Hiking · one-day

Hiking the Alatau Amanaty Trail to Kok-Zhailau

5 · 24 reviews

Conquer the scenic Alatau Amanaty trail leading to the high-mountain plateau of Kok-Zhailau. Alpine meadows, panoramas of the Zailiysky Alatau, and an unforgettable day in the fresh air await you. An ideal route for those who want to see the real mountains of Almaty in one day.

WhenDaily, time upon request
Duration6 h
StartAlmaty
Pricefrom $128/person

Program

Hourly program of hiking the Alatau Amanaty trail to Kok-Zhailau

08:00

Meeting in Almaty

Meeting with the guide in the city center (Republic Square) and transfer to the trailhead.

09:00

Start of hiking the Alatau Amanaty trail

Start from the Alatau Amanaty gorge. Ascent through a coniferous forest with mountain views.

10:30

Break and photos at the viewpoint

Stop at a panoramic spot overlooking Peak Abay and the valley.

12:00

Arrival at Kok-Zhailau

Reaching the plateau. Time for a walk, lunch, and rest on the alpine meadows.

13:00

Lunch at 2200 m altitude

Picnic with hot tea and snacks against the mountain backdrop. Photo session.

14:00

Descent along the Alatau Amanaty trail

Return journey along the scenic route with photo stops.

15:30

Transfer to Almaty

Return to the city, drop-off at the meeting point.

What's included

What is included in the cost of hiking to Kok-Zhailau

Included in Price

Already included in the tour price

  • Services of a professional guide
  • Transfer from Almaty and back (comfortable SUV/minivan)
  • Organizational fee and permit for visiting
  • Drinking water (1.5 L per person)
  • Insurance on the route

Paid separately

Optional, on site

  • Lunch (can be ordered additionally — $10/person)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Trekking poles (available for rent)

What to Bring

To make the day comfortable

  • Trekking boots or sneakers with a textured sole
  • Windbreaker or light jacket (weather in the mountains changes)
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Personal first aid kit and snacks
  • Camera or phone for photos

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.

Alexander Пашкин — Driver-guide, инструктор по трекингу★4.52

Alexander Пашкин

Driver-guide, инструктор по трекингу

52 review · experience 10 years

Andrey Шевелёв — Driver-guide★4.74

Andrey Шевелёв

Driver-guide

73 review · experience 13 years

Анжелика Чвыкова — Гид-фотограф★4.27

Анжелика Чвыкова

Гид-фотограф

58 reviews · experience 11 years

Ильяс Дарбеков — Гид-переводчик★4.27

Ильяс Дарбеков

Гид-переводчик

36 reviews · experience 6 years

Мадина Данина — Организатор туров★4.55

Мадина Данина

Организатор туров

65 reviews · experience 15 лет

Сергей Бабичев — Personal guide-водитель★4.49

Сергей Бабичев

Personal guide-водитель

65 reviews · experience 12 years

Reviews

Reviews of hiking the Alatau Amanaty trail to Kok-Zhailau

Leave a review
4.9 ★
Our rating · 312 reviews
4.8 ★
Google · 540
4.9 ★
Yandex · 268
4.8 ★
2GIS · 197
1317
Total reviews
YK
Yuriy Kh.
Our website ·
★★★★★

We had a good time with the family. The kids, 8 and 12, managed it, but got tired. Madina gave them candy and they ran on)

Verified review · Order #48789
IB
Ilya B.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

Basically good, but expected more from the service. Lunch was a bit meager, water ran out. But the route itself is gorgeous and the guide saved the day with his thermos

Verified review · Order #45478
AM
Aliya M.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

The tour was absolutely awesome! The views were incredible, especially of Kok-Zhaylyau from above.

