Ethnic Kazakh Yurt

✨ Unique experience in the heart of Altyn-Emel! 🛖 Kazakh yurt at Caravansarai Campsite (Basshi village). 🏆 Altyn-Emel is ranked 7th among the Top 10 world parks outside the US by Travel+Leisure! 🏘️ Basshi is an authentic gateway village surrounded by endless steppes and the Dzungarian Mountains. 🛋️ Our campsite is a cozy oasis for steppe explorers, offering modern amenities, genuine local hospitality, and a vibrant international community. The space 🛖 A YURT is a traditional nomadic circular dwelling with a high dome and colorful authentic decor, featuring vibrant wall panels, handmade carpets, and comfortable floor mattresses (your choice of single or double beds). 🧑‍🧑‍🧒 CAPACITY: Up to 6 guests. We provide fresh linens, towels, and maintain cleanliness. ❄️ CLIMATE: The yurts are heated during cooler months. In summer, cooling is natural: we use lightweight seasonal covers and open the dome (shanyrak) and doors for cross-ventilation. Fans are also provided. Please note that yurts can get warm during midday, but evenings and nights bring a refreshing, comfortable breeze perfect for sleeping. 🧏🏻‍♂️ ACOUSTICS: Traditional yurts have thin felt walls, allowing you to hear the peaceful, rustic sounds of a Kazakh village. We highly recommend bringing earplugs for maximum sleeping comfort. 🔌 ELECTRICITY: The yurt is equipped with electricity and power outlets, so you can charge your phones and other gadgets. 🚾 RESTROOMS & SHOWERS: Following nomadic traditions, there is no bathroom inside the yurt. Modern, spotless shared facilities are located in a separate building steps away. It includes 2 women's and 2 men's toilets (with hygienic bidet sprays) and 4 private, spacious shower rooms. Enjoy underfloor heating, Grohe fixtures, hair dryers, and touchless dispensers with shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner. 🏘️ PROPERTY: The campsite is enclosed by a light mesh fence, letting you safely observe authentic village life. The grounds feature an organic orchard, outdoor furniture, cozy evening lighting, a bonfire zone, and a BBQ area. Guests can also explore our unique private collection of vintage cars and retro motorhomes. Guest access 📝 LOCATION: Just a 2-minute drive from the Altyn-Emel National Park visitor center/office. 🅿️ PARKING: Free on-site parking close to the accommodations, so you won’t have to carry your luggage far. 🫕 KITCHEN & DINING: Fully equipped shared kitchen, an indoor dining room, and a spacious outdoor summer terrace. 🛒 SHOPS: A small grocery store is located right next to the campsite (basic supplies only). 👩🏻‍🍳 MEALS: You can cook your own meals or order from our menu prepared by our chef. We offer traditional and European dishes, set breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, homemade bread, and fresh pastries with freshly brewed coffee. We also serve fresh herbs, vegetables, homemade fruit compotes, jams, and juices — all sourced from our own garden and orchard. Vegetarian meals are available upon request. EXTRA SERVICES & ACTIVITIES (Paid separately): 🧖🏻 WOOD-FIRED RUSSIAN SAUNA (BANYA): The perfect way to unwind and relax after a long day of exploring the desert and steppes (16,000 KZT for 2 hours). ✨ STARGAZING & TELESCOPE: Basshi village has zero light pollution, making it an incredible spot for stargazing. You can rent telescope to observe the Moon and planets (15,000 KZT per hour). 📸 ETHNIC PHOTOSHOOT: Authentic photoshoot wearing traditional Kazakh clothing inside the beautiful yurt interior (price upon request). 🏘️ VILLAGE TOUR: A guided walk through Basshi village for a deep dive into authentic rural Kazakh life and culture (5,000 KZT per person). Other things to note 🌎 INTERNET & SIGNAL: We provide Wi-Fi at the campsite. There is a stable mobile signal and 4G in Basshi village. However, within the national park boundaries, mobile reception is virtually non-existent, and the internet does not work. 🚙 ROADS & TRANSPORT: There is no public transport to Altyn-Emel. The dirt roads inside the park are rough, bumpy, and unpaved. We highly recommend using 4x4 vehicles/SUVs and durable off-road tires. ⛽ GAS STATIONS: Major gas stations are located in Saryozek (if coming from Almaty) and Chundzha/Shonzhy (if coming from the Charyn Canyon). Basshi village has only one local gas station, which often runs out of fuel. 📝 PARK ENTRY PERMITS: You must purchase your entry permit at the national park visitor center in Basshi village (a 2-minute drive from our campsite). Payment must be made in cash only in Kazakh Tenge (KZT). The ticket office is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (lunch break from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM). You are only allowed to enter and stay inside the national park during daylight hours. No permit is required to visit Basshi village or stay at our campsite.