Tours in Almaty Region

Tours in Almaty Region
Tours in Almaty Region
Discover the wild nature of the Tien Shan with a local guide. Prices from 3,263 KZT/person, no hidden fees.
$0 prepayment
Free cancellation
Rating 4.9 ★
1300+ Tourist Reviews
0

Catalog

All tours in Almaty Region from Almaty

Choose by direction, duration, and season — the price is per person

Why choose tours in Almaty region from Almaty

Local guides, fixed price per person, and care on every route. — everything for a relaxing vacation.

Price from 3,263 KZT

The minimum tour cost is 3 263 KZT per person. No hidden fees: fuel, guide, and insurance are included.

Professional guides

All guides are certified and know every route. They ensure safety and share knowledge about local flora, fauna, and history.

Free equipment

For hiking and trekking tours, we provide tents, sleeping bags, and mats. For jeep tours, off-road vehicles are supplied.

Safety first

Each tour includes a first aid kit, satellite phone, and is coordinated with the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Routes are repeatedly tested.

Flexible departure from Almaty

Transfer from your hotel or airport is included in the price. Daily departures, including early morning.

Seasonal routes

Summer — lake hikes, winter — ski and snowmobile tours. Spring and autumn — jeep tours and photo tours.

How it works

How to book tours in Almaty region from Almaty — 6 steps

Step 1

Route selection

Choose a tour based on duration and difficulty. For hiking routes, we clarify fitness level. For jeep tours, the number of passengers.

Route selection — tour booking stage from Almaty
Step 2

Booking

Pay a 50% deposit on the website or via WhatsApp. Receive confirmation with a checklist on gear and exact departure time.

Booking — tour booking stage from Almaty
Step 3

Group Gathering

On the tour day, the driver picks you up from your specified address in Almaty. We check documents and distribute equipment.

Group Gathering — tour booking stage from Almaty
Step 4

Transfer to Location

Drive to the starting point of the route. The journey takes 1 to 4 hours. Along the way, stops for photos and snacks.

Transfer to Location — tour booking stage from Almaty
Step 5

Active Part

Hiking trek, jeep tour, or guided excursion. Includes lunch outdoors, visiting viewpoints, and swimming (weather permitting).

Active Part — tour booking stage from Almaty
Step 6

Return to Almaty

After the program ends, return transfer. Drop-off at a convenient location in the city. Receive a photo report from the guide within 24 hours.

Return to Almaty — tour booking stage from Almaty

Team

Our team — guides and instructors from Almaty

Routes are led by practicing guides and instructors. These same people respond in. WhatsApp and accompany groups on the tour.

Aidos Serikov — Senior guide, mountain routes4.9

Aidos Serikov

Senior guide, mountain routes

187 reviews · experience 14 years

Dinara Kassymova — Guide-lecturer in Almaty5

Dinara Kassymova

Guide-lecturer in Almaty

142 review · experience 11 years

Marat Zhunussov — Trekking instructor4.8

Marat Zhunussov

Trekking instructor

96 reviews · experience 9 years

Oleg Kim — Driver-guide, jeep tours4.9

Oleg Kim

Driver-guide, jeep tours

164 review · experience 13 years

Zhanna Abenova — Tour manager4.8

Zhanna Abenova

Tour manager

78 reviews · experience 7 years

Timur Beketov — Multi-day tour guide4.9

Timur Beketov

Multi-day tour guide

118 reviews · experience 10 years

Aliya Nurlan — Group coordinator5

Aliya Nurlan

Group coordinator

64 review · experience 6 years

Sergey Volkov — Instructor, ski tours4.8

Sergey Volkov

Instructor, ski tours

103 review · experience 12 years

Useful

Almaty Region Tours: From City Walks to Khan Tengri

ZA
Author: Zhanna Abenova
Tour Manager
Published: Updated: 12 min read

Exploring Almaty and Its Mountains: A Guide to Our Tours

Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, sits at the foot of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, offering a unique blend of urban energy and wild nature. Our tours in Almaty Region range from short city walks to a 21-day expedition to Khan Tengri, one of the world's most beautiful peaks. This guide will help you understand the variety of experiences available, from cultural city tours to extreme mountain adventures.

