Rafting from Almaty — цены 2026

Rafting from Almaty is a descent of the mountain rivers Turghen, Ili, Chilik and Koksu from May to October. toor organizes one-day tours from 3263 KZT/person and multi-day trips up to 5 days with transfer, equipment, insurance, and a lunch on the shore. Suitable for beginners aged 12+ and experienced riders.

Prices for rafting from Almaty: how much does a tour cost and what is included

The main question for any tourist is how much money to bring. Our catalog features Almaty rafting tours for every taste — from one-day to multi-day trips. Let's break down the prices for our descents and what is actually included in the cost, so there are no hidden surcharges.

Cost of a one-day rafting tour

You can organize a rafting trip on Almaty rivers either independently or as part of a group. A one-day tour from toor starts from 3263 KZT/person for a group of 4 participants. An independent trip by taxi to the Turghen River (about 60 km) will cost 7000–10000 tenge round trip, plus raft rental — another 15000–25000 tenge, which is only beneficial for a company of 6 or more people. With toor, transfer from the city to the rafting site and back is already included in the stated price, so you don't need to pay extra for a taxi or car rental — this saves 7000–10000 tenge on transportation costs.

What is included in the tour price: a complete list

• Transfer: delivery to the Turghen, Chilik, or Ili River and back — no need to find a taxi or rent a car.
• Equipment: raft (6-8 seats), life jacket, helmet, paddle, and dry bag for personal belongings are provided on site.
• Insurance: an accident insurance policy for the duration of the rafting trip covers medical assistance for injuries and transportation.
• Lunch on the shore: manti, hot tea, and sweets — a full meal after the active part of the route.
• Instructor: a certified guide accompanies the group along the entire river and teaches basic paddling skills.

Beginners often think they need to buy expensive equipment — in reality, we provide the raft, life jacket, helmet, and paddle, and a wetsuit can be rented separately in cold weather.

Prices for multi-day tours: 2-3 days and up to 5 days

To understand rafting Kazakhstan prices, just look at our rates. A two-to-three-day tour from toor costs from 18900 KZT/person, and a multi-day trip up to 5 days costs from 61900 KZT/person, with overnight stays in tents and hot meals. The multi-day tour includes the same equipment as the one-day tour, plus tents, sleeping bags, and campfire equipment for cooking on the shore. Two-to-three-day routes usually run along the Ili River (20–25 km of calm Class 1-2 rapids), while 5-day trips go along the Koksu with Class 3-4 rapids for experienced groups. The price difference between a one-day and multi-day tour is explained not only by the duration but also by the additional equipment — tents, sleeping bags, and campfire gear.

Comparison of tours by price and inclusions

Parameter	One-day tour	Two-to-three-day tour	Multi-day tour (up to 5 days)
Price from	3263 KZT/person	18,900 KZT/person	61,900 KZT/person
Duration	1 day	2-3 days	3-5 days
Transfer	Included	Included	Included
Lunch on the shore	Yes (manti, tea, sweets)	Yes (hot meals)	Yes (full catering)
Tents/sleeping bags	No	Yes	Yes
Insurance	Included	Included	Included

If it's your first time, take a one-day tour — it's cheaper and gives you a complete picture of rafting without committing to several days.

How to choose a rafting route: from beginner to pro

The choice of river determines the entire experience. Let's break down four routes — from the calm Chilik to the extreme Koksu — so you know exactly where to go based on your level.

Chilik River — the ideal start for beginners and families with children

Rafting for beginners in Almaty is best started on the Chilik. The Chilik River is the calmest route with Class 1 rapids on the international scale, ideal for a first experience and for participants aged 12+. The descent lasts 8-10 km on flat water without sharp drops; the guide controls the raft with his voice, not by shouting — you simply learn to paddle in rhythm and get used to the life jacket and helmet. The water here warms up faster than on the Turghen or Koksu, so even in May and September it's comfortable in a wetsuit. There is virtually no risk of the raft flipping on the Chilik, so families with teenagers and those afraid of water often relax here — the guide controls every maneuver.

Ili River — a long descent for confident beginners

The Ili River with Class 1-2 rapids and a descent length of 20-25 km is the best choice for those who have already tried rafting and want a longer route without extreme conditions. This is the longest distance among Almaty rivers: you pass a section where the banks change from sandy to rocky, and the water from murky to clear. On the Ili, short Class 2 riffles appear where the whole group needs to paddle in unison, but a raft flip is unlikely if you listen to the guide. The descent on the Ili lasts longer than on the Turghen, so we recommend a two-day tour with an overnight stay on the shore — this way you have time to cover the entire distance without rushing.

