Natural Monument «Singing barchans»

Singing sand, Shouting sand – the sand dune located at the foot of the Great Kalkan Mountain and the Small Kalkan Mountain along the banks of the Ilek River.

Relief and characteristics

Its height is about 150 m, length 8 km, width 3 km. As the direction of the wind blowing from the Kalkan mountains constantly changes, sand grains are sifted and form a dune composed of a unique sand mixture. When the sand cools and is set in motion by the wind, a sound can be heard that resembles the pure melodic rhythm of a typical reed instrument; if the wind strengthens, it turns into a voice like the roar of a jet aircraft. This natural phenomenon is mostly heard at night when a cold wind blows from the east. Travelers deliberately turned their horses to hear the sound of this “Singing sand” located along the Silk Road. “Singing sand” has been taken under state protection as a natural monument. It is part of the Altinyemel National Park (since 1996).