The region's geography is dramatic: the city itself is located at an altitude of 700-900 meters, while the mountains rise to over 4,000 meters within a short drive. This means you can go from a bustling metropolis to alpine meadows in less than an hour. The climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters, but the mountains offer cooler temperatures year-round.

City Tours: Culture and History

Our city tours are perfect for those who want to understand Almaty's soul. The "Audioexcursion through Almaty with music" is a 2-hour walk with headphones, where you'll listen to jazz, classical, and ethno music while exploring the city center. The route goes from Park of 28 Panfilov's Guards to the Green Bazaar, and you'll learn about the city's history through its soundtrack. This tour is available daily at any time and costs 3,263 tenge per person.

For a more comprehensive overview, the "Sightseeing tour of Almaty" is a 4-hour group bus tour that covers the main squares, parks, and viewpoints. You'll see the green boulevards and panoramic views of the mountains. This tour runs daily and costs 6,900 tenge per person.

A unique cultural experience is the "In the Footsteps of 'The Needle': Tour with Tsoi" – a 2-hour walking tour following the filming locations of the cult Soviet film 'The Needle' (Igla) with a guide who is a fan of Viktor Tsoi. You'll see iconic spots, hear stories about the Kino band, and feel the spirit of the 1980s. This tour costs 12,135 tenge per person.

Airport Transfers and Short Mountain Getaways

If you need a comfortable ride from Almaty International Airport to the city or back, our individual transfer service is available 24/7. The journey takes about an hour, and the driver will meet you with a name sign, help with luggage, and ensure a smooth ride. The cost is 14,693 tenge per person.

For a quick escape into nature, the "Almarasan Gorge in 3 Hours" tour is ideal. You'll spend just three hours driving from Almaty to the Almarasan gorge, where you can breathe fresh pine air and see a mountain river. The route includes mineral springs and alpine meadows. This individual tour is available daily and costs 17,550 tenge per person.

A slightly longer option is the "Aysay and Almarasan Gorges with Falcon Park" tour – an 8-hour individual car tour that combines two gorges and a visit to a falconry park. You'll see the Zailiysky Alatau from different angles, and the moderate difficulty makes it accessible for most people. The price is 19,900 tenge per person.

Day Tours to Natural Wonders

Almaty Region is famous for its canyons, waterfalls, and lakes. Our day tours take you to the most spectacular spots, each with its own character.

Turgen Waterfall, Trout Farm, and Golden Man Museum

The "Turgen Waterfall, Trout Farm, and Golden Man Museum" tour is a 4-hour mini-group excursion that packs a lot into a short time. You'll see a cascading waterfall in the Turgen gorge, taste fresh trout at a local farm, and visit a museum dedicated to the Golden Man, an ancient Saka burial find. This tour starts daily at 9:00 and 14:00, costs 24,078 tenge per person, and is perfect for a weekend.

Charyn Canyon by Jeep

Charyn Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon's little brother, is a must-see. Our "Charyn on a Jeep – Individual Tour" is a 12-hour off-road adventure to four canyons: Valley of Castles, Moon, Red, and Dark. You'll ride in a 4x4 vehicle along dirt roads to viewpoints, descend to the river, and enjoy lunch on the bank. This tour runs on weekends and costs 28,700 tenge per person.

Scenic Flight Over Almaty

For a bird's-eye view, the "Scenic Flight on Cessna over Almaty" offers 20 minutes in the air with a pilot-instructor. You'll see Medeu, Kok-Tobe, and the Zailiysky Alatau ridge from above. The flight is available by appointment, weather permitting, and costs 35,890 tenge per person.

