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Top Activities on the Ground in Almaty

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Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour

Welcome to Kazakhstan! Experience five breathtaking natural wonders in one unforgettable day from Almaty. Start at iconic Charyn Canyon — towering red rock walls carved over millions of years, often called the little brother of the Grand Canyon. Continue to the mysterious Black Canyon with its dark volcanic cliffs, and the surreal Moon Canyon — pale formations that look like a lunar landscape. Then hop aboard a legendary Soviet UAZ-452 off-road van for an adventurous ride to Kaindy Lake — a submerged forest where spruce trees rise from crystal-clear turquoise water. End the day at peaceful Kolsai Lake, surrounded by pine forests and mountain peaks. In between, enjoy a homemade lunch at a local family's home in Saty village — real Kazakh hospitality our guests call the highlight of the day. Private Tour: Same epic route for your group only — flexible pace, personalized attention, no strangers. English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup from 5 AM. All entrance fees included.

Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour

15 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Bogdanovich Glacier tour with hotel pick up

Read before book! Now glacier very unstable.Contact me first before booking WUP77012110150! The Bogdanovich Glacier is a striking natural monument formed over thousands of years. Surrounded by rugged peaks and alpine terrain, the glacier offers breathtaking views and a unique opportunity to see living ice up close and inside cave. During the 1.8km walk, after Shymbulak cable car ,equipped with helmets, hiking poles, and spikes for safety, guests can observe crevasses, ice layers, and glacial formations while learning about the glacier’s history, formation, and role in the local ecosystem. The area is ideal for photography and for those who appreciate pristine mountain nature. Also we can do any tour in Kazakstan and Kyrgyztan, Big Almaty lake tour, Big Almaty peak tour, Koktobe tour, Almaty bike tour,Almaty city tour, Shymbulak tour, Charyn canyon tour, Kolsay lake tour, balloons aerostat tour, Almaty shooting tour.

Bogdanovich Glacier tour with hotel pick up

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

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Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car

Enjoy a comfortable 5-hour tour to Big Almaty Lake, with a scenic drive and 60 minutes at the viewpoint. After visiting the lake, continue to Alma-Arasan Gorge, where you’ll take a scenic 20-minute walk along a mountain river to the natural thermal springs. You’ll have around 30 minutes at the springs to relax. Optional Hiking Tour (Mondays only) A hiking option takes approximately 7–8 hours round trip. The route follows a steep mountain trail, includes a panoramic viewpoint with a traditional Kazakh swing, and returns by a different route. The hiking option is suitable only for fit and experienced hikers. Please bring: passport, water, snacks, and hiking boots. Important • October can be rainy; clear views of the lake are not guaranteed • From November to May, the lake is usually frozen • Private tours and last-minute bookings (within 24 hours): please contact us via WhatsApp before reserving WhatsApp: +7 708 076 7571

Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car

5 hoursFree Cancellation

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Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge

Explore the breathtaking Big Almaty Lake, situated 2,500 meters above sea level, alongside the refreshing Almarasan Hot Springs with our best-price guarantee. Guests can choose between a direct drive or a guided hike, enjoying an hour to take in the lake's rich history and another hour to relax in the thermal waters. Please remember to bring swimwear for the hot springs and refrain from entering the lake water, as it is protected drinking water for the city and subject to strict fines. Beyond this trip, we offer fully customizable tours across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, ranging from Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake to paragliding and city sightseeing. Recognized as a top-rated local agency, we deliver unmatched flexibility, competitive pricing, and outstanding verified reviews. For inquiries or last-minute reservations, contact us directly on WhatsApp at +7 701 211 0150 or visit daotravel.kz.

Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge

4 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience

Big Almaty Lake sits at 2,500 meters above sea level — a turquoise alpine gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Tian-Shan mountains, just 30 minutes from Almaty. Choose your adventure: Group Hike — Trek 10 km one way through alpine meadows and pine forests to reach the lake. Hiking sticks provided. Best for active travelers who love a real challenge. Hike + Falcon Show — Same epic 10 km hike, plus a traditional Kazakh falconry show on the way back. A perfect mix of nature and culture. Private Hike — The full 10 km trail with your personal guide, at your own pace. No strangers, total focus on your group. Car Tour — Drive directly to the lake and enjoy breathtaking views without the hike. Perfect for families or those with limited time. English-speaking guide included in all hiking options. Hotel pickup available. All national park entrance fees included.

Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience

5 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Lake Kaindy - summer

2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon

2 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Big Trip in 1 Day Kolsai, Kaindy Lake, Black, Charyn, Canyon

Big Trip in 1 Day Kolsai, Kaindy Lake, Black, Charyn, Canyon

15 hoursFree Cancellation

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3-Day Private Horseback Riding and Hiking Tour in Kolsay

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.