Turghen River — the sweet spot for active tourists

The Turghen River with Class 2-3 rapids and a descent length of 8-12 km is the most popular route, suitable for both beginners with good physical fitness and experienced riders. Here you encounter real waves up to a meter high and rock squeezes that require reaction and strength from the paddler: in 8-12 km you get the same dose of adrenaline as on the Ili in 25 km, but in a more compact format. The water on the Turghen is colder (mountain river), so a wetsuit is mandatory even in July — without it, shivering starts within 15 minutes. The Turghen provides enough adrenaline due to its Class 3 rapids, but the descent is short (8-12 km) — you won't get too tired and can return by evening.

Koksu River — an extreme descent for the experienced

For those seeking extreme rafting in Almaty, the Koksu is the one to consider. The Koksu River with Class 3-4 rapids is a route for experienced riders who have already done the Turghen or Ili and want real thrills. The descent lasts 10-15 km, but every kilometer requires total concentration: here you find holes (reversal waves) and steep drops where the raft plunges nose-first into the foam, and paddlers must execute commands in a split second. The water on the Koksu is the coldest of all Almaty rivers; even in August the temperature does not rise above 10 °C. On the Koksu, we only take participants who have completed the briefing and have experience rafting on Class 2-3 rapids — this is a safety issue, not a guide's whim.

Route table: level, length, difficulty

River	Rapids Class	Descent Length	Suitable for
Chilik	1	8-10 km	Beginners, families with children aged 12+
Ili	1-2	20-25 km	Confident beginners, lovers of long routes
Turghen	2-3	8-12 km	Active tourists, graduates of Chilik and Ili
Koksu	3-4	10-15 km	Experienced riders seeking thrills

If you're undecided between two rivers, choose the easier one — it's better to enjoy a simple descent than to get scared and never return to this activity.

Rafting equipment: what is provided and what you need to bring

One of the main fears for a beginner is "do I need to buy expensive equipment?" The answer is: almost everything is provided. Here is a complete list of what we give and what you should bring from home.

Equipment we provide: raft, life jacket, helmet, paddle, dry bag

• Raft (6-8 seats): an inflatable boat with multiple compartments — even if one section is punctured, it doesn't sink, and the descent continues.
• Life jacket: selected according to the participant's weight, secured with three straps — keeps your head above water even without movement.
• Helmet: protects against impacts with rocks during raft flips, especially on Class 2-3 rapids on the Turghen.
• Double-bladed paddle: a standard model for rafting — lighter than a kayak paddle, steering the boat with synchronized strokes from the whole group.
• Dry bag: a waterproof bag with a roll-top closure — your phone, keys, and dry clothes will stay dry even if the raft is fully submerged, so don't put valuables in a regular backpack.

What to bring on the rafting trip: clothing, shoes, small items

• Swimsuit or swim trunks: worn under the life jacket — the main clothing for rafting in warm weather, gets wet first and dries quickly on the shore.
• Change of dry clothes: t-shirt, shorts, or tracksuit — change into them after the finish while driving back to Almaty.
• Towel: terry or microfiber — to dry off after the descent, especially if a lunch on the shore is planned.
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+): UV rays reflect off the water surface, and you can get sunburned in 40 minutes, even on a cloudy day.
• Water (1-1.5 L per person): you get thirstier on the river than in the city, and organizers don't always distribute bottles on the raft — bring your own.
• Light snack: nuts, energy bar, or cookies — a lot of energy is spent on the rapids, and lunch may be 3-4 hours after the start.
• Footwear: water shoes or old sneakers with thin soles — Crocs or flip-flops come off in the water, and barefoot on the rocky bottom can easily cut your foot.

Wetsuit: when needed and where to get it

A wetsuit is not included in the basic toor package, but it can be rented separately — it is needed in May, September, and October when the water in the rivers is colder at +8…+12 °C. During these months, without a wetsuit, participants get cold within 20-30 minutes of the descent, especially on the Turghen with its fast current. Rental costs on average 2000-3000 tenge per day, and a thick neoprene suit (3-5 mm) retains heat even when fully submerged. In June-August, the water warms up to +18…+22 °C, and most participants raft in swimsuits or light sportswear — a wetsuit is excessive.

Rafting safety: guide tips and what to do in an emergency

Rafting is a safe sport if you follow the rules and listen to the guide. Let's look at real scenarios: from the briefing to actions during a raft flip, so you feel confident on the water.

Briefing before the descent: what the guide explains and why it's important

Before each descent, our guide conducts a mandatory 15-20 minute briefing: shows how to hold the paddle, how to sit in the raft, what to do on commands like "backpaddle" and "forward paddle." On the Turghen and Koksu, there are Class 3-4 rapids where the coordinated work of the team determines whether you run the rapid dry or end up overboard — so practicing these commands on land before the start is not a formality but a basic safety measure. The guide explains how to properly put on the life jacket and helmet, checks each participant, tightens straps, and adjusts fastenings. On Class 1-2 rivers (Chilik, Ili), the briefing is shorter — 10 minutes — but the scheme is the same: commands like "hold on" and "lean in" when passing waves. The briefing is not a formality: on the Turghen and Koksu, there are Class 3-4 rapids where the coordinated work of the team determines whether you run the rapid dry or not, so don't hesitate to ask again if something is unclear.