Verified review · Order #44444
TV
Tsay V.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

The view of Abai Peak is simply mesmerizing! The trail is well marked, it's impossible to get lost. Thanks to the guide for the company

Verified review · Order #43900
BP
Botagoz P.
Our website ·
★★★★★

My daughter-in-law and I planned to go to the mountains during this holiday and chose this tour. She went with her little grandchildren, and I went with my daughter. Getting up early in the morning and getting ready was hard, but as we got closer to the mountains, our mood started to lift. The guide met us and kept telling stories and making us laugh along the way. Walking through the forest, the air was clean and breathing was easy. When we reached the viewpoint, the whole steppe looked like a plate, and my daughter-in-law managed to take photos. When we got to Kok-Zhailyau, our fatigue faded and we had a wonderful rest. The guide Aleksandr is a very cheerful guy, thanks to him. We will go again next year.

Verified review · Order #43803
ID
Ivan D.
Our website ·
★★★★★

A cool tour, but honestly — I got tired. The climb is hard, but up top there are such panoramas that you forget about everything. Our guide led the group clearly

Verified review · Order #43103
KZ
Khadisha Zh.
Google ·
★★★★★

My sister and I went on this tour; she loves the mountains. I walked such a long distance for the first time, but I wasn't scared. The guide taught us a lot along the way and told us about the mountains. Walking through the forest, we admired the beauty of nature. At the viewpoint, we rested and took photos. The view in Kok-Zhailyau is wonderful, but the wind was strong. There was enough time for lunch, but in my opinion, a bit more time was needed. Still, the level of organization is good, and the guide is knowledgeable. Next time I will definitely go again!

Verified review · Order #39469
KU
Kamila U.
Google ·
★★★★★

A very beautiful route through gorges and blooming meadows. The guide showed us places where there are almost no tourists, vibe!

Verified review · Order #37626
SK
Samat K.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

We went with friends for the weekend to unwind. The road to the trailhead turned out to be bumpy, I got a bit carsick, but the guide distracted me with conversation. The walk at altitude itself is something else! The air is clean, and the views unfold one more beautiful than the next. The guide is very attentive and encouraged us on the climb. Overall, we were pleased.

Verified review · Order #35761
RN
Raushan N.
Our website ·
★★★★★

We had long dreamed of seeing Kok-Zhailyau with our own eyes, and finally my wife and I got ready. The climb along the trail was brisk, but when we reached the plateau, the panoramas of the Trans-Ili Alatau took our breath away. The guide organized everything clearly, without fuss. Lunch at altitude is a separate pleasure, and the photos turned out gorgeous.

Verified review · Order #35747
YT
Yerlan T.
Our website ·
★★★★★

First time on such a route, the impressions are amazing! The views are out of this world. But I advise you to wear comfortable shoes, the road is rocky.

Verified review · Order #34866
LA
Laura A.
Our website ·
★★★★★

The tour is inexpensive but high-quality. The only downside is that we waited at the viewpoint for about 20 minutes, but that's not the organizers' fault.

Verified review · Order #32809
DR
Diana R.
Our website ·
★★★★★

My partner and I went on this trekking; he had long dreamed of going to the mountains. I agreed to test myself. The guide told us interesting stories about the mountains along the way and introduced us to the plants. After his stories, my love for the Alatau grew even more. Walking through the forest, we felt the silence of nature. At the viewpoint, we took photos and rested. The wide plain in Kok-Zhailyau made an amazing impression. There was enough time for lunch, but the day was hot. We liked everything, thank you!

Verified review · Order #22747
GS
Gulmira S.
Google ·
★★★★★

Davno hoteli v gory, i vot svershilos! Vse ponravilos, no v nachale bylo nemnogo kholodno. Nash gid dal nam svoi perchatki, spasibo

Verified review · Order #18894
EL
Evgeniya L.
Our website ·
★★★★★

I was on the excursion with my teenage daughter. She really liked it, already asking to repeat. We admired wild goats through binoculars. Thanks to the guide for the interesting stories

Verified review · Order #18753
BK
Bekzat K.
Our website ·
★★★★★

I really enjoyed it, though the departure was delayed by half an hour at first. But guide Ilyas made up for it with a great route.

Verified review · Order #18674
NO
Nastya O.
Google ·
★★★★★

I spontaneously chose this tour and didn't regret it! The Amanaty trail is very scenic, especially in autumn when the leaves are yellow. The guide took awesome photos.

