Active holidays from Almaty — tours and excursions

Active recreation from Almaty includes trekking to the Big Almaty Lake (15 km, elevation gain 600 m), rafting on the Ili River (rapids class II–IV), jeep tours to the Charyn Canyon, horse treks to the Turgen Gorge, and routes for beginners. Tour operator toor organizes tours with certified guides, transfer from Almaty, insurance, and equipment — from 3263 KZT per day.

How to choose active recreation from Almaty for your level

The main question for a beginner is which route to start with. Let's break down the difficulty gradation of tours and select an option suitable for your physical fitness, experience, and group composition. Extreme tours in Almaty include rafting on class IV rapids and climbing Peak Amangeldy — for those seeking adrenaline and ready for serious exertion.

Routes for beginners: where to start

For beginners, we offer simple one-day routes — the Alma-Arasan Gorge (6 km, elevation gain 200 m) and Gorelnik Waterfall (8 km, elevation gain 350 m), which require no special training. Weekend hikes from Almaty are one-day routes to the Alma-Arasan and Gorelnik gorges, which can be done on Saturday or Sunday without special preparation or an overnight stay. Both routes follow shady forest trails of the Ile-Alatau National Park with a gradual elevation gain and frequent rest stops — transfer from the city and a certified guide-instructor are included, group size up to 10 people. The guide demonstrates basic techniques for walking on mountain terrain, allowing a beginner to safely assess their strength before tackling more challenging distances.

Tours for intermediate and experienced tourists

For tourists with basic experience, we offer trekking to the Big Almaty Lake (15 km, elevation gain 600 m), a bike tour around Lake Issyk (30 km), and a horse trek in the Turgen Gorge (3 days, 40 km on horseback) — routes requiring moderate endurance. The trek to the Big Almaty Lake follows a serpentine road up to an altitude of 2510 m, the bike route combines asphalt and dirt roads along the Issyk Gorge, and the horse trek includes overnight stays in Naturehike tents. For well-prepared tourists, climbing Peak Amangeldy (3999 m, 5 days) is suitable, with acclimatization and overnight stays in the same tents; this route requires experience in mountain hikes of at least 3 days. Rock climbing in Almaty is represented by routes at the Tamgaly-Tas tract (8 routes of categories 5A–6C) and the Kok-Zhaylyau rocks — with an instructor, insurance, and a full set of equipment.

Table: your level — your tour from Almaty

Families with children from 10 years old are suitable for beginner routes — the Alma-Arasan Gorge and Gorelnik Waterfall, where the guide adapts the pace to the group.

Prices for active recreation from Almaty: what's included in the cost

Let's break down the real prices for tours in the Almaty region — from one-day trips to multi-day ascents, with a breakdown of included services and no hidden surcharges.

How much do toor tours cost: from one-day to multi-day

Our recreation costs from 3263 KZT for a one-day trek to Gorelnik Waterfall, from 18,900 KZT for 2–3 day routes (horse trek in the Turgen Gorge, 40 km on horseback), and from 61,900 KZT for a multi-day climb of Peak Amangeldy (3999 m, 5 days). The price includes transfer from the city by minibus — 80 km to the Turgen Gorge, 200 km to the Charyn Canyon — travel is not paid separately. A group of up to 10 people is accompanied by a certified guide-instructor with a Kazakhstan license, accident insurance with evacuation coverage is valid for the entire period. The price is fixed per person — unlike aggregators, we do not add hidden fees for transfer or insurance; all services are included in the tour cost.

What's included in the tour cost (and what you don't need to pay separately for)

• Transfer: delivery from the meeting point in Almaty to the route start point and back — free of charge, regardless of tour duration.
• Certified guide-instructor: accompaniment by a local guide with a Kazakhstan license, familiar with the terrain and weather of the specific gorge.
• Accident insurance: a policy with evacuation coverage for the entire period — no extra charge, included in the base cost.
• Group equipment: Naturehike tents, sleeping bags with a comfort temperature of –5°C, Petzl helmets, and kitchen equipment on multi-day routes — rental is not paid separately.
• Meals on multi-day tours: hot lunches and dinners cooked by the guide over a campfire, plus dry rations for snacks — included in the price without markups for special conditions.