What to do if the raft flips: an algorithm from the guide

If the raft flips, the main rule is not to panic, hold onto the paddle or the boat's edge, and wait for the guide's command: he will swim over and direct you to the shore. The life jacket keeps you on the surface even in the fast current of the Turghen — you won't drown even if you can't swim. The guide shows in advance how to properly curl up: tuck your chin to your chest, bend your knees, don't try to stand on the bottom — on a mountain river, the bottom is rocky, and you could be hit against boulders. After a flip, the raft doesn't sink: the inflatable compartments keep it afloat, the guide turns the boat back over in 2-3 minutes, and you continue the descent. A boat flip on Class 1-2 rivers (Chilik, Ili) is an extremely rare event, while on the Turghen and Koksu, the guide shows in advance how to properly curl up and float in the life jacket, so listen carefully to the self-rescue section during the briefing.

Contraindications and medical restrictions

Rafting is contraindicated for heart conditions, pregnancy, epilepsy, and serious musculoskeletal problems — this is a standard toor safety rule, and the guide has the right to remove a participant at the start if there are obvious signs of illness. The minimum age for rafting is 12 years; children under 16 are only allowed accompanied by an adult and in a properly sized life jacket (children's life jackets are available at all bases). People with panic attacks or a strong fear of water should choose calm Class 1-2 routes (Chilik, Ili) where there are no high rapids or flips — the guide will warn about difficult sections in advance. Alcohol before and during the descent is strictly prohibited: even 50 ml reduces coordination and reaction, which on a Class 3 rapid can lead to injury. If you have any doubts about your health, consult a therapist before booking the tour — it's better to spend 15 minutes visiting a doctor than to take risks on the water due to a hidden problem.

How to physically prepare for the descent: tips for non-athletes

Special physical training is not required for this sport — average endurance is enough: a descent on the Turghen lasts 2-3 hours with breaks, you can paddle at a comfortable pace, and the guide adjusts the load for the group. The main work is on the arms and core: a paddle stroke engages the biceps, triceps, shoulders, and back muscles, and on Class 3 rapids, the load per stroke increases 2-3 times compared to calm stretches. Beginners often complain of soreness in the forearms and lower back the day after the descent — this is normal, and it all goes away in 2-3 days without consequences. A week before the tour, it's useful to do 2-3 simple exercises: push-ups (10-15 reps), plank (30-60 seconds), and a "cat-cow" back stretch — this will reduce muscle soreness after the descent by 40-50% and allow you to enjoy the experience rather than lying around in the hotel.

Rafting seasons in Kazakhstan: when to go and what the weather is like on the rivers

The rafting season on Kazakhstani rivers lasts from May to October, but each month differs in weather, water level, and temperature. We'll tell you when to go for adrenaline and when for a relaxing break.

Rafting season: May-October — what changes month by month

Our rafting season lasts from May to October, but the peak is in June-August, when the water warms up to 18-22°C and the weather is consistently sunny. In June on the Turghen and Ili, the daytime air temperature reaches 25-28°C, precipitation is rare — an average of 3-4 rainy days per month — and the water level is still high after the May snowmelt. By July, the Chilik and Koksu rivers warm up to 20°C, the daylight lasts 16 hours, allowing daytime descents with lunch on the shore without rushing. In August, the water remains warm (18-20°C), but the level on the Turghen drops by 30-40%, making the rapids less turbulent — ideal for beginners and family groups. In May and October, the water is colder (10-14°C), so we recommend renting a wetsuit, while in July-August you can raft in a swimsuit and light t-shirt.

Water level on the rivers: when the rapids are most interesting

The highest water level on Kazakhstan's rivers is in May-June after the snow melts in the mountains, so the rapids on the Turghen and Koksu are most powerful at this time. The water flow on the Turghen peaks at 15-20 m³/s, making Class 2-3 rapids more technical, and on the Koksu (Class 3-4), additional holes and waves up to 1.5 meters high appear — experienced rafters specifically come during this period for thrills. By mid-July, the flow decreases to 8-12 m³/s, the rapids smooth out, but they remain passable on the Turghen for groups with a basic level of training. For beginners, it's better to choose July-August when the water subsides and the rapids become less turbulent — there's enough adrenaline, but the risk of flipping is minimal.