Multi-Day Adventures and Extreme Expeditions

For those with more time and a spirit of adventure, we offer longer tours into the wild landscapes of the region.

Altyn-Emel National Park by Jeep

The "Jeep Tour to Altyn-Emel: Nature and Culture" is a full-day (15-hour) individual excursion to Altyn-Emel National Park. You'll see the Singing Dune, ancient petroglyphs, and unique desert flora. The park is one of the largest in Kazakhstan, covering over 4,600 square kilometers, and is home to rare animals like the goitered gazelle. The tour costs 45,900 tenge per person and starts from Almaty.

Fishing on the Ili River

Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the "Boat Fishing on the Ili River" tour – a full day on the water near Kapchagai. You'll have a boat, tackle, and a guide who knows where the carp and pike perch are. The tour starts before dawn and returns in the evening, and you can take your catch home. This group tour is available year-round and costs 67,900 tenge per person.

Climbing Khan Tengri

For serious mountaineers, we offer a 21-day expedition to climb Khan Tengri (7,010 meters), one of the most beautiful peaks in the Tian Shan range. The journey includes a helicopter drop-off at the Inylchek base camp, two acclimatization rotations, and an attempt on the summit. You must have prior high-altitude experience and a medical certificate. This expedition runs in July and August and costs 1,977,500 tenge per person.

Preparing for Your Tour

Each tour has different physical demands, and it's essential to choose one that matches your fitness level and experience.

Physical Fitness and Acclimatization

City tours require no special fitness, but for mountain tours, you should be in good shape. For example, the Almarasan and Aysay gorges involve walking at altitudes up to 2,500 meters, which can be challenging for some. If you're planning a high-altitude climb like Khan Tengri, you need to be an experienced mountaineer with proper training and acclimatization. Even for day trips to Charyn Canyon, you should be comfortable with long periods of walking and some climbing.

What to Bring

Regardless of the tour, always bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are best)
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • Water and snacks
  • A small backpack

For mountain tours, add:

  • Warm jacket and rain gear
  • Walking poles if you have them
  • Personal medications

Seasonality and Weather

The best time for mountain tours is from May to September when the weather is warm and trails are clear. However, the Khan Tengri expedition is only possible in July and August due to the harsh conditions at high altitudes. City tours can be enjoyed year-round, but winter brings snow and cold, so dress accordingly. The Ili River fishing is available year-round, but the best catches are in spring and autumn.

Comparing Our Tours

To help you decide, here is a comparison of some of our most popular tours:

TourDurationPrice (per person)FormatTransport
Audioexcursion in Almaty2 hours3,263 KZTIndividualWalking
Sightseeing Tour of Almaty4 hours6,900 KZTGroupBus
Turgen Waterfall & Trout Farm4 hours24,078 KZTMini-groupBus
Charyn Canyon by Jeep12 hours28,700 KZTIndividualJeep
Altyn-Emel by Jeep15 hours45,900 KZTIndividualJeep
Khan Tengri Expedition21 days1,977,500 KZTGroupWalking

As you can see, the options range from budget-friendly city walks to premium expeditions. The price often reflects the duration, exclusivity, and logistics involved. For instance, the Khan Tengri climb includes helicopter transport and professional guides, justifying its higher cost.

Additional Tips for a Great Experience

Here are some practical tips to make your tour enjoyable:

  • Book in advance, especially for weekend tours like Charyn Canyon.
  • Check the weather forecast before your tour and be flexible.
  • Inform us of any dietary restrictions or health issues.
  • For high-altitude tours, spend a few days in Almaty to acclimatize.

What to Expect on the Road

Most tours start from Almaty and involve driving to the destination. Roads are generally good, but some off-road sections require 4x4 vehicles, as with the Charyn and Altyn-Emel tours. During the drive, you'll see the landscape change from urban sprawl to semi-desert and then to mountains. Keep your camera ready for unexpected wildlife like eagles or even ibex.

