The Aktau mountains, nestled within Kazakhstan's Altyn-Emel National Park, offer a breathtaking landscape of vibrant, multi-colored geological formations often compared to an alien world. Accessibility is challenging, requiring a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the park's unpaved and often rough roads, making it less suitable for those with significant mobility issues. While intrepid travelers might attempt solo visits with their own 4x4 and permits, guided tours are strongly recommended, as they often include mandatory rangers, facilitate navigation, and provide crucial insights into the remote area. The optimal visiting periods are the mild spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) ON CONFLICT (id) DO NOTHING; summers are excessively hot, and winters bring severe cold and potentially impassable roads. Approximate costs largely revolve around transportation and guide services, with multi-day tours from Almaty typically ranging from $200-$600+ per person, in addition to a modest park entrance fee. A dedicated visit to the mountains usually requires a full day, though most itineraries combine them with other park highlights like the Singing Dunes, extending the trip to 2-3 days. Visitors should come prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes, as facilities within this remote and wild region are extremely limited.