★4.9Aidos Serikov
Senior guide, mountain routes
Excursion · mountains and city
Almaty and Mountains: Contrasts in One Day
4.9 · 24 reviews
In 10 hours you will see modern Almaty and the wild mountains of the Zailiysky Alatau. Route: from futuristic Kok-Tobe to the Medeu gorge and high-altitude skating rink, then ascent to Kumbel Peak with a panorama of the city and glaciers. Ideal for those who want maximum impressions in one day.
WhenDaily, time upon request
Duration10 h
StartAlmaty
Pricefrom $33/person
Program
Tour program «Almaty and Mountains» by the hour
06:30
Departure from Almaty
Gathering at Republic Square. Transfer by comfortable minibus.
07:30
Kok-Tobe
Cable car ride. Observation deck with a view of the city and mountains.
09:00
Medeu and high-altitude skating rink
Walk around the skating rink, photos against the backdrop of mountains. Story about the complex's history.
10:30
Medeu Gorge — Butakovka
Hiking along the trail by the river. Stop at the waterfall.
13:00
Lunch in the mountains
Picnic with Kazakh dishes (beshbarmak, kumys). Vegetarian menu upon request.
14:30
Ascent to Kumbel Peak (3200 m)
Transfer to the top point, short climb. Panorama of glaciers and the city.
17:00
Return to Almaty
Transfer to the starting point. End of tour.
What's included
What is included in the tour «Almaty and Mountains»
Included in Price
Already included in the tour price
- Transfer from Almaty and back
- Guide services
- Cable car ride to Kok-Tobe
- Lunch (picnic in the mountains)
- Bottled water (1 liter per person)
- Environmental fees
Paid separately
Optional, on site
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks)
- Accident insurance
- Photographer services
What to Bring
To make the day comfortable
- Hiking boots or sneakers with treaded soles
- Warm jacket (windbreaker) — windy at altitude
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal first aid kit (band-aid, headache pills)
- Camera or smartphone with charger
Team
Our team — guides and instructors from Almaty
Routes are led by working guides and instructors. The same people answer in WhatsApp and accompany groups on tour.
★4.9
★5Dinara Kassymova
Guide-lecturer in Almaty
★4.8Marat Zhunussov
Trekking instructor
★4.9Oleg Kim
Driver-guide, jeep tours
★4.8Zhanna Abenova
Tour manager
★4.9Timur Beketov
Multi-day tour guide
★5Aliya Nurlan
Group coordinator
★4.8Sergey Volkov
Instructor, ski tours
Reviews
Reviews of Tour «Almaty and Mountains» with key
4.9 ★
Our rating · 312 reviews
4.8 ★
Google · 540
4.9 ★
Yandex · 268
4.8 ★
2GIS · 197
1317
Total reviews
Aizhan B.
Yandex ·
★★★★★Seeing the mountains and the city in one day is a great idea. I liked the picnic in the mountains. The guide helped, thanks.
Andrey D.
2GIS ·
★★★★★A friend had long recommended this company, and I decided to give it a try. We went with a colleague, wanting to unwind after the workweek. The contrast of the day is really strong: in the morning you're still in the city, and a couple of hours later you're among snowy peaks. What impressed me most was the trekking along the river and the waterfall — there you truly feel nature. Lunch in the mountains was very welcome, especially after the walk. The guide was attentive the whole time, answered questions, and suggested where it was best to take photos. The impression was slightly spoiled by the queue for the cable car, but it didn't ruin the overall picture. I recommend it to those who want to see both the city and the mountains in one day.
Aigul R.
Our website ·
★★★★★We decided to take the tour at the last moment, wanted to combine mountains and city. Zhanna organized everything clearly, despite our spontaneity. We liked both Kok-Tobe and the walk around Almaty.
Asel A.
Google ·
★★★★★Amazing tour! Mountains, city, picnic in the mountains — all in one day. Really liked it. The guide helped a lot.
Pavel K.
2GIS ·
★★★★★Vse ok, no doroga v gory ugnetaet. Zato vidy i piknik krutye. Gidu spasibo za organizaciju.
Gaukhar S.
Our website ·
★★★★★I had long dreamed of going to the mountains, but going alone was a bit scary. I decided to take this tour — and didn't regret it. The group turned out to have good people, and the guide was very warm-hearted. And the picnic — just love at first bite.
Marat K.
Google ·
★★★★★We spent a long time choosing between different companies, settled on this one because of the reviews. No regrets! The views in the mountains are mesmerizing, and after a walk through the gorge the city seems especially cozy. Dinara suggested an excellent route.
Ivan S.
Google ·
★★★★★The tour is good, but the road to the mountains is bumpy, especially on the way back. But the views and the picnic are worth it. The guide was in touch, suggested where it's better to stop.
Elmira K.
Google ·
★★★★★Good tour, the contrast between mountains and city is impressive. Especially liked the picnic after the walk. Zhanna explained everything clearly.
Dima Sh.
Google ·
★★★★★We spontaneously decided to go to the mountains with friends and chose this tour because of its packed program. We were picked up early in the morning, and it was worth it. There was already snow in the mountains, while it was hot in the city — you really feel the contrast. The climb to Kumbel Peak was memorable for its panorama of glaciers, it takes your breath away. The picnic after the active part was very welcome, especially the beshbarmak. The guide suggested where it was best to stand for photos and was generally positive. The only thing was we had to wait for the cable car, but that's a minor detail. Overall a great day, I recommend it to everyone.
Dana K.
