All Almaty Tours & Excursions in 2026 - page 6

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.

Interesting visit to the Petroglyphs. About a 3 hour drive each way, and once there, a short museum visit and a hike around the petroglyph sites. Some parts required climbing, others could be seen from the paths. Our guide was knowledgeable and kind, stopping as much as we needed for snacks/lunch/bathroom breaks.

This is a solid one-day activity to experience the Kazakh outdoors. We went to 5 sites, including a ride on an old Soviet bus and a pony, with a delicious lunch at a local home. If you have more time, stretching it to a two-day trip with an overnight stay in a yurt would probably be better but if you only have a day to spare, do this. We had a pleasant guide, Naz, and driver and they managed a packed day without us feeling too rushed.

Lovely day. Big Almaty Lake is gorgeous. Turquoise water, blue sky, snow-capped peaks made for amazing views and photos. Yerkin was a wonderful guide and so helpful providing information and helping my wife who has mobility problems. He picked us up at our hotel and dropped everyone off anywhere in town he/she chose. Small group of enthusiastic travelers added to the experience. If you have health problems I would recommend the car option.

It was a wonderful sunny day for us. The trek up to Bear Waterfall was reasonably easy, but one still needs to have some fitness I reckon. But the view at the waterfall was well worth the trek. I get to enjoy the morning with my son. The lunch at Annushka in the Issyk Town was delicious. We had the best waitress too :-) and of course Issyk Lake was a gem. It was sunny, the temperature was nice, the lake looked turquoise and the sky deep blue. Such an enjoyable time. We had the most wonderful guides too. Thank you Serz and Nez for taking good care of us. This is a trip for relaxing and healing :-)

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!

The Charyn Canyon is gorgeous and a true natural wonder. Fairly easy walk down to river and caught a truck back to bottom of staircase out of canyon. The meal was also delicious. Price was high, but it is a long trip and we had a great driver and interesting young man.