Singing Dunes Tourism

The Singing Dunes, also known as the 'whistling sands' or 'barking sands', is a natural wonder located in the Altyn Emel National Park near Aktau city, in the Almaty Region of Kazakhstan. This phenomenon occurs on the slopes of the dunes made up of fine dry sand that emit a peculiar melodious sound when the sand is displaced by the wind or as people walk on it. Scientific theories suggest the noise is generated by the friction of the grains or due to the electricity generated among the sand particles. The dune is about 150 meters high and stretches up to 3 kilometers long, resembling a sandy crest in the midst of a mountain range. The sounds, reminiscent of an organ melody, can only be heard in dry weather, and the dune's shape remains consistent despite the shifting sands due to the natural phenomenon of singing. In addition to the unique auditory experience, the surrounding Altyn Emel Park offers a rich biodiversity and a variety of landscapes including mountains, flora, and fauna.