Almaty tours

Why You Should Book Tours from Almaty in 2026

Almaty — the Perfect Starting Point for Traveling Across Kazakhstan

We at toor have been operating since 2014 and we know: Almaty is the gateway to unique natural attractions. In just 1–2 hours, you can find yourself in the mountains of the Zailiysky Alatau, on the shores of the Kapchagay Reservoir, or in the desert canyons of Charyn. Over the years, we've seen that tours from Almaty let you see the most in a short vacation. For example, in one day you can visit Charyn Canyon and be back in the city for dinner.

Why 2026 Is a Great Time to Travel

In 2026, new hotels are opening in Almaty, the ski infrastructure at Shymbulak is expanding, and prices for tours from Almaty remain affordable. At toor, we design routes for every season: mountain trekking in summer and skiing in winter, while in spring the foothills are covered with tulips. Excursion prices start from $15 for a city tour — cheaper than renting a car for a day.

How to Choose a Tour from Almaty by Season

Spring Tours from Almaty (March–May)

In spring, nature awakens, and the best option is to head to gorges with waterfalls. We recommend the Kok-Zhailau tour ($20) — there it's already green in April, with snow still on the peaks. Or Charyn Canyon ($33): no heat in May, perfect for walking through the Valley of Castles. In my opinion, spring is the most photogenic time: the contrast of greenery and rocks.

Summer Tours from Almaty (June–August)

In summer, the top hit is trips to high-mountain lakes. The one-day tour from toor to Kolsai ($49) lets you swim in turquoise water and breathe mountain air. If you have two days, take Kolsai+Kaindy ($89) — overnight at a base and a walk through the submerged forest. For thrill-seekers, there's BAO by jeep ($56): a mountain road up to the lake and the old space station at about 3,000 m.

Prices for Tours from Almaty 2026: Full Price List

One-Day Excursions from Almaty

• Sightseeing Tour of Almaty — $15 per person. Includes the center, Panfilov Park, Green Bazaar.
• Medeu and Shymbulak — $22. Cable car ride, views of the glacier.
• Kok-Zhailau — $20. Trekking on the plateau, bring your own lunch.
• Big Almaty Lake (BAO) — $27. Turquoise lake in the mountains.
• Charyn Canyon — $33. Valley of Castles, picnic.
• Kolsai Lakes in 1 day — $49.
• Kolsai + Kaindy (2 days) — $89.
• BAO by jeep — $56.

Multi-Day Tours from Almaty

• Alakol — $163 (5 days, beach holiday and swimming).
• Issyk-Kul (Kyrgyzstan) — $145 (4 days, transfer, accommodation, excursions).

How We Organize Tours from Almaty: A Guide's Experience

What's Included in a Tour from toor

Most tours include a transfer, a guide or guide-driver and entrance tickets; whether lunch is included depends on the tour, and insurance is usually not included — see “What is included” on each tour page. The toor guide is a local who knows every trail. In our experience, there have been cases where tourists wanted to change the route along the way — we always accommodate. For example, at Charyn you can stop at a viewpoint not listed in the program.

Safety and Comfort in the Mountains

We use only proven jeeps and minibuses with air conditioning. Before the trip, we check the weather and warn about the route's difficulty. Over the years, we've never had a breakdown due to equipment — that's our pride.

Tour from Almaty with a Guide or Independently: Which Is More Profitable

Advantages of a Guided Tour

With a guide, you don't waste time finding the road, you're not afraid of getting lost, and you get local tips. For example, at Kolsai the guide knows where to take the best photos without crowds. At toor, we often hear from guests: 'Without you, we wouldn't have found this place.' Saving time is the main bonus: in one day you can see 2–3 locations, whereas on your own you'd see one.

When an Independent Trip Is Justified

If you're an experienced traveler with an SUV and want complete freedom, you can go on your own. But keep in mind: at BAO there's often no signal, and the road to Kolsai requires a permit for the national park. In our experience, tourists who went on their own sometimes returned empty-handed due to a closed gate. A tour from toor eliminates all these risks.

What to Remember Before Your Trip

Key Rules for Tourists in Almaty

We've covered the main points to make your trip comfortable. First, dress according to the weather: even in summer, it can be cold in the mountains, so bring a windbreaker. Second, drink plenty of water — altitude puts strain on the body. Third, respect nature: don't leave trash, don't pick flowers. And finally, book tours in advance, especially during the season (May–September), to guarantee a spot. Have a great trip!