Verified review · Order #17873
VA
Vladimir A.
Our website ·
★★★★★

A powerful adrenaline rush! The route is not for the faint-hearted, but the views are worth it. Thanks to the team for the organization, everything was clear. Our guide is awesome

Verified review · Order #16870
ZN
Zarina N.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

Korikti tabilat, aidyn aspan, tamasha! Tek bir kemshilik - zhol tustaina kop kuttik. Birak bagadasy ak shay. Rakhmet Andreyge (gid)

Verified review · Order #16016
OP
Olzhas P.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

Hiking was new to me, but the route was manageable. The instructor encouraged and helped on tricky parts. Thanks!

Verified review · Order #15182
FG
Fatima G.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

I spent a long time choosing between tours, glad I settled on this one. A team of professionals, you can see they love their work. Special thanks to the guide for patience with my questions)

Verified review · Order #13642
YK
Yana K.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

The tour gave only positive emotions. Even though I was alone, I felt safe and in good company. Madina encouraged everyone.

Verified review · Order #13659
DU
Daniyar U.
Google ·
★★★★★

We decided to go to the mountains with friends on the weekend. We liked this tour because you can see a lot in one day. The guide and driver were very professional and showed care along the way. The morning gathering dragged on a bit, but after that everything went quickly. The view at the top of the mountain is wonderful, especially the peaks of the Alatau. Resting in the clearing in Kok-Zhailyau is very nice, but there was a little not enough time. Despite that, we liked the tour, and I recommend it to my friends too.

Verified review · Order #12809
UB
Ulan B.
Our website ·
★★★★★

My partner and I went on this trekking because we wanted to walk in nature during the holiday. I had never walked such a long distance before, but the route turned out not to be too difficult. The guide Sergey joked and told stories, so we didn't notice the road. Walking through the forest, the air was cool and clean, especially the smell of pine was wonderful. At the viewpoint, we were amazed by the beauty of the mountains. The grasses and flowers in Kok-Zhailyau are eye-catching, but there was little time for lunch, and it was hard to eat quickly. Still, the impression was very good, and I want to go again.

Verified review · Order #12676

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about hiking the Alatau Amanaty trail to Kok-Zhailau

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 question

Yes, this hike has a private format: only your group and a guide will be on the route. We pick you up in Almaty and take you to the start of the trail, then the guide works with you all day. We'll agree on the departure date and time in WhatsApp to suit your plans.

The walking part takes almost the whole day: we start from the Alatau Amanaty gorge at around nine in the morning and return to the transfer after 15:00. Along the way there is a rest stop at a viewpoint with a panorama of Abai Peak and the valley, as well as a stop on the Kok-Zhailyau plateau for a walk and rest. The ascent involves gaining altitude through a coniferous forest, so basic endurance will come in handy.

The route is on foot and involves gaining altitude, so it all depends on the fitness and well-being of your loved ones. The guide will advise you before departure on how to pace yourselves and choose a comfortable tempo on the trail. Write to us in WhatsApp about who is coming with you, and we'll give you guidance on the workload.

Meet the guide in the center of Almaty at Republic Square at 08:00, then transfer to the start of the Alatau Amanaty trail. After the descent, at around 15:30, the vehicle picks up the group and drops everyone off at the same place, at the meeting point. The exact return time depends on the group's pace and the weather in the mountains.

Take trekking shoes or sneakers with a textured sole — the trail goes through a coniferous forest with altitude gain. On top, a windbreaker or light jacket will be useful: the weather changes on the plateau, plus sunglasses and sunscreen. Also bring a personal first-aid kit, a snack, and a phone or camera for photos — we provide water on the route.

Booking is just a message in WhatsApp, without prepayment; you pay on the day of the trip via Kaspi, by card, or in cash, and cancellation is free. The $128 per person already includes a guide, transfer from Almaty and back, a visit permit, water, and insurance on the route. Lunch on the plateau is paid separately — it can be ordered for $10 per person — as well as souvenirs, personal expenses, and trekking pole rental.