Common beginner mistakes in rafting and how to avoid them

Over the years of work, we've seen hundreds of beginners and noticed five typical mistakes that spoil the rafting experience. Here's how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not bringing a change of clothes and a towel

The most common mistake is arriving for rafting without a change of dry clothes: after the descent, you're wet, and returning to Almaty in wet shorts takes at least an hour. The guide provides a dry bag for personal belongings — it can fit a backpack, phone, food, and a change of clothes. Transfer from the city to the river and back is already included in the tour, but you can only change on the shore if you have dry clothes. Put a t-shirt, shorts, socks, and a towel in the dry bag — you can change on the shore before the return transfer; it takes 5 minutes.

Mistake 2: Being afraid of flipping and refusing to paddle

The fear of flipping is a normal reaction for a beginner, but on Class 1-2 rivers (Chilik, Ili), the raft practically never flips, and on the Turghen, the certified guide-instructor controls every maneuver. On the Chilik, the rapids are gentle, the depth is shallow, and even if the boat tilts — you just slide off the wave with your paddle. On the Ili, the 20-25 km route alternates calm stretches and light riffles where the risk of flipping is zero. If you sit in the boat and don't paddle out of fear, it will lose control — a few paddle strokes give control and confidence; try at least for 5 minutes.

Mistake 3: Thinking rafting is very scary and difficult

Rafting on Class 1-2 rivers on the international rapids difficulty scale is safer than downhill skiing or cycling — injury statistics among tourists over 5 years: zero serious incidents. Every tour includes accident insurance, and the guide undergoes annual certification and knows the riverbed down to every boulder. Beginners often confuse this adventure with extreme kayaking on raging torrents — in reality, it's a team adventure with adrenaline, but without real danger. Most beginners forget their fear after the first 10 minutes of the descent and start enjoying it — adrenaline turns into delight when you run a rapid as a team.

One-day and multi-day tours: comparison by price, time, and experience

Weekend rafting in Almaty is a great way to spend an active weekend. A one-day tour is for trying it out, a multi-day tour is for immersing yourself. Let's break down how the formats differ in time, price, experience, and who they suit.

One-day descent: for a first try and a weekend

Putting together a rafting group in Almaty is easy — we accept from 4 participants. A one-day tour lasts 6-8 hours including transfer, includes 2-3 hours of active descent on the Turghen River (Class 1-2 rapids), a lunch in nature, and all equipment — price from 15,000 tenge per person. The group gathers at the Palace of the Republic at 8:30 AM, the minibus reaches the starting point in an hour and a half, the instructor conducts a 15-minute briefing on the shore, after which the descent begins with two technical stops for photos and a hot lunch of manti and tea from a samovar in a clearing by the river. An ideal format for a first acquaintance: you don't get too tired, manage to return to Almaty districts by 5:00-6:00 PM, and get a full set of emotions without the commitment of an overnight stay.

Multi-day descent: for full immersion and adventure

Multi-day rafting in Almaty allows you to fully immerse yourself in the hiking atmosphere. A 2-3 day multi-day tour includes a descent on the Ili River (20-25 km, Class 1-2 rapids), an overnight stay in tents on the shore, meals, a banya, and evening gatherings around the campfire — price from 45,000 tenge per person. The group leaves on Friday morning, arrives at the base on the Ili shore by lunchtime, where the guide distributes tents and equipment — the first day features a short introductory descent (5-6 km) with a lunch stop, in the evening a traditional banya and dinner with plov accompanied by guitar, and on the second day the main descent of 14-18 km passing three riffles with lunch on an island in the middle of the river. The multi-day format allows you not only to cover more rapids but also to completely disconnect from the city — here you live by the rhythm of the river, the campfire, and the stars.

Format comparison: table for choosing

Parameter	One-day tour	Multi-day tour (2-3 days)
Duration	6-8 hours (with transfer)	2-3 full days
Price	from 15,000 tenge/person	from 45,000 tenge/person
River	Turghen (Class 1-2 rapids)	Ili (Class 1-2 rapids, 20-25 km)
Overnight stay	No	Tents on the shore
Meals	Lunch in nature	Full board
For whom	Beginners, families, a day off	Adventure seekers, corporate groups, friends

Conclusion

Rafting from Almaty is one of the most vibrant and affordable options for active recreation in Kazakhstan. We've gathered the key points so you can make an informed decision.

Main takeaways

• Rafting is accessible to everyone — Class 1-2 rivers are suitable for beginners, families with children, and people without training.
• The cost — a one-day tour starts from 15,000 tenge, a multi-day tour from 45,000 tenge, all equipment included.
• Safety first — professional guides, insurance, life jackets, and helmets are mandatory, injury statistics are near zero.
• Main beginner mistakes — bringing extra items, being afraid of the water, and thinking this adventure is dangerous. In reality, it's vivid emotions and team spirit.
• Best time — May-September, peak season is July-August when the water is warm and the days are long.