★4.9Aidos Serikov
Senior guide, mountain routes
Jeep Tour · BAO + Space Station
Jeep tour to BAO and the Space Station from Almaty
4.9 · 23 reviews
Set off in an SUV to the high-altitude Big Almaty Lake and the abandoned space station. You'll see panoramas of the Tien Shan, glaciers, and unique Soviet-era structures.
WhenDaily
Duration8 hours
StartAlmaty
Pricefrom $55/person
Program
Jeep Tour to BAO and Space Station Hourly Schedule
08:00
Departure from Almaty
Pickup of guests in the city center or along the route. Transfer in a comfortable SUV.
09:00
Ascent to Big Almaty Lake
Road along a serpentine through the gorge. Stops for panoramic photos.
10:00
Walk at BAO
Sightseeing of the turquoise lake at an altitude of 2,511 m. Guide's story about history and nature.
11:30
Transfer to the Space Station
Jeep ascent to the abandoned scientific complex at an altitude of 3,000 m.
12:00
Space Station Tour
Sightseeing of antennas, laboratories, and panoramic platforms. Photos against the backdrop of mountains.
13:30
Lunch in the mountains
Picnic with hot tea and snacks (or lunch at a café upon request).
15:00
Descent and Return
Return trip with stops at scenic spots. Arrival in Almaty approximately at 4:00 PM.
What's included
What's Included in the Jeep Tour to BAO and Space Station
Included in Price
Already included in the tour price
- Transfer by jeep (Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent)
- Services of a professional guide-driver
- Excursion along the BAO + Space Station route
- Entry fees to the nature park
- Bottled water in the car
Paid separately
Optional, on site
- Lunch (you can order a picnic or at a café — from $10)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra photos)
What to Bring
To make the day comfortable
- Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing (windbreaker, headgear)
- Camera or smartphone for panoramas
- Extra bottle of water (in addition to provided)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Snack (bars, fruit) — optional
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 the jeep tour to BAO and the Space Station
4.9 ★
Our rating · 312 reviews
4.8 ★
Google · 540
4.9 ★
Yandex · 268
4.8 ★
2GIS · 197
1317
Total reviews
Aigul T.
Yandex ·
★★★★★We took a family tour. The kids were thrilled with the jeep and the space station. The only downside was the long queue for the lift. But in the end, we all enjoyed it.
Kseniya Z.
Our website ·
★★★★★I had long wanted to celebrate my birthday in an unusual way, and a friend recommended this jeep tour. My sister and I went together to spend time in the mountains. The guide helped choose a date and organized everything. The gorge, the ascent to the lake — breathtaking. The lake itself is turquoise, surrounded by snowy peaks. Then we were taken to an abandoned space station, with old antennas and laboratories, very atmospheric. We took a bunch of photos against the backdrop of the mountains. Lunch was arranged with hot tea and snacks, it was delicious. We returned tired but happy. Thanks to the guide for the care!
Svetlana M.
Google ·
★★★★★I've always been interested in space, so I chose this route. I went with a friend who shares my passion. The jeep turned out to be very comfortable, despite the mountain roads. True, the departure was delayed by half an hour, but it didn't spoil the impression. The space station impressed: huge antennas, old laboratories, everything is steeped in history. From the observation decks, incredible views of the mountains and glaciers open up. The guide told interesting stories about scientific research. Lunch was arranged in nature with a view of the lake. Overall, the trip exceeded expectations, I recommend it to everyone who loves unusual places.
Laura A.
Our website ·
★★★★★Trip with kids. The kids enjoyed the space station the most. We waited a bit for the lift but it wasn't critical.
Gulmira Kh.
Google ·
★★★★★My sister and I went, wanted a change of scenery and to see the mountains up close. The manager picked a convenient day, everything was organized quickly. The climb to the old scientific complex was interesting, and the views of the lake and glaciers are simply mesmerizing.
Elena B.
Yandex ·
★★★★★I wanted to please my parents; they hadn't been to the mountains in a long time. I sent them on this trip, and they came back very impressed. They liked most the abandoned scientific complex with antennas, as well as the views of the lake from above. They separately noted the guide's work — everything went calmly and safely.
Bekzat K.
Google ·
★★★★★zhane tayanyn korkem. oleg joldasy jiberdi. baoda suretter korkem. kop rahmet.
Vitaliy D.
Our website ·
★★★★★We decided to go spontaneously, a day before the trip. We called the manager, and we were quickly booked. My wife and I went, we wanted to unwind. The jeep is comfortable, the driver is experienced. The ascent to the lake through the gorge — stunning views open up. The lake itself is like a postcard, the color is unreal. Then we climbed to the space station, with abandoned antennas and laboratories, you feel like you're in another time. The weather was clear, so the panoramas of the Tien Shan were in full glory. We got a bit tired from the serpentine, but it was worth it.
