Altyn-Emel National Park

Altyn-Emel National Park protects a broad semi-arid landscape in the Ili River valley east of Almaty, encompassing steppe, desert, canyon, and riparian habitats. The park is known for its Singing Dune, a large barchan that emits a rumbling hum when wind or movement disturbs its dry sand, and for ancient Saka burial mounds scattered across the plain. Kulan, saiga, and argali inhabit the reserve, which also contains petroglyphs and Scythian monuments.