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TransferLocal guides, fixed price per person, and care on every route. — everything for a relaxing vacation.
We provide a mountain bike and a helmet; before the start the mechanic checks the bike and adjusts the saddle and handlebars to your height.
The minimum tour price is from 32,010 tg per person. Included: a bike with a helmet, a guide, a mechanic and a support vehicle. No hidden extra charges.
The guide and the mechanic ride with the group along the whole Turgen Gorge route and keep a comfortable pace.
A mandatory briefing before the start, a mechanic in the group and a support vehicle along the whole route — you can switch to it at any moment.
How it works
You message us on WhatsApp. The manager checks the number of riders and a convenient Saturday from May to September and confirms your places in the group.
On the tour day, at the meeting point, the mechanic checks the bikes, adjusts the saddle and handlebars and hands out helmets.
At 07:00 we meet in Almaty at the agreed spot. We drive to the start of the route in the Turgen Gorge — about 1.5 hours.
The guide gives a 10-minute briefing on group riding rules, gear shifting and braking. Then a light warm-up and off we go.
We ride 25 km on a dirt road along the Turgen River, with a break at the waterfalls and lunch on the alpine meadows. The guide sets the pace, and the mechanic helps on tricky sections.
We ride down to the starting point, the bikes go back in the support vehicle, and the group returns to Almaty — around 20:00.
Team
Routes are led by working guides and instructors. The same people answer in WhatsApp and accompany groups on tour.
★5Senior guide, hiking & jeep-tour organizer
★4.52Alexander Пашкин
Driver-guide, инструктор по трекингу
★4.74Andrey Шевелёв
Driver-guide
★4.27Анжелика Чвыкова
Гид-фотограф
★4.27Ильяс Дарбеков
Гид-переводчик
★4.55Мадина Данина
Организатор туров
★4.49Сергей Бабичев
Personal guide-водитель
Useful
The Turgen Gorge, located in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains about 70 km east of Almaty, offers a perfect one-day cycling escape. This tour covers 25 km of gravel roads along the Turgen River, taking you through coniferous forests, past waterfalls, and up to alpine meadows. It's a guided group trip with a support vehicle and mechanic, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for participants of moderate fitness.
The route starts in the Turgen Gorge and follows the river upstream. The first section is relatively flat, winding through mixed forests of spruce and birch. As you gain elevation, the landscape opens up to reveal panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The final part of the ride includes a steady climb to the alpine meadows, where you can rest and enjoy the scenery before descending back.
Along the way, you'll pass several small waterfalls and streams. The surface is mostly packed gravel, suitable for mountain bikes. The total elevation gain is approximately 600 meters, with the highest point around 1,800 meters above sea level. The ride takes most of the day, from about 10:00 to 18:00, including breaks at the waterfalls and lunch on the meadows.
This is a group tour. The tour includes a mountain bike, helmet, and a support vehicle that follows the group. A mechanic is also part of the team, ready to assist with any bike issues. Transportation from Almaty to the trailhead and back is provided by car, with a travel time of about 1.5 hours each way.
The tour departs every Saturday from May to September, with a meeting point in central Almaty. The group meets at 07:00, early enough to avoid the heat; the exact meeting point is confirmed on WhatsApp. The price is $72 per person, covering all inclusions mentioned above. Meals and personal expenses are paid separately, so bring your own snacks and water.
The Turgen Gorge is accessible from May to September, when the snow has melted and the roads are passable. Each month offers a different experience, from spring wildflowers in May to golden autumn colors in September. Summer months are the most popular, with warm days and cool nights.
| Month | Temperature Range (°C) | Trail Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| May | 10-18 | Wet in places, snow patches higher up |
| June | 15-25 | Generally dry, some mud after rain |
| July | 18-30 | Dry and dusty, hot at lower elevations |
| August | 15-28 | Dry, ideal conditions |
| September | 10-20 | Cool, possible early snow at high altitudes |
The climate is continental, with significant temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, mornings can be chilly, so a light jacket is recommended. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, so be prepared for sudden rain. The sun at altitude is intense, so sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.
Due to the weather, the tour operates only on Saturdays. If the forecast predicts severe weather, the tour may be rescheduled for safety reasons. We'll inform you as early as possible and offer alternative dates; if they do not suit you, you pay nothing.
The gorge is a biodiversity hotspot, with distinct vegetation zones based on altitude. Lower slopes are covered with fruit trees and shrubs, while mid-elevations feature mixed forests of Tien Shan spruce and birch. Higher up, alpine meadows bloom with colorful wildflowers in summer.
