★5Senior guide, hiking & jeep-tour organizer
Tour from Almaty
Individual tour to Karakol gorge with trekking to waterfalls and relaxation in Altyn-Arashan thermal springs.
Program
In the morning, departure from Almaty by jeep to the start of the route in the Karakol Gorge. The drive takes about 5-6 hours with stops. On arrival - check-in at a guesthouse or tourist camp, a short walk for acclimatization, dinner and rest.
After breakfast, trekking to the waterfalls of the gorge begins, a route of medium difficulty with elevation gain. In the afternoon - lunch in nature, rest by the water, return to the overnight stay. In the evening - dinner and free time.
In the morning, transfer to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs, swimming in open-air thermal pools. In the afternoon - lunch, then return transfer to Almaty. In the evening, arrival in the city.
What's included
Already included in the tour price
Optional, on site
To make the day comfortable
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
Reviews
In July we went with our family, the kids were thrilled with the springs. But the guesthouse was chilly at night, we didn't bring enough warm clothes. We spent a long time choosing where to go so that it would be interesting for the kids and not boring for us. Friends recommended the Karakol Gorge. The jeep ride took almost the whole day, but the scenery outside the window impressed even the kids. On the first day we just settled in and took a short walk, acclimatization. On the second day we went to the waterfalls, the route is not the easiest, but the kids managed, though we had to cheer them on. Lunch in nature was very welcome. And on the third day thermal springs awaited us, the kids squealed with joy and didn't want to get out of the water. We drove back tired but happy. Overall we liked everything, but the guesthouse was chilly at night, we didn't bring enough warm clothes, keep that in mind.
Gathered with colleagues for a corporate event in July. Madina organized everything clearly, met us on time. Trekking and springs — super.
My wife and I went during the May holidays to unwind. The weather was cool, but we enjoyed swimming in the springs.
Went with friends for 3 days in May. Everything was great, but the jeep was a bit late in the morning. Overall a great vacation, I give it a 4.
In October, went with friends for the weekend. The weather is already cool, but in the thermal springs it's just right. The trekking was slightly shortened due to wind, but still beautiful.
Went with a friend to celebrate her birthday in July. The trekking to the waterfalls was cool, but there were lots of mosquitoes.
In May, my partner and I went on vacation. Organization is good, guides are experienced. Transport is comfortable, but the road is long. Nature is very beautiful, even though it's cold, the thermal springs are warm. Trekking is not difficult, but you need to choose shoes correctly. Lunch is tasty, the guest house is clean. Three days passed quickly. Thanks!
In September, went with my brother to combine fishing with the tour. Overall not bad, but the guesthouse was cold at night. The springs were nice.
In September we went with colleagues for a corporate event. The tour is 3 days, everything is organized clearly. The jeep is comfortable, the driver is experienced. Trekking is of medium difficulty, the views are stunning. Thermal springs are an excellent finish. It was a bit confusing that meals were not organized, but we were ready for that.
Went with my sister in September to see the waterfalls. Aleksandr guided us along the route, told us everything. The weather was sunny, but cool in the morning. The thermal springs are super!
In July, went with my husband to celebrate our anniversary. We had long wanted to go to the mountains, but didn't know where to start. The tour was perfect: both trekking and relaxation in the springs. The only thing was that the guesthouse was noisy because of other groups. But that's minor, the impressions are excellent.
In June, we went with our family to Karakol Gorge. The children enjoyed hiking in the mountains, and I was very pleased with the hot springs at Altyn-Arashan. The weather was warm, the sun was shining. We left early in the morning, the journey took 5-6 hours, but there were frequent rest stops. We stayed overnight in a guesthouse, the food was delicious. The guides know the route well and pay attention to safety. Next year we plan to go again and see other mountains.
On the May holidays we went with my husband. We wanted solitude, and we got it. The water in the springs is hot, the air is fresh. A great reset. We had long dreamed of the mountains but didn't dare go on multi-day hikes. This three-day tour seemed optimal. The road to the gorge took about five hours, we made a couple of stops. We were accommodated in a guesthouse, the conditions are simple but clean. The next day we went to the waterfalls, the route is of medium difficulty, but the views are worth it. In the evening we had dinner and relaxed. And on the third day we went to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs, bathed under the open sky. The water is warm, especially pleasant after trekking. We drove back tired but happy. Thanks for the organization!
