Singing Dune

Location: Singing Dune is 300 kilometers from Almaty in the Altyn-Emel National Park.

What’s interesting about it?

The “Aigaykum” dune, which means “singing sands” in Kazakh, is the brightest pearl of “Altyn-Emel.” It is a sand mountain made of pure quartz sand. When dry sand moves due to the wind, millions of tiny sand grains rub against each other, creating stunning sounds similar to low singing. This unique phenomenon is characteristic of only a few places on earth, which makes “Aigaykum” a unique landmark.

What kind of entertainment is there?

People come here to listen to its unusual “musical concert.” Being nearby while the dune is “singing,” it is difficult to believe that these amazing sounds come from a sandy mountain, and it seems as if it is more like the hum of a low-flying airplane.

Another form of entertainment is the opportunity to climb to the dune’s top barefoot and listen to the sound under your feet. It is easy to climb there; the sand is surprisingly soft.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit is spring and autumn.