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A journey to Kazakhstan's Altyn-Emel National Park offers a captivating escape into a landscape of ancient wonders, located just a few hours' drive from Almaty. The route itself is an adventure, winding through steppes and hills, with the final stretch often involving dusty roads, sandstorms, and rare encounters with other vehicles. However, this challenging path leads to three distinct and unforgettable natural landmarks: a 700-year-old poplar tree, the dormant Katu-Tau volcano, and the striking white hills of Aktau.

Getting There from Almaty

The distance from Almaty to the village of Baschi, the main gateway to the park, is approximately 250 kilometers. While the first half of the journey is on a new concrete road, the latter part transitions to asphalt and then dirt roads. Overnight stays are possible, but visitors should be prepared to camp with tents or campervans, as hotels are not available within the park.

The First Stop: A 700-Year-Old Poplar

One of Altyn-Emel's most ancient natural attractions is a colossal poplar tree that has stood for over seven centuries. Revered by locals as a sacred site, this venerable tree boasts massive branches that have grown so large they touch the ground, with some even forming new trunks. Special supports are in place to help sustain some of the older, heavier limbs.

The tree's remarkable longevity is attributed to radon springs that provide a constant water source to its roots, enabling it to witness centuries of change.

The Second Stop: The Dormant Katu-Tau Volcano

Nestled between the ancient poplar and the colorful mountains of Aktau lies a unique geological marvel: the dormant Katu-Tau volcanoes. Millions of years ago, two volcanoes shaped this extraordinary landscape. The scenery here evokes a sense of being on another planet, with hardened lava, dark rocks, unusual formations, and deep fissures reminiscent of Mars or a science fiction set.

Over millennia, wind and water have sculpted these volcanic rocks into breathtaking natural sculptures.

The Third Stop: The White Sands of Aktau

The Aktau mountains are often the highlight of any visit, a place many dream of seeing in person after encountering its images. While commonly called the 'white mountains,' they display a stunning array of colors, with layers of cream, yellow, pink, and gray hues intermingling. The dominant white is captivating, but the subtle variations add to their allure.

Approximately 50 million years ago, this region was submerged under an ancient sea. Consequently, fossils of prehistoric animals, including rhinoceroses, crocodiles, and turtles that roamed these lands long before humans, are still discovered within the Aktau rock formations.

Many travelers choose to camp here for several days, waking up amidst the white cliffs, exploring the canyons, and immersing themselves in the profound tranquility broken only by the sound of the wind. Altyn-Emel is a beautiful, wild, and slightly rugged destination, unlike any other place in Kazakhstan.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.