3-Day Private Horseback Riding and Hiking Tour in Kolsay

3 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Charyn, Kolsai & Kaindy One Day Express Tour

Immerse yourself in some of Kazakhstan’s most picturesque scenery—and make exploring beyond Almaty city limits a hassle-free experience—on this small-group day trip. Look forward to checking off three key sights in a single trip: the rugged Charyn Canyon and its Valley of Castles, the mirror-like Kolsai Lake, and Lake Kaindy, where you can enjoy a horseback-riding adventure. Savor a restorative local meal along the way for the full cultural experience.

Charyn, Kolsai & Kaindy One Day Express Tour

15 hoursFree Cancellation

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Almaty: Private Jeep Tour to Big Almaty Lake with Scenic Drive

At 6:30 AM (during the weekend days) and 9:00 AM (during the week days), a comfortable jeep or SUV will pick you up directly from your hotel, and we’ll set off for Big Almaty Lake. Along the way, enjoy a scenic drive through Ile-Alatau National Park, surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. The lake sits at an altitude of 2,511 meters in the Tien Shan Mountains, offering breathtaking views. Its turquoise waters and the panoramic mountain scenery promise an unforgettable experience. Special bonus for our guests! After visiting the lake (optional), you can explore Ayusai Waterfall, visit the falconry farm, and enjoy a horseback ride with an instructor (optional, extra cost). We’ll return to your hotel around 2:00 PM. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for photos — we’ll be happy to capture your best moments!

Almaty: Private Jeep Tour to Big Almaty Lake with Scenic Drive

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort

Discover Almaty’s top mountain highlights on a full-day tour combining nature, culture, and stunning mountain views. Meet your guide at 9:00 AM in front of the Abay Opera House and travel to Ile-Alatau National Park. Visit the Butakovka Visit Center before hiking through scenic pine forests to Butakovka Waterfall (about 1 hour each way). Guests who prefer not to hike can relax at the Visit Center and enjoy the mountain scenery. After the hike, enjoy free time for lunch at Auyl Restaurant (lunch is not included), a unique mountain restaurant offering panoramic views of the Small Almaty Gorge. Continue to Shymbulak Mountain Resort and take the cable car up to the resort. Enjoy free time to explore, take photos, and admire the spectacular mountain scenery. During the cable car ride, you can also enjoy views of Medeu and the surrounding mountains. After visiting Shymbulak, return to Almaty city center.

Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

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Almaty Jeep Private Full-Day Tour: Kolsay, Kaindy & Charyn Canyon

Your private adventure begins at 5:30 AM with hotel pickup in a comfortable 4x4 SUV. Drive through Kazakhstan's scenic countryside to Kolsai Lake, where you'll have free time to explore and take photos. Enjoy an optional lunch overlooking the lake before continuing to the famous Kaindy Lake. From the parking area, it's a 15-minute walk, or you can take a local UAZ shuttle or horse (extra cost). In the afternoon, visit the breathtaking Charyn Canyon during golden hour for unforgettable views. Optional safari shuttle available inside the canyon. Return to Almaty around 8:00 PM. Feel free to ask your guide to take photos—we'll be happy to capture your memories! Optional extras: lunch, horse ride, UAZ transfer, and canyon shuttle.

Almaty Jeep Private Full-Day Tour: Kolsay, Kaindy & Charyn Canyon

12 to 14 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Issyk Kul lake

Discover the essential highlights of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on this 5-day private tour from Almaty. Travel through stunning canyons, alpine lakes, and scenic valleys, immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes of Central Asia. Hike through Charyn and Skazka Canyons, explore the submerged forest of Kaindy Lake, and admire the serene beauty of Kolsai Lakes. Experience authentic nomadic traditions with a horseback ride and an eagle hunting show in Bokonbaevo. Stay in cozy guesthouses and a lakeside yurt, enjoy homemade traditional meals, and visit the ancient Burana Tower on your way to Bishkek. With an expert English-speaking guide, comfortable transportation, and seamless logistics, this adventure-packed journey is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and cultural explorers looking to experience two incredible Central Asian countries in just five days.

5 Days Private Tour Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan from Almaty

5 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Kaindy Lake View in December.

Private 2 Day Kaindy Kolsai Lake Charyn Canyon Private SUV Tour

2 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

In nomadic times Yurts Inside decorations

Discover the ancient culture and traditions of Kazakh nomads on this 1-day activity-packed tour to the Huns Ethno Village near Almaty. With a mix of informative talks and demonstrations, folkloric shows, food tastings, and hands-on masterclasses, this tour has something for everybody. Experience a ‘day-in-the-life’ of Kazakh nomads as you see how tasks like spinning yarn and grinding flour are traditionally done. Learn about the significance of the yurt to nomadic people, and enjoy a folkloric show with music and horse games. Try traditional cooking, crafts, or sports for yourself with a choice of short masterclasses. This Traditions of Kazakh Nomads tour is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself for the day in Kazakhstan’s fascinating nomadic culture

