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- Singing Dune (Sarlyk or “Singing Barkhan”) — A huge crescent dune that literally sings when the wind (or a firm run-down) sets the sand grains vibrating. Climb it at sunset for the best sound, the views over the steppe, and that odd, booming bass you won’t forget.
- Aktau Mountains (Painted Mountains) — Layered, chalky badlands in pastel stripes of white, pink and ochre. Compact, walkable canyons and ridges make for easy hiking and excellent photo ops; look closely and you’ll spot fossilized shells and weird eroded shapes.
- Katutau Range (Volcanic Badlands) — Jagged, dark tufa and volcanic tuff formations with spires, caves and sharp ridgelines. Feels lunar; good for exploring on foot and imagining ancient lava flows frozen in time.
- Besshatyr Burial Mounds (Saka Kurgans) — Ancient Saka-era
- Singing Dune (Sarlyk or “Singing Barkhan”) — A huge crescent dune that literally sings when the wind (or a firm run-down) sets the sand grains vibrating. Climb it at sunset for the best sound, the views over the steppe, and that odd, booming bass you won’t forget.
- Aktau Mountains (Painted Mountains) — Layered, chalky badlands in pastel stripes of white, pink and ochre. Compact, walkable canyons and ridges make for easy hiking and excellent photo ops; look closely and you’ll spot fossilized shells and weird eroded shapes.
- Katutau Range (Volcanic Badlands) — Jagged, dark tufa and volcanic tuff formations with spires, caves and sharp ridgelines. Feels lunar; good for exploring on foot and imagining ancient lava flows frozen in time.
- Besshatyr Burial Mounds (Saka Kurgans) — Ancient Saka-era burial mounds set on the plains, marked by stone stelae. If you like archaeology mixed into your landscape, these give a real sense of human history against the wild steppe backdrop.
- Kulan and Other Steppe Wildlife — The park has active reintroduction and protection projects, so you can sometimes spot kulan (Central Asian wild asses), argali sheep, foxes and plenty of steppe birds. Dawn and dusk drives or hikes up ridges are your best bet.
- Ili River Floodplain and Wetlands — A surprising slice of riparian life: reeds, islands and birdlife on the river’s floodplain contrast sharply with the surrounding desert-steppe. Great for birdwatching and cool, green scenery in summer.
- Stargazing and Wide-Open Steppe Vistas — Far from city lights, the park’s flat plains offer ridiculous night skies and horizon-to-horizon views. No fancy equipment needed — just a blanket, good company and a thermos.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.