Price table for popular tours from Almaty

All prices are per person for a group of up to 10 participants — the larger the group, the lower the cost per person, but even the minimum price already includes a full set of services with no hidden surcharges.

Trekking from Almaty: best routes near the city

Trekking is the most accessible type of active recreation: dozens of routes start right within the city limits. Let's break down three key destinations — from a walk for beginners to a serious climb.

Trekking to the Big Almaty Lake (BAL): 15 km with an elevation gain of 600 m

The hike to BAL is a 15 km route with an elevation gain of 600 m, a moderate difficulty trail that passes through alpine meadows and pine forest, leading to the lake at an altitude of 2511 m. The trail starts from the Mynzhylky dam and follows a serpentine path through juniper groves — on the second half, views open up of Peak Sovetov (4317 m) and the Bogdanovich Glacier. The guide makes stops at three viewpoints: by the waterfall (20 m), on the "Eagle's Nest" rock ledge, and at the observation point above the lake. The group size is up to 10 people, transfer from the city is included, equipment (trekking poles, raincoat) is provided at the start. The best time for the walk is from June to September, when the snow on the passes has completely melted and the daytime temperature stays between +15…+20°C at altitude.

Routes for beginners: Alma-Arasan Gorge and Gorelnik Waterfall

For a first trek, we recommend the Alma-Arasan Gorge (6 km, elevation gain 200 m) — a gentle route along a mountain river with springs, or Gorelnik Waterfall (8 km, elevation gain 350 m) with an observation platform overlooking a 30 m high waterfall. The trail in Alma-Arasan follows a concrete road to the "Alma-Arasan" sanatorium, then turns into a dirt path along the gorge — here you can find wild apple trees and raspberries, and in July, edelweiss bloom. At Gorelnik, the climb is steeper — the last kilometer goes up a stone staircase with railings, from where the entire southern slope of the Ile-Alatau is visible. The guide teaches basic skills: how to breathe properly on the ascent, how to distribute the load, and what to do when the weather changes — this will be useful on more challenging treks.

Difficult treks: climbing Peak Amangeldy (3999 m)

Climbing Peak Amangeldy (3999 m) is a 5-day route for prepared tourists with acclimatization, overnight stays in Naturehike tents at altitudes of 3000–3800 m, and a summit push on the fourth day. The route starts from the Kok-Zhaylyau tract: the first day is an ascent to Lake Akkol (3200 m) through a snowfield, the second is a radial hike to the Turgen Pass (3500 m) for adaptation, the third is a hike to the pre-summit camp below the peak. On the fourth day, the group sets out at 4:00 AM — the climb up the scree slope (category 1B) takes 5–6 hours, the descent to camp takes another 4. This route is not suitable for the unprepared — it requires experience in mountain hikes of at least 3 days and good physical endurance; we recommend starting with the trek to BAL and the Turgen horse trek.

Rafting from Almaty on the Ili River: what you need to know before the rafting trip

Rafting on the Ili River is one of the most vibrant types of recreation from Almaty. Let's break down what rapids await you, when is the best time to go, and what a beginner needs to know.

Rapids of the Ili River: from class II to IV difficulty

Our rafting on the Ili River is a 20 km descent through rapids of class II–IV difficulty, where participants navigate 8 main riffles and runs under the guidance of a certified instructor. On class II sections — gentle waves up to 0.5 m and simple paddle maneuvers: this segment covers about 6 km from the starting point near the Kapshagay HPP dam. Next comes the class III zone — waves up to 1.5 m, with holes and pushes towards the rocky bank; this section (about 9 km) requires precise teamwork following the guide's commands. The final 5 km are class IV rapids with waves up to 2 m, drops, and powerful standing waves, where a mistake in maneuvering can lead to the raft capsizing. Before the start, the instructor conducts a 30-minute briefing on paddling and actions in case of falling overboard — without this, beginners are not allowed on the water.

