restoration work on the Bes Shatyr mounds will soon allow visitors to explore the ancient Saka tombs from within.