Top Almaty Nature and Wildlife

The area around Almaty contains beautiful nature that’s worth visiting, but it can be hard to get there on your own. Simplify your trip to the Kolsai Kaindy Lakes, Charyn Canyon, and other natural highlights on a guided group tour from Almaty. National park admissions are included, as well as a night in a comfortable yurt and all meals. See a different side to Kazakh life without planning the logistics.

Only we have the most affordable prices for various types of tours and excursions in Kazakhstan. Enrich your spring with bright adventures! We invite you on a journey through the colorful natural locations of Kazakhstan. You will admire the grandiose cliffs of the Charyn Canyon and see the lunar landscape on Earth. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of the lakes and green meadows

Enjoy a scenic 2.5 hour ride horseback riding experience in Ile-Alatau National Park. Begin your adventure with a pickup from from the city. Head to the Ile-Alatau National Park. Get a safety briefing and basic riding instructions. Ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Ile-Alatau National Park, where mountain trails lead you across lush green meadows, quiet forest paths, and panoramic viewpoints, this experience is more than just a horseback ride — it’s a journey into the heart of the mountains. Along the Zhailau route, you’ll travel through dramatic gorges filled with fresh alpine air and ever-changing landscapes, where every turn reveals a new view worth remembering. At the end of the ride, enjoy traditional hospitality with tea and baursaks. The experience is suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders, with support provided throughout the ride. After your ride, return to your drop-off point in Almaty. English speaking guide will be with you all the time!

Want to experience the true beauty of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains and recharge with fresh mountain energy? Join us on a scenic tour to Big Almaty Lake, along with the picturesque Alma-Arasan and Ayusai gorges, located just a short drive from Almaty. What awaits you: • Visit the famous Big Almaty Lake — a stunning alpine reservoir surrounded by towering peaks, famous for its turquoise color and breathtaking panoramic views; • Walk through pine forests filled with fresh mountain air and crystal-clear rivers; • Relax at the natural hot springs of Alma-Arasan (if accessible), known for their calming and rejuvenating properties; • Waterfalls and panoramic views of the Alma-Arasan and Ayusay gorges; • Visit a Falconry Center and enjoy an impressive show with eagles, falcons, and other birds of prey — a unique insight into the region’s nomadic traditions (only from April to October).

This extended day tour takes you to two of Almaty’s most popular natural attractions—Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon—so you don’t need to plan anything. Your guide takes care of the logistics, including finding the most scenic photo spots, and the tour includes a filling local lunch, entrance fees, hotel pickup, and air-conditioned minibus travel. Get personalized attention and have all your questions answered, too, on a small-group tour.

Welcome to Kazakhstan! Over 2 unforgettable days, explore five of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Tian-Shan mountains in one group adventure. Day 1: Black Canyon → Moon Canyon → Kolsai Lake. Evening campfire under a sky full of stars in Saty village. Day 2: Soviet UAZ-452 ride to Kaindy Lake with its famous submerged forest → Charyn Canyon — the Grand Canyon of Central Asia. Optional boat ride and horseback riding available on-site. Accommodation in Saty village — choose your comfort: Standard room (shared bathroom) — included in base price En-suite room (private bathroom) — available for extra charge ⛺ Yurt experience (shared with group, sleeping on traditional floor mats) — available for extra charge All meals included: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast. English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup from 7 AM. Maximum 30-35 people.

This special tour will cover the four most frequently visited places: Kolsai Lake, Charyn Canyon, Monn, and Black. If you haven't visited these places, you are not qualified to say that you have traveled to Almaty as a tourist.

Embark on a private adventure to Kazakhstan's stunning Charyn Canyon, Kaiyndy, and Kolsay Lakes. Enjoy a fully personalized experience with expert local guidance, flexible itineraries, and exclusive access to breathtaking natural wonders. This tour sets itself apart by offering unparalleled comfort, customized pacing, and the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path sites. Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers, you’ll discover Kazakhstan’s most iconic landscapes, all while enjoying a seamless, memorable journey tailored just for you. Book now for an unforgettable day of discovery!

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Kazakhstan with a full-day experience at the ethnic village. Begin your journey with a traditional 'Shashu' greeting as you arrive. Participate in a master class to create Bauyrsaks, a delightful national pastry, and enjoy tea while learning about the nomadic way of life through captivating stories and yurt demonstrations. Witness the thrilling equestrian performance by the renowned 'Sarbaz Ruhy' club, featuring traditional games and dance. Savor a delicious buffet lunch before honing your skills in an archery master class. You'll also have free time to explore and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Medeu: Glide on the Roof of the World Discover the thrill of skating at the highest outdoor ice rink globally, nestled in the breathtaking heights of Medeu. With a backdrop of majestic mountains, this iconic sports complex offers a unique opportunity to glide on the roof of the world, creating unforgettable moments in the crisp mountain air. Shymbulak: Alpine Bliss and Winter Wonderland Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Shymbulak, an alpine resort that transforms into a winter wonderland. Ascend via cable car to 2,260 meters, where snow-capped peaks and serene landscapes await. Whether you're a skiing enthusiast or seeking tranquility, Shymbulak promises an idyllic escape into nature's embrace. Kok Tobe: City Lights and Panoramic Delights Conclude your journey at Kok Tobe, a panoramic haven that unfolds the city lights of Almaty below. Kok Tobe is the perfect spot to capture breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Almaty.

