Ak-tau mountains of Altyn Emel.
Cretaceous Mountains Aktau located in the south-east of Kazakhstan – a unique natural monument that is part of the Altyn-Emel National Park. The multi-colored hills formed from bluish-gray sandstone and red clay, interspersed with yellow and pink cornelian jasper and white quartz, resemble a layer cake. The height of the sediments reaches hundreds of meters.
The bizarre form of gorges, cliffs and canyons turns mountains into labyrinths in which two people hardly fit. From a distance, the hills resemble castles, towers and columns. Such an unusual relief is the result of weathering and erosion that has existed for millions of years.
Aktau Mountains – one of the world’s largest paleontological deposits. The fossil remains of the most ancient plants and animals were found here – giant rhinos, crocodiles and turtles that lived on the territory of modern Kazakhstan 30 million years ago. Today, the chalk mountains, called white, are in fact dazzling like frozen fireworks. Sugar slopes are replaced by ruddy crimson stripes, blue waves of limestone cool the burning orange clay, and at the bases there are streaks of gray and green colors. The gorges, like a winding labyrinth of arbitrary shapes and textures, stretched for many kilometers.
Tour itinerary: Altyn-Emel – Aktau Mountains
Departure from Almaty – Bashi Village – Aktau Mountains – Katutau Mountains – Return to Almaty
- Departure from Almaty to Bashi Village (300 km, approximately 4 hours)
- Departure to the Aktau Mountains, trekking tour (2 km, 1 hour), lunch
- Departure to Katutau Mountains (30 km, approximately 30 minutes). Upon arrival, a walking tour (30-60 minutes)
- Return to Almaty (300 km, approximately 4 hours); the driver will drop you off at any location in the city
Total road distance: 760 km
Total tour time: 13 hours
Season: Available year-round
The route can be changed or extended upon your request.
Tour price: Ak-tau mountains of Altyn Emel
- From 180,000 KZT or 365 USD
- The proposed tour price is based on a group of up to 6 pax in one vehicle
- Please check the details of the pricing with our manager.
- Several SUVs could be proposed for the big groups
- Meals are optional (not included in the tour price)
Included in the tour price:
Individual transfer on a comfortable SUV up to 6 pax , guided tour program in english, water on road, entrance fees to the national parks.