Wildlife is abundant, though often elusive. You may spot roe deer grazing at dawn or dusk, and ibex on the rocky cliffs. Smaller mammals like marmots and pikas are common, and birdwatchers can see golden eagles, bearded vultures, and various songbirds. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and not feed the animals.
The area is part of the Ile-Alatau National Park, so please follow park rules. Stay on designated trails, take all trash with you, and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. By following these principles, we help preserve this beautiful environment for future generations.
This tour is designed for recreational cyclists with basic off-road experience. You should be comfortable riding for several hours and able to handle moderate climbs. The total distance of 25 km might sound short, but the elevation gain and gravel surface add challenge.
In the weeks before your tour, try to ride 2-3 times a week, gradually increasing your distance and elevation. Practice on similar terrain if possible, such as dirt roads or park trails. Interval training can help improve your climbing ability. On the day of the tour, eat a light breakfast and bring energy snacks.
It's not a race; the group rides at a relaxed pace with frequent stops. The support vehicle is always nearby, so if you feel tired, you can take a break in the van and continue later or skip a section. The main thing is to enjoy the experience.
Participants should be in good health and free of serious medical conditions. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor before booking. A first-aid kit is carried in the support vehicle. Emergency evacuation is possible via the vehicle, but cell phone reception is unreliable in the gorge.
Age and weight restrictions may apply for safety reasons; please contact us when booking to confirm your eligibility. We want everyone to have a safe and pleasant trip.
While the bike and helmet are provided, you should bring personal items to ensure comfort. Dress in layers, as the temperature changes quickly. Wear cycling shorts with padding if you have them, and gloves to protect your hands.
For footwear, cycling shoes or sturdy sneakers are suitable. Avoid sandals or flip-flops. In the morning, a warm fleece or light down jacket is useful. By afternoon, you'll likely want to remove layers. Also, bring a change of clothes for the ride back to Almaty, as you may be sweaty.
We also recommend bringing a camera or smartphone for photos. The views are spectacular, and you'll want to capture them. Just ensure your device is securely stored when riding.
If you have extra time, the Turgen region offers several other attractions worth exploring. The Turgen waterfalls are a popular destination, with the biggest one, Medvezhy (Bear) waterfall, at 30 meters high.
Many visitors combine this bike tour with visits to the Kolsai Lakes or Charyn Canyon, both within a few hours' drive. These natural wonders are part of the same Tian Shan system and offer additional hiking and photography opportunities. Our team can help you arrange multi-day trips if you're interested.
For those interested in local culture, the region is also known for its apple orchards and traditional Kazakh cuisine. You might want to sample local dishes like beshbarmak or kazy.
All tours include round-trip transportation from Almaty. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via the Kuldja highway, passing through the town of Issyk and then ascending into the gorge. The road is paved until the trailhead, but the last few kilometers are gravel.
If you wish to drive yourself, note that parking is limited at the trailhead. We recommend using our transport service to avoid the hassle. The exact meeting point in Almaty is confirmed on WhatsApp before the tour.
This Turgen tour is a unique offering in our catalog, focusing on a single-day adventure. It's ideal for those with limited time but who want a meaningful mountain experience. Unlike longer multi-day tours, this one requires no camping equipment or extra days off work.
The combination of forest, waterfalls, and alpine meadows on one 25 km route is rare in the region. The support vehicle provides a safety net, making it accessible to a wider range of cyclists. The small group size ensures personalized attention from the guide.
Compared to other bike tours in Kazakhstan, this route is moderately challenging but achievable for most active people. It's a great way to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature without committing to a long expedition.
This tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups of friends. It's also suitable for families with older children who are confident on a bike. However, it's not recommended for complete beginners or those with serious health issues. If you're unsure, contact us to discuss your fitness level.
We look forward to showing you the beauty of the Turgen Gorge. Book your spot today and get ready for an unforgettable cycling adventure.
Reviews
I went with a friend back in August and only now got round to writing. The route to Medvezhiy Waterfall is beautiful, and Aleksandr told us about the local plants. The climb to the meadows was tough for me, hence four stars. In summer I want to bring my son.
Great tour! The route through the Turgen Gorge is well thought out. The mechanic adjusted the bike to my height before the start. The road is bumpy in places but the views are worth it
We went with our teenage son, who has been riding for a long time. There are climbs, but the pace is calm, and if you get tired you can switch to the support vehicle. Our son loved the waterfall. We will be back in summer.
great tour through the Turgen Gorge. Excellent organisation. I fell behind on the climb and Sergey drove the support vehicle right next to me, without any pressure. I will definitely go again.