Rafting season: when is the best time to go to the Ili

The rafting season on the Ili River lasts from June to September, with peak water levels in July — at this time, the rapids reach maximum difficulty (class III–IV) due to glacial melt in the upper reaches. In June and August, the water level is 30–40% lower than the peak, rapids simplify to class II–III — this is the best time for beginners and groups with children from 14 years old, and the cost of this tour during these months remains the base price without seasonal surcharges. In September, the water cools to +8…+10°C, a wetsuit becomes mandatory, but the flow is calmer, and the number of groups on the river halves — less waiting time at the start. July rafting trips with peak water are recommended only for participants with at least 2–3 previous rafting experiences — an unprepared beginner risks not being able to handle the maneuvers on class IV rapids.

What you need to know before rafting: requirements and preparation

• Age and swimming: participants from 14 years old are allowed; the ability to stay afloat is mandatory — without this, the instructor will not allow you on the raft, even with a life jacket.
• Equipment: a Petzl helmet, a life jacket with head support, a wetsuit, and neoprene shoes are provided before the rafting trip; we include this in the tour cost without extra charges.
• Briefing: a 30-minute on-land review of paddling commands and actions in case of capsize — mandatory for everyone, including experienced participants.
• Group: up to 8 people per raft — this ensures maneuverability on the rapids and allows the guide to control each paddler.
• Medical: it is mandatory to report chronic diseases (cardiovascular, epilepsy) — if there are contraindications, the instructor has the right to exclude you from the rafting trip at the start.

Jeep tours and horse treks from Almaty: where to go by SUV and on horseback

Jeep tours and horse treks are two popular formats of active recreation from Almaty. Let's break down where to go, how long it takes, and what to choose based on your request.

Jeep tour to the Charyn Canyon: 200 km from the city in 12 hours

A jeep tour to the Charyn Canyon is 200 km from the city by SUV in 12 hours, including three stops: a viewpoint at the entrance (15 minutes), a walk along the canyon floor (1 hour), and lunch on the banks of the Charyn River with a view of cliffs up to 300 m high. Jeep tours from Almaty offer the opportunity to see the Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, or the Assy Plateau in one day with the comfort of an SUV and without physical exertion. Departure at 7 AM, first hour on asphalt to the village of Shelek, then 40 km of dirt road with deep ruts — here you need four-wheel drive and a ground clearance of at least 200 mm. Without experience driving in the mountains, it's better to take a tour with a driver-guide: we equip the car with a supply of water, a first-aid kit, and satellite communication in case the battery dies or the fuel runs out on the dirt road.

Horse trek in the Turgen Gorge: 3 days, 40 km on horseback

The horse trek in the Turgen Gorge is 3 days and 40 km on horseback along mountain trails with overnight stays in Naturehike tents; the route passes through the Turgen waterfalls (30 m high) and alpine meadows at an altitude of 2000–2500 m. Horse treks from Almaty are routes ranging from one-day rides to multi-day expeditions into the Turgen, Kok-Zhaylyau, and Charyn gorges, accessible even without horseback riding experience. The first day — transfer from the city (1.5 hours), instruction on horse handling, 12 km to the first camp by the Asy River. The second — crossing the Karakastek Pass (2800 m) with lunch in a meadow, 18 km. The third — descent to the waterfalls and return. No previous horseback riding experience is required — our instructor teaches basic handling skills in 1 hour; the horses are calm and trained for tourist routes, but on the second day, unprepared riders will experience thigh soreness — before the trek, do 3–4 posture correction exercises.

What to choose: jeep tour or horse trek — comparison table

A jeep tour is suitable for getting to know the mountains without physical exertion; a horse trek is for full immersion in nature with moderate activity. We organize both formats with transfer from the city and participant insurance.

Equipment for active recreation: what toor provides and what to bring yourself

One of the main questions before a hike is what to take. Let's break down what equipment is provided on the tour and what you need to bring yourself to feel comfortable.

Equipment that toor provides on the tour: tents, sleeping bags, helmets

We provide all group equipment: Naturehike tents (three-season, for 2–3 people, 2.5 kg), sleeping bags with a comfort temperature of –5°C, Petzl helmets for rafting and rock climbing, as well as harnesses, ropes for technical routes, and life jackets for rafting on the Ili. For horse treks, saddles and leg protection are additionally provided; wetsuits for rafting are also included in the cost. Each tent is checked for seam waterproofing before departure, sleeping bags are disinfected after each tour. You don't need to bring your own tent — the equipment is checked before each tour; Naturehike tents are light and reliable in windy weather.