Sergey L.
Google ·
★★★★★I had long dreamed of getting to the space station, and finally gathered with friends. Organization is top-notch: picked up on time, comfortable jeep. Oleg is a driver from God, knows every turn on the serpentine. First we stopped at Big Almaty Lake, the water is turquoise, the mountains are reflected. Then we climbed to the space station, there are antennas, laboratories, everything is abandoned, but breathtaking. We took many photos. Lunch was simple but hearty. We returned tired but happy. I recommend this route to everyone!
Aliya N.
Our website ·
★★★★★It was a gift for my husband on our anniversary, he had long dreamed of seeing space objects. We went together. The weather was clear and warm, the impressions were vivid. Oleg drove the jeep excellently on the difficult road, everything was safe. Big Almaty Lake looked magical in sunny weather. The space station impressed with its scale, my husband was delighted. The guide told a lot of interesting things about the history of the complex. We enjoyed the views, and hot tea at the picnic added coziness. Thanks for an unforgettable day!
Aliya K.
Google ·
★★★★★We chose this tour for the jeep adventure. The climb to the observatory at the space station was awesome! Aidos, the driver, was great.
Timur G.
2GIS ·
★★★★★Took a long time choosing a tour. Settled on this one. Not in vain! The jeep ride up to the observatory is adrenaline. The driver is a legend.
Anuar Zh.
2GIS ·
★★★★★Awesome. Jeep, mountains, space. The manager suggested the best option. Everything was on point.
Marat Sh.
Our website ·
★★★★★went with friends to BAO and the space station. The jeep is awesome, the views are wow. The manager helped with booking.
Pavel F.
Our website ·
★★★★★We gathered as a group for the weekend, wanted action and unusual views. The road is bumpy, but we even liked it, especially on the climb to the old scientific complex. The viewpoints and mountain panoramas are a separate thrill. The driver drove confidently, everything went smoothly.
Maksat R.
Our website ·
★★★★★went with colleagues. Briefly but cool. Views from the lake — top.
Oksana P.
Yandex ·
★★★★★Thought for a long time and decided. The tour exceeded expectations. BAL — delight. Zhanna helped with the choice.
Asel D.
Yandex ·
★★★★★Trip with friends. Beautiful photos by the lake. The manager was on point. No downsides.
Amina I.
Our website ·
★★★★★traveled alone. Very friendly group. Thanks to the guide for interesting stories. The lake is incredible.
Arman S.
Our website ·
★★★★★Great tour, but the road was dusty. Bring scarves. However, the views of the Tian Shan are incredible.
Ilya R.
Google ·
★★★★★I took the tour for my family; we had long wanted to show the mountains to the kids. The children were delighted with the jeep and the abandoned station, asked to come back again. The driver carefully navigated the serpentine road. The only thing — departure was delayed by about fifteen minutes, but that's minor.
Zhanna P.
Google ·
★★★★★Jeep tour, thought it would be boring but no. The stop at Big Almaty Lake is the best view of the Tian Shan. Only the departure was delayed by 20 minutes.
Liliya Ch.
2GIS ·
★★★★★vzyali tur na zhipe. ba i kosmostantsia. oleg vodila super. vidy s ozera neopisuemo. spacibo.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the jeep tour to BAO and the Space Station
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 questionAt altitudes of 2511–3000 m it is cooler than in Almaty, so bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker and a hat. Sunglasses and sunscreen will also come in handy, as well as a camera or smartphone for panoramas. An extra bottle of water and a light snack — optional.
The walking sections are short: a stroll by the lake and a look around the space station, with no long hikes or overnight stays. Most of the time you ride in the off-road vehicle, and the tour lasts about 8 hours. No special fitness is required; the guide will tell you before departure how best to handle each section.
The exertion is moderate: riding in the jeep and short walks, with no overnight stays. Keep the altitude in mind: the lake lies at 2,511 m and the space station at about 3,000 m, where it is cool and the air is thinner. If anyone in your group has health restrictions, message us on WhatsApp — we will check for your date how comfortable it will be for your particular group.
We start at 08:00: we pick up guests in central Almaty or along the route. Arrival back in the city is around 16:00, with stops at scenic spots along the way. The guide will tell you the exact return time before departure.
The price includes jeep transfer, the guide-driver, the tour itself along the Big Almaty Lake route and the space station, entry to the nature park and water in the vehicle. Lunch is paid separately — a picnic or cafe — as well as personal expenses such as souvenirs. Everything else in the programme is already included.
The tour is a group tour, but ask about a private departure for your group on WhatsApp — we will tell you what can be arranged for your date. Booking is made by message on WhatsApp, with no payment. You pay on the day of the trip via Kaspi, by card or in cash; cancellation of the booking is free.
