Top Activities on the Ground in Almaty

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.

Choose between a comfortable car tour with 60 minutes at the viewpoint above Big Almaty Lake or a 12 km hike with steep mountain trails, an extra panoramic viewpoint with a traditional Kazakh swing, a different return route, and around 2 hours at the lake. The car option is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the mountains without much walking. Departure is near Abay Opera House. The hiking option is for fit and experienced hikers. Departure is from First President’s Park. Hiking boots are required, while trekking poles and raincoats are provided. Please bring your passport, water, snacks, and hiking boots. Important October can be rainy; clear views are not guaranteed From November to May, the lake is usually frozen Solo travelers: tour may be canceled if the minimum group size is not met Last-minute bookings (within 24 hours): please contact via WhatsApp before reserving WA: +7 708 076 7571

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.

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.

«Comfortable transfer, stunning scenery and unforgettable emotions - all this in our eventful one-day tour!”

Read before book!!! Best place to see around Almaty 100% guarantee! For last hours booking or any questions or special requests contact me WUP77012110150! We will see a beautiful Almaty lake, located on 2500 meters above the sea, learn its history and the mountains surrounding it. Choose drive by car till the lake or hiking If you can not hike 6km uphill dont book hiking option! if you want this tour private or include Shymbulak, big almaty peak, or Almarasan gorge-ask. Hiking sticks and rain jackets available by request. Normally we spent at lake about 40-60min Also we can do any tour in Kazakstan and Kyrgyztan, Big Almaty peak tour, Koktobe tour, Almaty bike tour,Almaty city tour, Shymbulak tour, Charyn canyon tour, Kolsay lake tour, Kaindy lake tour, Almaty balloons tour, paragliding Almaty tour, shooting almaty tour, bogdanovich glacier tour, snowmobile Almaty tour. - Best tour agency in Almaty with best prices , flexibility and best real rewiews.

05:00 – Pick-up 05:40 – Departure from Almaty 07:00 – Short stop for coffee/WC 08:40 – Arrival at Charyn Canyon “Valley of Castles” • Visiting several viewpoints • Walking along the canyon 09:30 – Shuttle taxi service at Charyn Canyon starts operating • Walking down to the canyon on foot • Optional shuttle taxi ride back up 12:00 – Arrival at Black Canyon • Photo stop with eagle • Swing near the cliff • Panoramic viewpoints & photography 13:00 – Lunch at Kolsai Lake 14:30 – Free time at Kolsai Lake • Walking by the lake • Relaxing & taking photos 17:00 – Departure to Almaty 18:30–19:00 – Stop near Shelek • Free time for dinner/coffee 22:00 – Drop-off in Almaty

Most Charyn tours run as day trips. This one doesn't. Temirlik Canyon sits inside the same national park as the Valley of Castles. You reach it by going off-road in a reliable 4×4, to a spot only your guide and a few shepherds know. The river runs clear and the only camp at the bottom is yours. Your guide is Anton — born in Kazakhstan, lived 20+ years across the US, Singapore, and Malaysia, and came home. He'll translate at the Uighur market where he'll buy your bread, samsa, and kurt, and pick fresh produce from the farmers there. That night he'll cook your dinner over the fire. - Private group, never combined. Maximum 4 people. - Private 4×4 from Almaty. 5:30 AM pickup, non-negotiable. - Optional Valley of Castles stop en route, since you came all this way. - In summer, the mountain river is cold, clean, and yours to swim in. - Designed for travelers who'd rather sleep in a canyon than queue at a viewpoint.

At 5:30 AM, a comfortable jeep/SUV will pick you up directly from your hotel, and we’ll head to Kolsai Lake. The drive takes about 4 h (approx 300 km). Along the way, you’ll see steppe landscapes, mountains, and authentic village life.We’ll spend a couple of hours at the lake. Lunch is optional at Tary, offering panoramic views over the water. Next, we’ll drive to Lake Kaindy (15 min by car). From the parking area, it’s an easy 15-min walk to the lake. If you prefer not to walk, you can ride a horse or take a UAZ vehicle (2000 tenge). After that, we continue to Charyn Canyon (100 km, 2.5 hours). We’ll arrive just in time for sunset. Enjoy golden hour views from above and take a ride in an improvised safari vehicle (1,800 tenge). The drive back to the city takes about 3 hours. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel around 8:00 PM. Optional extra costs: horse ride, UAZ transfer, restaurant, safari vehicle. Feel free to ask your guide to take photos — we’ll be happy to capture your memories!

Explore the stunning natural wonders of Kazakhstan, including the dramatic Charyn Canyon, serene Kolsai Lakes, an authentic overnight stay in Saty Village, and the mesmerizing Kaindy Lake with its submerged forest and turquoise waters. This tour offers a perfect blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural immersion.

7:00 AM — departure from your hotel by jeep/SUV. Drive 80 km (about 2 hours). First stop — Issyk Lake (1,760 meters above sea level). Time for a walk and photos. Next — a 1-hour hike to Bear Waterfall. The trail is suitable for both children and seniors. Time to relax, take photos, and swim if you’d like. Hike back to the car — about 1 hour. Drive to a trout farm — около 1 hour. Fishing is optional (extra charge). Your catch can be cooked on site. Lunch. Return to Almaty — about 2 hours. Hotel drop-off around 6:00 PM. Feel free to ask your guide to take photos throughout the day!

