Raft Float from Almaty

Rafting from Almaty is an active outdoor activity on the Ili, Kaskelen, and Chilik rivers from May to September. toor organizes one-day and multi-day tours with certified guides, full equipment, and insurance. The price for a one-day rafting trip starts from 3263 KZT/person for a group of 6 or more. Transfer from the city is included for 6000 KZT per group.

How to choose a rafting route from Almaty: Ili, Kaskelen, or Chilik

The main question for beginners is where to go. Let's break down the three rivers: Ili for beginners, Kaskelen for experienced, Chilik for multi-day expeditions. Compare them by difficulty, length, scenery, and price.

Ili River — the most popular route for beginners

toor offers one-day rafting trips on the Ili River on a 15-25 km stretch — this is the most popular route for beginners, difficulty category 1 (calm stretch without rapids). Rafting on the Ili from Almaty is a convenient one-day format for those who want to try rafting without an overnight stay. On a Raft Master raft (6-8 seats), the group goes along a wide channel between rocky banks, where the current is even and the depth does not exceed 1.5-2 meters on riffles. Rafts on the Ili are designed for 6-8 people and are equipped with everything necessary for safe rafting. A certified rafting instructor stands at the stern and sets the direction with an oar — participants just need to paddle in sync without sharp maneuvers. The route starts from the Kapshagay Hydroelectric Dam and ends near the village of Bakanas, where the guide disassembles the raft and arranges return transfer. Rafting on a raft in Almaty on the Ili River is the best option for a first introduction to water tourism. For your first time, choose the Ili: there are no sharp water drops, and the guide controls the raft throughout the entire route — you will have time to get used to the oar and understand the rhythm of rowing. Rafting excursion from Almaty on the Ili River is suitable for beginners and families with children aged 7 and up.

Kaskelen River — for those who want rapids and adrenaline

On the Kaskelen, toor offers rafting trips of difficulty category 2-3 — these are rapid sections suitable for experienced tourists or those with good physical fitness. Rafting on a raft in Almaty on the Kaskelen River is suitable for tourists with experience and good physical fitness. The river flows in a narrow mountain gorge 40 km from the city, where the channel width narrows to 8-12 meters and the flow speed reaches 3-4 m/s on riffles. Mountain river rafting from Almaty on the Kaskelen provides a real rafting experience with rapids of category 2-3 difficulty. The main obstacles are waves up to 1 meter high and pushes against the rocks, which are overcome by team paddling on the guide's command. The route length is 10-15 km, completed in 3-4 hours with one stop for lunch on a pebble beach. If you have already rafted on the Ili and feel confident, the Kaskelen will give you a real rafting experience: the water is faster, the maneuvers sharper, and the team works more cohesively.

Chilik River — multi-day expeditions up to 5 days

toor organizes multi-day expeditions on the Chilik River lasting up to 5 days — this is the most scenic route with overnight stays in tents on the shore, meals provided by the guide, and full immersion in nature. Water hikes from Almaty on the Chilik River are multi-day expeditions with overnight stays in tents. The rafting section passes through canyons with red sandstone walls up to 100 meters high, where spring waterfalls and small beaches for camping are found. The guide prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner over a campfire using fresh ingredients, and sleeping bags and mats are provided in the tents — tourists do not need to bring their own gear. Over 30-50 km of the route, the group passes sections of difficulty category 1-2, alternating with stretches for swimming and fishing. This river is the choice for those who want not just to raft but to live a few days in the mountains: no civilization, just the river, campfire, and stars.

Comparison of the Ili, Kaskelen, and Chilik rivers: table for selection

If you are unsure, start with the Ili: even experienced tourists appreciate the calm stretch for the opportunity to relax and enjoy the views.

How much does rafting from Almaty cost in 2026: prices and what's included

The price of rafting from Almaty depends on duration, number of people, and route. Let's break down the cost of each format, what is included, and what is paid separately.

toor rafting prices in 2026: one-day, two-day, and multi-day

The best price per person is for a group of 6 or more: a one-day rafting trip costs only from 3263 KZT/person, which is cheaper than dinner at an Almaty restaurant.

What's included: transfer, insurance, equipment, and meals

The cost of any toor tour includes a full set of equipment (Raft Master raft for 6-8 people, oar, helmet, life jacket), insurance for each participant, and services of a certified rafting instructor. On multi-day routes on the Chilik and Kaskelen, the guide also prepares meals — three meals a day from morning to dinner, including snacks on the water; products are purchased before departure at Almaty markets (Green Bazaar, Magnum) considering dietary preferences. Tents and sleeping bags are provided on site; no need to set them up — the guide sets up camp while the group relaxes on the shore. The only things paid separately are transfer from Almaty (6000 KZT per group round trip to the Ili or Kaskelen rivers) and personal items (swimsuit, sunscreen, water bottle). No extra charges for drone photography or fishing — they are already included in the cost of multi-day tours.

How to save on rafting: group discounts and early booking

The minimum price of 3263 KZT/person applies for a group of 6 or more — gather a group of friends or join a shared group on a one-day route on the Ili. If you go together on a two-day tour, the price rises to 28,500 KZT/person (group of 2-3 people) — one and a half times more compared to a group of 4 or more. If you book 2-3 weeks before the date, check with the manager about available spots in shared groups — you can often get in at the price from 3263 KZT/person without needing to gather a full group, and if you cancel 48 hours in advance, toor refunds the full amount without penalty.