Explore Altyn Emel National Park — one of Kazakhstan's most surreal landscapes. Hike through the otherworldly Aktau Mountains, volcanic Katutau formations, and climb the legendary Singing Dunes that hum as you descend. 1-Day Tour: Aktau Mountains → Katutau → Singing Dunes. Pickup 5:30 AM, return ~10 PM. Lunch at a local guesthouse included. 2-Day Tour: Day 1 — Aktau Mountains, Katutau, 700-year-old Willow Tree, overnight in Basshi village with homemade dinner and campfire under the stars. Day 2 — Singing Dunes, return to Almaty. Breakfast and dinner included. Private Tour: Full itinerary for your group only. Flexible pace, personalized experience. All options include: English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and all national park entrance fees.

This private full-day tour is crafted to include the main attractions of Almaty. We will pick you up from your hotel. A comfortable car and an English-speaking guide will help you make the most of your day, providing insights into the city's culture and history. *Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the many restaurants along the way. Note that entry fees are not included in the price. The Shymbulak cable car costs 10 000 tenge, and entry to Kok Tobe is 3000 tenge. For bookings within the last 24 hours, please contact me via WhatsApp before making a reservation! We also offer transfers to and from the airport, hiking tours, and tours to Big Almaty Lake, Kolsay, Charyn, Kaindy, Issyk Lake, and more. For further information, contact us via WhatsApp at +77080767571.

Discover the perfect mix of light adventure and breathtaking nature on this full-day tour from Almaty. Travel in comfort with a small group and enjoy a well-organized experience guided by a professional local expert. Start your day with a refreshing hike through the scenic Turgen Gorge. Walk along a picturesque mountain trail surrounded by lush forests and panoramic views as you head toward the beautiful Bear Waterfall. At the end of the trail, enjoy the cool freshness of glacial water and the peaceful atmosphere of this place. After the hike, continue to the stunning Issyk Lake, located at 1,756 meters above sea level in the Ili-Alatau mountains. The lake’s color changes from turquoise to deep blue depending on the season, creating a truly mesmerizing landscape. Take time to relax, walk along the shore, capture unforgettable photos, and enjoy the calm beauty of the mountains.

Escape from the the city and enjoy a refreshing day surrounded by mountains, forests, and crystal-clear air. This tour takes you to the stunning Issyk Lake and the peaceful Turgen Gorge, where you can experience the beauty of Kazakhstan’s nature at a relaxed pace. The trail to the Bear Waterfall is short and easy (around 1.8 km), making it suitable even for travelers with no hiking experience. This experience is perfect for families, couples, and anyone who simply wants to slow down and reconnect with nature. Even if you prefer not to hike, you can enjoy your time by the river, breathe in the fresh mountain air, walk among pine trees, and take in the views of the surrounding peaks. There are plenty of comfortable spots to relax, take photos, or just sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for light activity or a calm nature escape, this tour offers the perfect balance of easy walking, beautiful scenery, and total relaxation.

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.

**Important:** From October, mountain weather is unpredictable. Please check the forecast before booking. Clear lake views are not guaranteed, and Alma-Arasan may be closed for safety reasons; in this case, we visit Ayusai instead. Enjoy a comfortable 5-hour tour to Big Almaty Lake, with a scenic drive and 60 minutes at the viewpoint. Continue to Alma-Arasan Gorge for a 20-minute walk to the natural thermal springs and around 30 minutes to relax. Optional Hiking Tour (Mondays only) Enjoy a 7–8 hour hike to Big Almaty Lake along a steep mountain trail. Suitable only for fit and experienced hikers. Please bring: passport, water, snacks, and hiking boots. Private or last-minute bookings: WhatsApp +7 708 076 7571

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

Enjoy the incredibly beautiful scenery of the big Almaty lake without hiking. Our tour provide all transfers directly to the lake round trip. First, we will visit Big Almaty Lake, which is about a 1 hour drive from Almaty City. On the way to the lake, you will observe the beautiful mountains, crowded pine trees, and landscape. 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. After we will visit Alma Arasan hot springs. A picturesque gorge in Zailiysky Alatau in the south-west of Almaty (height ~1780-1827 m) near the Big Almaty lake, known for its hot radon springs. This is a popular holiday destination with the Prokhodnaya River, restaurants, sanatoriums and well-maintained hiking trails, accessible all year round.

Explore some of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful natural sites on an easy day tour from Almaty. After a morning pickup from your Almaty hotel, head to the Issyk and Turgen Gorges, an easy 90 minutes’ drive away. Admire the views of Bear Waterfall and Ile-Alatau National Park, visit the fascinating Golden Man Archaeological Museum, and refuel with a tasty lunch of local trout.

Discover the dramatic natural surroundings from the city of Almaty on this private tour. Visit the Medeo skating rink and the popular Shymbulak ski resort. Embark on a cable car ride through the gorge, taking in the stunning natural scenery. From mountains, lush forests, rivers and canyons, the area around Almaty boasts plenty of natural wonders.

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.

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.

Escape the crowds and enjoy a private tour of Almaty with hotel pickup and drop-off. See the exquisite natural landscapes of Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, surrounded by forest and mountains. Take in the unique scenery with plenty of time to stop and take photographs. Visit the incredible Charyn Canyon, with dramatic and unique rock formations.