Altyn Emel National Park + Shonzhy spa tour

Itinerary

• 1 night guest house accommodation with breakfast
• 1 night spa resort accommodation with breakfast
• vehicle
• guide
• tickets
• shuttle service by off-road vehicle from Basshi village to Aqtau/Qatutau and Dunes
• water

• lunch and dinner
• personal expenses

• tour is subject to change
• weather must be taken into account

• Altyn Emel National Park consists of 2 parts: Aqtau/Qatutau mountains and Singing Dunes
• entrance to the national park is thru Basshi village which is 250+ km away from Almaty city center
• there will be a stopover to see Qapshagai water reservoir

• Aqtau/Qatutau mountains are 85+ km away from Basshi village
• Aqtau mountains are made of chalk
• Qatutau mountains are of volcanic origin
• road from the village to the mountains is bumpy and requires off-road driving (subject to motion sickness): its condition depends on weather and can be dry, dusty, muddy, icy, snowy, etc. 
• local shuttle service operates along this road using off-road vehicles (old Soviet-Russian Uazik, old Mitsubishi Delica or similar): usually they are dirty and have problems with AC/heater
• there will be a stopover to see 700+ years old tree

• Singing Dunes are 40+ km away from Basshi village
• according to a local legend, the dunes make a noise, i.e. sing, when it is windy
• road from the village to the dunes is bumpy and requires off-road driving (subject to motion sickness): its condition depends on weather and can be dry, dusty, muddy, icy, snowy, etc. 
• local shuttle service operates along this road using off-road vehicles (old Soviet-Russian Uazik, old Mitsubishi Delica or similar): usually they are dirty and have problems with AC/heater

• Shonzhy (Chundzha) town is 240+ km away from Almaty city center
• Shonzhy town is located between Almaty and resorts (hot springs)
• resorts are 290+ km away from Almaty city center
• there are hot springs and resorts are built upon them
• water is natural and comes out of the ground
• water is warm and hot: really good for health
• resorts are open year round: there are indoor and outdoor pools
• as such, guests can swim 24/7

• there is no guarantee that the vehicle will not break down
• provincial infrastructure is less developed compared to the city
• do not expect mobile internet, Wi-Fi, F&B in the province to be as good as in city
• exploring natural sites carries a risk of insect bites
• halal, vegetarian food is available

• Basshi village is not much touristy
• few comfortable guest houses are available
• there are no cafes that serve meals a la carte
• instead guest houses serve meals upon request
• lunch is approx 5-10 USD per person, dinner is approx 10-15 USD per person

• many comfortable resorts are available
• lunch is approx 5-10 USD per person, dinner is approx 10-15 USD per person

• ID/passport
• rain ponchos or waterproof clothing if rain is expected
• suitable clothes and shoes
• personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
• cash (notes and coins)
• personal medical supplies

• USD KZT exchange rate is volatile
• do not bring local currency from home country: carry USD or EUR instead

This tour can be served as a Jeep tour. Jeep goes up to Aqtau/Qatutau and Singing Dunes directly without any shuttle service.