Experience the Nomadic Lifestyle at The Huns Ethno Village

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Almaty Running Tour

Hi, my name is Dulat, I am an ultra-runner, entrepreneur and marketing specialist. I own a small coffee shop for runners called Kudos. I love running and want you to explore Almaty the best way possible - while running. This small-group running tour combines sightseeing, local stories, and an easy social run through the heart of the city. Perfect for active travelers who don’t want to skip their workout but also don’t want a typical walking tour. We’ll cover approximately 8–10 km (5–6 miles) at a comfortable pace, with short stops at major landmarks where your runner-guide will share insights about Almaty’s history, culture, architecture, and everyday life. Expect wide boulevards, green parks, mountain views, and the unique blend of Soviet-era buildings and modern Kazakhstan. After the run, we finish the best way possible — with coffee (or local food) at a cozy spot to relax, ask more questions, and connect with fellow runners.

Almaty Running Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Horse riding tour

Butakovsky Waterfall Private Horseback Ride from Almaty

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Big Almaty Lake

First, we will visit Big Almaty Lake, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Almaty City. On the way to the lake, you will observe the beautiful mountains, crowded pine trees, and landscape. Upon arriving at The Big Almaty Lake, you will wonder how it was formed as a Big Lake on the top of the mountain hundreds of years ago. Big Almaty Lake is a natural alpine reservoir. It is located in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, 15 km south of the center of Almaty in Kazakhstan. The lake is 2511 meters above sea level. During the exploration of the lake, everyone would easily notice the color of the lake change according to the intensity of sunlight from light blue to heavy dark. Next, our journey takes us to the Alma-Arasan Gorage. You will see a river that comes from the spring on the top of the mountain and be astonished by its pureness. We will hike along the river for around 1km. Then, we will discover the Ayusay Gurge. Finally, we are going to First President Park.

Private Big Almaty Lake Hiking Tour with alternatgive Pipeline

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Almaty to Lake Kaindy Multi Day Group Tour

Almaty to Lake Kaindy Multi Day Group Tour

2 daysFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Great Almaty Lake - 2511 meters above sea level

We invite you on a unique journey to the pearl of Almaty - the Great Almaty Lake, located at an altitude of 2,511 meters above sea level. We pick up all participants and deliver to the barrier, from where the hiking route begins. Ahead - about 4 hours of climbing to the lake and the same back. This is a real trekking for outdoor enthusiasts, so be prepared for the load. If you have heart or back problems, or if you have never tried long hikes, we do not recommend this tour. Children under 18 years of age are not allowed to participate in this tour. The weather in the mountains changes quickly, so safety is always a top priority. We will take care of you, but please prepare in advance so that your trip will be a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Great Almaty Lake - 2511 meters above sea level

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

2 Days Tour: Charyn Canyon & Black Canyon, Kaindy & Kolsay Lakes

2 Days Tour: Charyn Canyon & Black Canyon, Kaindy & Kolsay Lakes

2 daysFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Issyk Lake & Bear Waterfall In Turgen Gorge+Golden Man museum

NOW IT'S TIME TO VISIT TURGEN IN AUTUMN IN WINTER 08:00 – Pick-up and departure from Almaty 09:00 – Arrival at Turgen Gorge Short walk through the gorge surrounded by pine forests 09:30 – Visit Bear Waterfall Enjoy the fresh mountain air and take beautiful photos 11:00 – Transfer to Issyk Lake Free time to walk around, relax by the lake, and take photos 13:00 – Lunch at a local café near Issyk Lake 14:30 – Visit the Golden Man Museum in the town of Issyk Learn about the famous archaeological discovery and ancient Saka culture 16:00 – Departure back to Almaty 17:30 – Shortstop for coffee/WC 18:30 – Drop-off in Almaty

Issyk Lake & Bear Waterfall In Turgen Gorge+Golden Man museum

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Charyn and Black Canyons 2-day tour

Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Charyn and Black Canyons 2-day tour

2 daysFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Almaty City Tour: Medeu, Shymbulak, Kok Tobe & Green Bazaar

05:00 Pick-up and Depature from Almaty 07:00 shortstop for coffee/WC 8:40 Arrival at Charyn Canyon "Valley of the Castles" Visiting sereral spots,walking Along canyon Black Canyon,Viewing spot Photographing 12:00 Arrival at Saty village, transfer to Kaindy Lake In Kaiyndy lake car goes until parking point. From parking until the lake 2km of walk. You can use horses or taxi insead of walking. 14:30 transfer to saty 14:30 Lunch in the guesthouse 16:00 Transfer to the Lower Kolsai Lake from Saty 17:00 Leaving Kolsai Lakes National Park 20:30 Shortstop for coffee/WC 22:00 Drop-off in Almaty

Almaty City Tour: Medeu, Shymbulak, Kok Tobe & Green Bazaar

14 hoursFree Cancellation

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