Responsible Tourism

We encourage responsible tourism: take your trash back, do not disturb wildlife, and stay on marked trails. The national parks have strict rules to protect the environment, and we ask you to follow them. By doing so, you help preserve these beautiful places for future generations.

Choosing the Right Tour for You

With so many options, it can be overwhelming. Here's a simple guide:

InterestRecommended TourWhy
Culture & HistoryAudioexcursion or Tsoi TourUnique perspectives on Almaty's heritage
Nature & SceneryAlmarasan Gorge or TurgenQuick access to beautiful landscapes
Adventure & Off-roadCharyn Canyon by JeepThrilling ride and stunning canyons
Extreme & High-altitudeKhan Tengri ExpeditionUltimate mountaineering challenge

If you're unsure, contact us, and we'll help you choose the best tour based on your interests and fitness level. Remember to consider the time you have available and your budget. Even a short city tour can give you a taste of Almaty's charm, while a longer expedition offers a deeper connection with the mountains.

We look forward to showing you the wonders of Almaty Region. Whether you're here for a day or a month, there's an adventure waiting for you.

Reviews

Reviews of tours in Almaty Region

Leave a review
4.9 ★
Our rating · 312 reviews
4.8 ★
Google · 540
4.9 ★
Yandex · 268
4.8 ★
2GIS · 197
1317
Total reviews
АК
Айгуль К.
Our website ·

We went with kids to the Turgen Waterfalls. Aidos told legends so interestingly, the kids were thrilled.

Verified review · Order #10250
МР
Максат Р.
Google ·

One-day tour to Kolsai Lakes. Dinara organized everything perfectly, incredible beauty!

Verified review · Order #10257
ВП
Виктор П.
Google ·

I chose the tour to Charyn Canyon because I wanted to see the Valley of Castles. Very impressed.

Verified review · Order #10264
ГС
Гаухар С.
Yandex ·

Charyn Canyon, guide Oleg knows every trail. The only thing is we left half an hour late, but it didn't ruin the day.

Verified review · Order #10271
АН
Алексей Н.
2GIS ·

Multi-day trekking with an overnight stay. Tents, stars, Marat cooked dinner over a campfire. I still remember it.

Verified review · Order #10278
ЛБ
Лаура Б.
2GIS ·

The Bear and Kora waterfalls are very beautiful. The trail is a bit slippery, but they gave us trekking poles.

Verified review · Order #10285
ЖК
Жанат К.
2GIS ·

We went to Lake Kaindy. Aliya told us about the submerged forest. The water was turquoise, we didn't want to leave.

Verified review · Order #10292
ЕМ
Елена М.
2GIS ·

I chose the tour to Turgen Gorge because of the reviews. It was really great, but the road was bumpy.

Verified review · Order #10299
ТА
Талгат А.
Yandex ·

Hike to Abai Peak. A bit tough for a beginner, but the views are worth it. The group was friendly.

Verified review · Order #10306
ОВ
Ольга В.
Yandex ·

I really enjoyed the tour to Butakovsky Waterfall. Sergei took great photos. Next time I'll bring my friends.

Verified review · Order #10313
РЖ
Раушан Ж.
Our website ·

We left Almaty and went to Kolsai Lakes. A very beautiful place, Aidos told us a lot.

Verified review · Order #10320
ИД
Иван Д.
Our website ·

Odnoevniy tur na vodopad Medvezhiy. Gid Janna, ochen interesno rasskazivala. Rekomenduyu.

Verified review · Order #10327
ДА
Дана А.
2GIS ·

Poehali v Charynskiy kanon s semyoy. Dinara pomogla vibirat marshrut, vse ponravilos.

Verified review · Order #10334
АС
Айназ С.
Yandex ·

We've traveled with this company several times. Last time to Issyk Lake. Timur gave the tour, we were very satisfied.