In May we decided to get out into nature with the family. We chose this tour because it includes both trekking and springs. The road to the gorge took almost the whole day, but the landscapes impressed. Overnight in a guest house is normal, the food was tasty. On the second day we went to the waterfalls, it was cool, but the sun was warming. The instructor helped on difficult sections. In the evening dinner and rest. On the third day we were awaited by thermal springs, the water is warm, especially pleasant after trekking. We drove back tired but satisfied. Thanks for the organization.
In October, went with my sister for 3 days. Ilyas was our guide, told us everything about the mountains. The weather was dry but cool, good thing we took jackets.
My ekhali s bratom v sentyabre, chtoby otmetit ego den rozhdeniya. Madina pomogla vybrat datu i vse organizovala. No doroga bila umopomrachitelno dolgoy, i my priehali k vecheru. Vse ostalnoe ponravilos.
My husband and I had long wanted to go to the mountains, but didn't dare to go on multi-day hikes. This 3-day tour seemed optimal. In July the heat was terrible, but in the gorge it was easy to breathe. The jeep ride took about five hours, we made a couple of stops. We were accommodated in a guest house, the conditions are simple, but everything is clean. The next day we went to the waterfalls, the route is not the easiest, but it's worth it. In the evening we had dinner and relaxed. On the third day we went to the thermal springs, swam under the open sky. Really liked it, I recommend.
Went with friends in July, wanted some extreme. The jeep tour and trekking met expectations. Thermal springs after the hike are just what you need.
My s sestroy reshili poprobovat etot tur v iyule. Anzhelika podrobno rasskazala o programme i pomogla s bronirovaniem. Vse bylo chetko, no v pervyy den my ne uspeli na vodopad iz-za pozdnego priezda. V ostalnom vse otlichno.
Went with a friend to change the scenery. In July it's hot, but in the gorge it's cool. The jeep is comfortable, the driver is careful. Overnight stay in a guest house is cozy.
In July, went with our family, nature is wonderful, but the road was long. The guides are good, but breakfast was served a bit late.
In May it's cool in the gorge. I took a warm jacket, didn't regret it. The jeep is comfortable.
FAQ
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 questionFor this tour, we hold your booking simply based on your WhatsApp message — we don't take any prepayment, and we keep the date for you without payment. You pay on the day of departure when you get into the off-road vehicle: Kaspi, card or cash. If your plans change, the booking is cancelled free of charge.
You don't stay in tents: according to the programme it's a guest house or a tourist camp, and we'll confirm the specific option for your date on WhatsApp. Accommodation is not listed as a separate item in the price: the $268 covers the off-road vehicle for the whole route, the guide and the organisation of stops, so we'll confirm on WhatsApp before booking whether the overnight stays are included. Personal expenses, meals where not specified, and tickets to individual sites are separate.
Yes, in a private format we lead the group at a pace that's comfortable for you, and no special training is needed. The most noticeable effort is the day with the ascent to the waterfalls, where the trail goes uphill, but without mountaineering; on the first day there's only a short walk for acclimatisation, and on the third day we hardly walk at all. If you're unsure, write on WhatsApp — the guide will advise you before departure on how to pace yourself.
First of all you need broken-in footwear that's comfortable for walking uphill, and clothing for the weather — for the trek and at the thermal pools it's different, so take layers. You'll also need water, a light snack, a charged phone or camera, a hat and sun protection. The guide will advise you on the exact set for the season before departure.
Yes, this is a private tour, so it's just you and your people, without a mixed group, and departure dates are on request. We'll agree the start for your group and convenient dates on WhatsApp, and the guide leads the route at your group's pace. Departure is always from Almaty.
We leave Almaty in the morning of the first day; the journey to Karakol Gorge takes about 5–6 hours with stops, and we'll confirm the exact time and meeting point for your date on WhatsApp. On the third day, after swimming at the springs and lunch, we drive back and arrive in the city in the evening. The exact return time depends on the group's pace and the weather.
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