Top Almaty Day Trips

Absolutely unforgettable experience! Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish. We were picked up on time at 5:00 AM, and the whole day ran smoothly. We visited a beautiful flower field (with amazing drone videos!), the breathtaking Kolsai Lakes, and the Black Canyon. Horse riding was optional, but the team helped organize it easily. The final stop with traditional local products (kurt, honey, butter) was a very authentic and pleasant finish to the day. Transportation was fast and well-timed, and we had enough time at each location without feeling rushed. The driver and guide truly did their job 100% - professional, attentive, and very well-coordinated. The guide was also engaging, informative, and spoke two languages, making everyone feel included. Tip: bring cash with you, as in the mountains card payments are often not available. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Almaty!

We had an excellent experience on this 2-day tour. Everything was very well organized, and the guide, Sayazhan, was knowledgeable, highly responsible, full of energy, and very friendly. She shared fascinating insights throughout the journey, making the trip both enjoyable and informative. Kassym was not just a driver but also a guide—safe, professional, and very informative. He made even the bumpy off-road drives feel easy and comfortable, pointed out interesting spots along the way, and shared helpful local knowledge that enhanced the experience. On the first day, we explored the beautiful Aktau Mountains and stayed overnight in Basshi village, which offered a wonderful and authentic local experience. On the second day, we drove across the incredible Altyn-Emel National Park to visit the Singing Dunes, a truly unique and unforgettable highlight—the dunes really “sang.” The entire journey was safe and comfortable, allowing us to relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes. Overall, it was a smooth, memorable, and highly recommended tour.

Meeting is at 04:30 but bus doesn’t really leave until 05:00+, then gas station stop, so 05:30 by the time you really get going. The bus isn’t that comfortable. Besides this, probably one of the better day trips I’ve done. Super busy, fun, I met a lot of people, cool spots, the horse riding was really good, too. The old bus ride up to the lake was cool, in general it’s quite a well thought out day trip, Luba was lovely and knowledgeable.

The tour was amazing — we covered all the main places, and our guide, Luba, was excellent and very informative. The only drawback was the car’s speed on the way there; even though the road was empty, the driver was going very slowly, and many cars and trucks were passing us. However, on the way back, he drove much better. Overall, this tour is highly recommended. One tip: if anyone has back or knee pain, I would advise skipping the horse ride at Kandy Lake

Its a 30-40 min hike on a rough trail to the waterfall, which isnt very big. No real need to see this. The lake is very pretty, its a 20 min walk on a paved road from the parking. Its maybe 1.5 hour for the waterfall and an hour at the lake. For this you leave in the morning at 9ish and get back evening at 6ish. The guide Serzhan was very nice.

The Almaty hiking tour was amazing, and Ote is an incredible guide. He does a great job catering the tour to your interest and ability level. The hike itself was challenging and very rewarding. Although we didn’t make it to the alpine lake, we enjoyed the views along the way. Weather in the Almaty mountains can be a bit unpredictable, so be prepared for rainstorms/hailstorms. Ote was incredibly supportive and ensured that we got down the mountain safely despite the inclement weather. This tour is a great way to see some of Almaty’s natural beauty, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.

Tour review This is a great option if you’re looking for a flexible and personalized tour/itinerary. My flight was delayed coming into Almaty and they were able to accommodate that by adjusting the start time of the tour. (I would never have made it if I’d done a group tour!) I most wanted to see Kaindy Lake and we were able to do that first, followed by a lunch break and Charyn Canyon. It was a bit of a long day but Erasyl made it fun with lots of facts about the destinations as well as Kazakh life and culture as we rode. I learned so much! Bonus - Erasyl was a great personal photographer. Overall, given my short time in Almaty, it was great to have this flexible option and have everything completely customized to your priorities. Highly recommend!