Verified review · Order #10341
РФ
Роман Ф.
Google ·

I wanted an active holiday and chose the Almaty-Arasan Gorge tour. The trail is beautiful with waterfalls, but we had to wait in line for parking.

Verified review · Order #10348
КК
Карлыгаш К.
Our website ·

The tour to Kolsai and Kaindy. Zhanna gave such interesting commentary about nature and history. Best trip this year.

Verified review · Order #10355
АИ
Александр И.
Google ·

I took an overnight tour in the mountains. Liked that everything was thought out: food and gear. Marat cooks great pilaf.

Verified review · Order #10362
ТМ
Тогжан М.
2GIS ·

We went to Butakovka with kids. Aliya suggested bringing snacks, and we didn't regret it. The waterfall was powerful, we loved it.

Verified review · Order #10369
НЛ
Наталья Л.
Google ·

I looked for a tour in the Almaty region for a long time. I chose this company because of the convenient departure. I have no regrets.

Verified review · Order #10376
ДЕ
Дастан Е.
Our website ·

We went to Big Almaty Lake. Very beautiful, guide Timur made us laugh a lot.

Verified review · Order #10383
АС
Антон С.
Our website ·

Kurortnoe ozero, ochen krasivo. Vse organizovano otlichno, no doroga mnogo vremeni zanyala.

Verified review · Order #10390
АК
Асель К.
2GIS ·

The trip to Kim-Asar gorge was very scenic. Oleg knows many routes and showed us beautiful places.

Verified review · Order #10397
ВГ
Вадим Г.
Our website ·

First time going to the mountains. Thanks to Dinara, I felt confident. Will definitely repeat.

Verified review · Order #10404
ЗБ
Зухра Б.
2GIS ·

Waterfall tour with pickup from home. Very convenient. But we had to wait in line for the cable car for about 20 minutes.

Verified review · Order #10411
КС
Кайрат С.
Google ·

I spontaneously decided to go to Kolsay. Sergey arranged the tour on the same day. Thanks for the prompt service.

Verified review · Order #10418
МА
Мира А.
Our website ·

I've always wanted to see the Charyn Canyon. I went with this company. The guide Aidos immersed me in history so much that I lost track of time.

Verified review · Order #10425
ЕБ
Евгений Б.
Our website ·

We went on a two-day hike. Overnight in a tent, starry sky. Marat organized a campfire with songs.

Verified review · Order #10432
НЖ
Нагима Ж.
Yandex ·

Tour to Lake Issyk. Very beautiful, but crowded on weekends. Better to go on weekdays.

Verified review · Order #10439
СЛ
Сергей Л.
Yandex ·

Decided to celebrate my birthday in the mountains. Chose a tour to the Asy Plateau. The views were unreal. Zhanna wished me a happy birthday in advance.

Verified review · Order #10446
ЛТ
Ляззат Т.
Google ·

Poezdka v urochishe Turgen. Ochen kruto. Gid Tymur rasskazival o rasteniyah. Fakt prosto klass.

Verified review · Order #10453

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    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions about tours in Almaty Region

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    There are routes for beginners (no backpack, 5–10 km) and for experienced hikers (up to 25 km per day with elevation gain). The difficulty level is indicated in the tour card.

    Comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, water (1.5 L), snacks, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Gear (tents, sleeping bags) is provided free of charge.

    Most tours are available from May to October. In winter, snowmobile and ski routes operate. Check the seasonality in the tour card.

    Yes, for children aged 7 and up on easy routes. A 20% discount is available for children under 12. Please inform the child's age when booking.

    Free cancellation up to 48 hours before. Later, a 50% refund applies. Rescheduling is possible without a penalty up to 24 hours before departure.

    Transfer, guide services, insurance, lunch (except for day tours without lunch), and gear. Additional costs: entrance fees to national parks (usually 500–2000 KZT).

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