Nature-loving travelers will enjoy getting out of Almaty for the day and heading to some of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful natural spots. After being picked up from your accommodation, head to the Charyn Canyon, where you’ll explore for a couple of hours. Spend some time in a traditional Kazakh village, Saty, seeing how the local people live. Admire the views of Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes, too.

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!

Our Team Do a Special tours, as we show the location - breathtaking spots, which few people know about, professional Staff - prepares you a lunch, an expert guide organizes a fascinating trip, tells a lot of interesting historical facts. We do the best tours have ever you had. 07-30 Departure from your hotel/hostel/ apartments Almaty 09-30 Stop at the road bazaar at Baiseit village 11-30 Arrival to Charyn Canyon-National Park hike 2-3hr and Yummy Canyon Lunch 14:30 Overview Canyon on Panorama (Breathtaking sight, trembling in the Knees) 15-30 Departure from Charyn Canyon to Bartogai reservoir 17-00 Arrival to Bartogai reservoir, overview, Barista-guide happy to cook Coffee from or Tea (Khan tea, Tashkent tea, fruit tea) 17-30 Departure from Bartogai Lake to Almaty City 20-00 Arrival to Almaty.

Golden circle of Almaty one of the most popular and interesting tour. You will see completely different areas. Desert, Canyons, Alpine forest, Steppe and Mountain lakes.

Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure to Big Almaty Lake, a stunning gem nestled in the heart of the Zailiyskiy Alatau Mountains. Located at an altitude of 2,511 meters, the lake is famous for its mesmerizing turquoise water surrounded by majestic peaks. The hike takes about 5–6 hours round trip. The 7 km road (one way) leads you through picturesque gorges, pine forests, and alpine meadows, offering breathtaking mountain views along the way. We meet at the First President’s Park, from where a 30-minute transfer takes us to the starting point of the hike.

Unlike large crowded bus tours, this experience is designed as a comfortable small-group nature escape with more time at each location and a relaxed travel pace. Travelers can enjoy the stunning beauty of Issyk Lake, the peaceful forest trails of Turgen Gorge, and the authentic atmosphere of a local trout farm — all in one day without rushing between stops. The tour combines famous natural landmarks with local experiences, scenic mountain roads, easy hiking, and opportunities to taste traditional food. With smaller groups, friendly guides, and carefully planned timing, travelers can fully enjoy Kazakhstan’s nature while avoiding the stress of oversized tourist groups.

The Kok Zhailau high mountain pasture is the favorite place for mountain hiking among all residents and tourists of Almaty. The route is easy and suitable for beginners with good health and fitness experience. It offers breathtaking views of the Tien Shan Mountains and a complete panorama of the city of Almaty. This is exactly the case when we can say that we are looking at the city from a bird's eye view. Beautiful poplar, birch, pine and spruce forests - you will see all of this during our hike. Our climb takes about 3 hours and the way back takes 2 hours. This is real mountain fitness and trekking for the whole day with a visit to a beautiful place in the reserve. If you want to understand why Almaty is one of the top 10 cities in the world for mountain tourism, then this tour is for you!

Discover the alpine beauty of Kolsai Lakes on this private day hike from Almaty. Known as the Pearls of Tian Shan, three glacial lakes sit high in the mountains — most visitors only see the first. We go further, hiking through old-growth spruce forest to Kolsai 2, the quieter upper lake where snow lingers into early summer. About 15km round-trip with 600m elevation gain. For lesser fit participants an option to hire horses is available (extra fee). Your guide is Anton — born in Kazakhstan, lived 20+ years across the US, Singapore, and Malaysia. You will see this adventure through the eyes of someone who knows what it's like to arrive somewhere unfamiliar. - Private group never combined with others - Maximum 4 people - Private 4×4 transport from Almaty - English-speaking guide on the full hike - Horseback option at the trailhead for the less fit (excluded, unless proper option is selected) - Saty village Kazakh dinner option (excluded, unless proper option is selected)

This private 3-day tour offers a well-balanced combination of nature, cultural heritage, and comfortable outdoor accommodation in the Almaty region. The itinerary includes an open-air visit to the King’s Valley near Issyk with Scythian burial mounds and ties to the Golden Man, a visit to Issyk Lake, and a short walk to Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge. A dedicated full-day hike to Kairak Waterfall brings travelers through mixed forests and meadows to one of the region’s largest falls, and an extended off-road journey across the Assy Plateau includes meeting local nomads, visiting a traditional yurt, and seeing ancient rock paintings, with the Assy astronomical observatory viewed from outside. The experience includes two nights of glamping accommodation at Trekking Club’s camp in Turgen Gorge, recognized as a finalist of the Green Destinations Top 100. All elements are arranged as one coordinated package, offering a structured and unhurried journey.

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

Learn about Almaty through its cuisine on a fun food-focused walking tour. Almaty offers some delicious food but it can be difficult to know where to start. Your private guide will take you to some of the best local spots, where you can try savory and sweet dishes and mingle with the locals. Tour an old Silk Road market and listen to your guide’s stories about Kazakh history and culture.

Peaceful horseback ride with panoramic views of the Zailiysky Alatau Short guided hike to the waterfall for photos and fresh mountain air Beginner-friendly pace (walk only), safety briefing, and helmets provided Individual tour for comfort and personalized attention Optional hotel pickup/drop-off from Almaty (on request)