What to bring yourself: personal gear for trekking and hikes

• Trekking poles: reduce the load on your knees during descents by 30% — especially needed on routes to BAL with an elevation gain of 600 m and on the descent from Peak Amangeldy.
• Raincoat: the weather in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains changes in 15 minutes — without a waterproof jacket, you will get wet on the ascent to Gorelnik.
• Thermal underwear: mandatory for multi-day hikes — the temperature drops to +5°C at night even in July.
• Footwear with a tread: trekking boots with a stiff sole prevent ankle sprains on the rocky trails of the Charyn Canyon.
• Fleece jacket: an insulating layer over thermal underwear — works like a thermos during breaks in wind up to 15 m/s.
• Gloves: mandatory for horse treks — on a 40 km route, without them, palms get chafed within the first 2 hours.

Table: what toor provides and what you need to buy yourself

Safety in the mountains: rules, insurance, and rescue contacts

Safety on the route is not a coincidence but a result of preparation and discipline. Let's break down what rules apply on organized tours and what to do if the situation gets out of control.

Safety rules on toor routes

We conduct a mandatory briefing before each tour: the guide explains the rules of conduct on the trail, communication signals via radio or whistle, the procedure for action in case of worsening weather, and in case of injury. The group walks at a set pace — the tail guide ensures that no one falls behind or turns onto a side trail. On routes above 2500 m (Peak Amangeldy, Tuyuk-Su Pass), a pulse oximeter is mandatory — the guide checks oxygen saturation every 40 minutes of walking. It is forbidden to deviate from the route without permission: even on popular treks (BAL, Charyn), leaving the trail by 200 meters can lead you into inconspicuous terrain with cliffs or mudflow deposits. Each participant receives a token with the guide's contact and group number. Even on simple routes, the guide checks the group's readiness before the start — refusing the briefing may result in removal from the route without a refund.

Insurance and evacuation: what the policy covers

All our tours include accident insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage — this is a mandatory condition for routes above 2000 m. The policy is valid from the moment of leaving the meeting point until returning to the city: it covers sprains, fractures, heatstroke, snake and insect bites, and exacerbation of chronic diseases on the route. The insurance coverage amount is from 500,000 tenge; helicopter evacuation by "Kazaviaspas" is paid additionally within the limit of 300,000 tenge. On popular treks (BAL, Turgen, Charyn), the arrival time of rescuers is from 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the weather and the remoteness of the point. A standard travel insurance policy purchased from a bank or airline often does not cover evacuation from high altitudes — clarify this point when purchasing the policy, especially if you plan routes above 2000 m.

Rescue contacts and what to do in an emergency

• 112: the unified emergency services number in Kazakhstan — works in all mountain areas of the Almaty region from any operator, even with zero balance.
• "Kazselezashchita" (8-727-291-55-55): the republican center for monitoring and warning in the mountains — accepts requests for search and evacuation, coordinates rescuers.
• "Kazaviaspas": helicopter evacuation — call via 112 or directly through the duty officer at Boraldai Airport (8-727-258-25-25), average arrival time 40-90 minutes.
• Actions if lost: stop, stay in place, give sound signals (whistle every 5 minutes), do not try to take a shortcut — in the mountains, the distance on the map is 2 times longer in time.
• Actions in case of injury: immobilize the victim, keep them warm, transmit coordinates to rescuers via the guide or 112, do not move the person unnecessarily — incorrect transportation can worsen a spinal injury.

Conclusion

We have covered the main types of recreation from Almaty — from one-day treks to multi-day expeditions. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, here are five key rules.

Main takeaways

• Determine your level of fitness: beginners are suited for trekking to BAL and horse rides, experienced ones for rafting on the Ili and jeep tours to Kolsai.
• Plan your trip according to the season: trekking — from May to October, rafting — from June to September, skiing — from December to March.
• Prepare your gear in advance: comfortable footwear, a raincoat, and thermal underwear are mandatory on any routes in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains.
• Don't ignore safety: insurance with evacuation and rescue contacts (RSC, Kazselezashchita) should be at hand before the start.
• Choose trusted organizers: certified guides and included transfer from Republic Square reduce risks and make the recreation comfortable — before booking, request a copy of the license and a list of equipment.