Our website ·
★★★★★We are glad we chose this tour. We went with our family; my wife and I dreamed of seeing the mountains and the city in one day. The picnic in the mountains was wonderful, we especially liked the kumys and beshbarmak. The view of the city from Kok-Tobe is amazing. While walking in the Medeu gorge, we felt the tranquility of nature. The guide told us many interesting things and answered all our questions. Both the kids and we enjoyed it. Thank you, Aliya!
Olga P.
Our website ·
★★★★★Went with a friend, really liked it. The only thing is departure was a bit delayed due to traffic, but that's minor. But in the mountains it was super, we walked by the waterfall, the feelings are unreal. Thanks to the guide for the company!
Sergey L.
Our website ·
★★★★★We planned our vacation in advance and wanted the kids to see real mountains. We chose this tour because it conveniently combined the city and nature. We all loved it: the kids were thrilled by the snow in the mountains, and my wife and I enjoyed the picnic with Kazakh dishes. The climb to Kumbel Peak was especially memorable: the panorama of glaciers and the city is simply breathtaking. The kids kept talking about the cable car and the views from Kok-Tobe for a long time. The organization was top-notch, everything was clear and unhurried. Thanks to Zhanna for her care and attention to detail.
Nurlan B.
Our website ·
★★★★★My wife and I had long wanted to see the mountains but didn't have much time. This tour turned out to be exactly what we needed: both the city and nature in one day. What impressed us most was the contrast — it's hot in the city, but there's snow in the mountains. The picnic was very tasty, especially the beshbarmak. The climb up the mountain was memorable for its panorama of glaciers. The guide told us everything and was very friendly. The organization was top-notch, no complaints at all. Thank you for a wonderful day!
Erzhan B.
Google ·
★★★★★Excellent tour, everything as promised. We saw the contrast between snowy peaks and the hot city. Picnic in the mountains is a fairy tale. Zhanna is very pleasant, told us everything.
Askhat N.
Our website ·
★★★★★My husband and I went together, wanting to celebrate our anniversary in an unusual way. We searched for a long time for a tour where we could both see the city and go to the mountains. This option was perfect. What we liked most was the picnic in the mountains: delicious, atmospheric, with stunning views all around. The climb to Kumbel Peak was easy, and the panorama that opens up is incredible. The guide was very attentive and organized everything clearly. The road was a bit tiring, but it was worth it. Thanks for the impressions!
Regina M.
Google ·
★★★★★Really liked it, thanks. The mountains are beautiful, the city is interesting. Dinara is a good guide.
Svetlana P.
Our website ·
★★★★★The vacation was a success, everything was good. It was a bit stressful that departure was delayed by half an hour, but overall fine. The mountains are magical, the picnic was tasty. The guide led the group, everything was clear.
Vadim K.
Google ·
★★★★★Couldn't choose a tour for a long time, but this option was perfect. Contrast in one day — that's powerful! Cool in the mountains, hot in the city. The picnic is super. Thanks to the guide for the tips.
Evgeniy S.
2GIS ·
★★★★★What I liked most was the contrast between the mountains and the city. The picnic is a separate delight. The downside is the road is a bit bumpy, but for such views you can put up with it. The guide told everything perfectly.
Kairat Sh.
Yandex ·
★★★★★Good tour, liked it. The mountains are beautiful, the picnic in the mountains was warm. The guide is a great leader.
Ruslan Zh.
Our website ·
★★★★★Byli v gorah, ochen krasivo. Potom v Almaty pogulyali. Vse ponravilos. Gida blagodarim!
Talgat K.
2GIS ·
★★★★★Ochen ponravilos! Gory prosto zavorazhivaut. I v Almaty ushli pogulyat. Vse organizovano horosho. Gidu respekt!
Laura Ch.
2GIS ·
★★★★★Tur prosto klass! V gorah sneg, v Almaty +30, i eshe piknik. Vse organizovano. Gidu spasibo!
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Tour «Almaty and Mountains» with key
We've collected the questions travelers ask most often. Didn't find your answer? Write to us — a guide will reply in a couple of minutes.
Ask a questionThe walking segments are short: a stroll around the Medeu skating rink, a trek along the river to the waterfall, and a short climb to the peak itself. No special fitness is needed; we go at a relaxed pace with stops. If you are unsure about your group's stamina, message us on WhatsApp — the guide will advise you before departure on how to pace yourselves.
Trainers or trekking boots with a treaded sole and a warm jacket or windbreaker — it is windy at altitude. Sunglasses and sunscreen, a personal first-aid kit with plasters and painkillers, and a camera or phone with a charger will come in handy. We provide water on the route, one litre per person.
Meet at 06:30 at Republic Square, from where we set off by minibus; return to the starting point is around 17:00. The whole day takes about 10 hours. We will confirm the exact departure time for your date on WhatsApp.
The route is packed: in one day you get the city, the gorge and the high mountains, so consider the stamina of the participants. The walking segments are short, but the altitude and early start are demanding. If you are travelling with children or elderly relatives, message us on WhatsApp — we will discuss how the day will go for your group.
The cable car ascent and the mountain picnic with Kazakh dishes are already included in the price, as are water and environmental fees. Only personal expenses are separate: souvenirs, extra drinks, insurance and photographer services. We will prepare a vegetarian menu on request if you let us know in advance on WhatsApp.
Yes, the tour is private, we depart daily, and we choose the time on request. Booking is simply a message on WhatsApp, with no prepayment: you pay on the day of the trip by card, via Kaspi or in cash. Cancellation is free, so you can change your plans with peace of mind.