I have been riding for years and thought it would be boring. Not at all: near the meadows there are rocks and a climb, plenty to work on. The bike was in perfect condition. Loads of impressions.
We went as a group of 8. Everything was spot on: transfer, bikes, support vehicle. We took loads of photos at the waterfall. We brought our own lunch, and on the meadows with a mountain view it was just right. Recommended.
good tour but departure was delayed by 20 minutes. Still, the route is scenic. Anzhelika suggested where to stop for photos. Overall satisfied.
Thank you so much for the organisation! We had a briefing before the start and rode calmly even over the rocky sections. The Turgen Gorge is very beautiful. I will recommend it to friends.
I really liked it. The bikes are new and the brakes are great. Aleksandr told us the history of the gorge. A pity we waited about twenty minutes at the meeting point for two latecomers. But it was worth it.
I went with my husband last summer. The route is of medium difficulty, and the guide adapted to our pace. The mountain views are mesmerising. Lunch on the meadow with a view of snowy peaks. Wonderful.
Cool tour! Madina explained everything on WhatsApp about the meeting point and what to bring. The ride back down is super. I will definitely come back next summer
we rode with my husband and our elder son. Our son was thrilled. the mechanic did a great job. Thank you
Great tour! A waterfall and alpine meadows. I will recommend it to everyone
bike tour through Turgen Gorge. Will remember it for a long time. Anzhelika handed out water on the climb. Well done
we had a great ride. organisation was fine. the guide joked the whole way. will come again
Good tour. The mechanic is a pro. A pity I got a flat tyre, but they replaced the tube in five minutes. Recommended
I liked the bike tour. The guide is great. The weather was excellent. I will be back
the route is fire. Ilyas is a legend. Thanks for the impressions
We had a great time. The guide showed us beautiful photo spots. Super
liked everything. Andrey is great. I'll come with friends
The tour is excellent. Thanks to the guide for the support on the climb. I'll come back again.
Everything is very beautiful. The guide told about the mountains. I recommend.
The bike tour is just great. Sergey helped. Relaxing.
The tour is amazing! Ilyas is a good guide. The mountain water is clean. Thanks
We came with a child. The mechanic helped. We liked everything. We'll be back.
The gorge tour is great. The guide spoke knowledgeably about the plants. We got a bit tired but are happy. I want to go again in September — they say everything turns golden there in autumn.
We went with our children aged 12 and 14, both confident riders. There are climbs; the younger one rode a couple of kilometres in the support vehicle, no big deal. The waterfall is gorgeous. We brought our own snacks and had lunch on the meadows with a view. Huge thanks to the organisers. We will definitely come again.
I am a fan of hard routes; this one is more medium, but near the meadows the rocks and the climb made me sweat. Beautiful views, a lively descent. There was a safety briefing before the start. The road is a bit bumpy on the descents but the bike held up. Special thanks for the transfer to the mountains. From now on I will only ride with you.
My first bike tour. I was afraid I would not manage. The guide supported me along the whole route. The views from the alpine meadows are simply unreal. A stop at the waterfall with tea from the thermos we brought. Touching. Now I want to ride more often. Thank you for the emotions.
Great company. The guide knows the gorge like the back of his hand. The route through the Turgen Gorge is thought out to the last detail. There was a 15-minute delay at the start but that is nothing. Otherwise everything was spot on. I recommend it to everyone.
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Ask a questionRight now the section has one route — the Turgen Gorge bike tour: 25 km on a dirt road with climbs and descents, and the road gets rockier near the alpine meadows. You need basic confidence on a bike; the group rides at a comfortable pace, and the mechanic is close by.
You do not need special mountain-biking experience, but you should be able to keep your balance confidently on an ordinary bike: the route is 25 km on a dirt road with climbs and descents. The guide keeps a comfortable pace, and you can switch to the support vehicle at any moment.
Please check age limits when booking on WhatsApp: children and teenagers ride only with their parents and must be confident cycling on dirt roads.
The bike tour runs on Saturdays from May to September. In May and June the gorge is green, in July and August it is dry and warm, and in September golden autumn begins. There are no departures in other months.
Cancellation is free — we take no money in advance; just let us know on WhatsApp as early as possible. Moving to another date costs nothing extra, including in case of illness or bad weather.
Included: a mountain bike and helmet, a guide, a mechanic, a support vehicle and the transfer from Almaty to the start of the route and back. Meals and personal expenses are extra; it is best to bring your own snacks and water.
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