Top Almaty Outdoor Activities

Discover Big Almaty Lake and Alma-Arasan Gorge on a private 6-hour mountain experience designed around your comfort. Unlike crowded group tours, this experience is exclusively for you and your companions, with a dedicated driver and a personal English-speaking local host. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup, an organized vehicle transfer for the final mountain section, and spectacular alpine views without a long, exhausting uphill hike. Take your time at beautiful viewpoints, capture memorable photos, and enjoy complimentary bottled water and coffee or tea. Two stunning mountain destinations, personalized attention, and carefully arranged transportation — all in one comfortable private experience.

Discover five spectacular natural wonders of Kazakhstan in just 2 days! Explore the mysterious submerged forest of Kaindy Lake, admire the breathtaking alpine scenery of Kolsai Lake, and experience authentic local hospitality with an overnight stay in Saty Village. On the second day, discover three extraordinary canyon landscapes: the dramatic Black Canyon, the moon-like rock formations of Moon Canyon, and the magnificent Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon. More than just sightseeing, this adventure brings together turquoise mountain lakes, towering red cliffs, local village life, and unforgettable natural scenery. Enjoy a guided group journey from Almaty with comfortable transportation, 1-night guesthouse accommodation, 3 meals, and national park entrance tickets included.

Visit Kaindy Lake with its sunken forest, the first Kolsai Lake and the red rock towers of Charyn Canyon in one long day from Almaty. On this private tour, only your group rides in the vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, who also films your day with a drone. Great for adventure seekers, hikers and photographers. We leave Almaty at 5:00 and, after a short stop for tea, coffee and a restroom break, reach Kaindy Lake by late morning. Here the trunks of a flooded spruce forest rise out of turquoise water, and you have time for a walk and photos. In the early afternoon we drive on to Kolsai Lake for a walk along the shore. Then we head to Charyn Canyon: we stop at the Black Canyon and the Moon Canyon viewpoint, and finish at the Valley of Castles. We are back in Almaty around 21:00. Moderate fitness is needed: walks on uneven trails at both lakes and a long day of about 16 hours, much of it on the road. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

See the Singing Dune and the Aktau and Katutau mountains of Altyn-Emel National Park on a two-day trip from Almaty. On this private tour, only your group rides in the SUV with an experienced driver-guide, who also films the trip with a drone. Great for adventure seekers, hikers and photographers. Day 1. After a four-hour drive we reach Basshi village before noon, get park permits and visit the museum. After lunch we head to the Aktau Mountains, layered in white, red and green, for a walk of about three hours. In the evening we stop at the volcanic Katutau Mountains and, if you wish, at a 700-year-old willow. Night in an economy guesthouse in Basshi. Day 2. We climb the upper ridge of the Singing Dune, which hums when the wind moves the sand. Then we drive back, stop for lunch in Saryozek and reach Almaty around 18:00. Moderate fitness is needed: a walk of about three hours on uneven trails in the Aktau Mountains and a dune climb. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

See the Singing Dune in Altyn-Emel National Park, Charyn Canyon, and Kaindy and Kolsai lakes in three days from Almaty. On this private tour, only your group rides in the SUV with an experienced driver-guide, who also films the trip with a drone. Great for adventure seekers, hikers and photographers. Day 1. After lunch in Basshi village, you walk 3 to 5 km through the layered Aktau Mountains, then see the volcanic rocks of Katutau and a 700-year-old willow. Night in a guesthouse in Basshi. Day 2. You climb the Singing Dune and walk about 2 km along its ridge. After lunch in Chundzha you descend into Charyn Canyon for a 5 km walk through the gorge. Night in a guesthouse in Saty. Day 3. A 4 km walk to Kaindy Lake and its sunken forest, lunch, then a 3 km walk along Kolsai Lake. Back in Almaty around 20:30. Moderate fitness is needed: walks of 2 to 5 km at each main stop on uneven trails, a dune climb and a canyon descent. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

This carefully crafted journey blends scenic trekking, breathtaking natural landmarks, and diverse landscapes, offering an immersive experience of Kazakhstan’s untamed beauty. From dramatic canyons to serene alpine lakes, this unforgettable route captures the very essence of the Almaty region. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS - Three National Parks in Five Days – Immerse yourself in Kazakhstan’s most spectacular landscapes, visiting Altyn-Emel National Park with its Singing Dune and Aktau Mountains, the dramatic Charyn Canyon, and the stunning Kolsay Lakes, all in one unforgettable adventure. - Stay in cozy guesthouses, enjoy traditional Kazakh hospitality, and immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture and history. - Travel in a private SUV with professional guides and enjoy a carefully curated itinerary for an unforgettable journey through Kazakhstan. - During our entire trip we will cover a distance of 1,500 km by SUV and 42 km of hiking.

Explore the wilderness of Kungey Alatau mountains in one of our most authentic and adventure mixed horseback riding and hiking trips to Kolsay Lakes. You will explore wild and unknown trails avoiding crowded and touristic places, get an unusual experience of traveling by horse and feet in wild environment among the beauties of pristine untouched nature, enjoy the simple camping life, try the lifestyle of Nomads and feel the spirit of discovery.

Step off the beaten path and explore the natural and cultural wonders of Central Asia on this journey through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. From vibrant Almaty to the peaceful mountain valleys of Kyrgyzstan, the route combines dramatic landscapes with living traditions. Discover the surreal Charyn Canyon, the crystal-clear Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes, and the snow-capped Tian Shan peaks. In Karakol, explore wooden cathedrals and Dungan heritage; in Bokonbaevo, witness the ancient art of eagle hunting. Stay in cozy guesthouses and traditional yurts, enjoy homemade meals, and experience genuine nomadic hospitality. This group tour is available on fixed departure dates: 09.05–16.05.2026 · 30.05–06.06.2026 · 22.08–29.08.2026 · 19.09–26.09.2026 · 10.10–17.10.2026

Explore the vibrant city of Almaty, where history meets modernity. Begin your adventure with a walking tour through the historic center, visiting key landmarks like the Ascension Cathedral and Republic Square. Experience the local flavor at the bustling Green Bazaar, filled with fresh produce, dried fruits, and traditional sweets, before indulging in delicious chocolates from Rakhat. The tour culminates with a visit to Kok Tobe, where a cable car ride offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. - Discover Almaty's rich history and Soviet architecture on a guided tour - Sample local delicacies at the lively Green Bazaar and Rakhat chocolate shop - Enjoy breathtaking views from Kok Tobe via a scenic cable car ride - Includes transportation, entry tickets, and a professional guide throughout the journey