The Singing Dune of Aigai Kum, or “singing sands,” is the main attraction of the Altyn-Emel National Park. It is a mountain of pure quartz sand with steep slopes where nothing grows. During the movement of the sand grains rubbing against each other, a loud, drawn-out sound is produced, resembling low singing. This rare phenomenon is only recorded in a few corners of the globe.

It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Kazakhstan and holds the status of a monument of national significance.

The Singing Dune is located on the right bank of the Ili River, in the central part of the Altyn-Emel Park. It is believed to have formed due to geological changes in the Semirechye region. About 200,000 years ago, there was a shift in part of the Ulken Kalkan volcano – the Big Kalkan.

As a result, the Kishi Kalkan – the Small Kalkan mountains were formed. Winds took care to fill the new corridor with sands, and 12,000 years ago, huge sand dunes appeared here. The Singing Dune owes its unchanged shape to the Big and Small Kalkan mountains, which protect it.

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To reach the Singing Dune of Aigai Kum or “singing sands,” click here. (Clickable link)