Tour from Almaty

Karakol gorge and hot springs

4.8 · 22 reviews

Individual tour to Karakol gorge with trekking to waterfalls and relaxation in Altyn-Arashan thermal springs.

WhenOn request, 3 days
Duration3 days / 2 nights
StartAlmaty
Pricefrom $268/person

Program

Tour itinerary: Karakol gorge and hot springs

Day 1

Transfer and Acclimatization

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.

Day 2

Trekking to the waterfalls

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.

Day 3

Hot Springs and Return

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

What is included: Karakol gorge and hot springs

Included in Price

Already included in the tour price

  • Transport along the whole route
  • An experienced guide accompanying you
  • Route and stops planning

Paid separately

Optional, on site

  • Personal expenses
  • Meals, unless stated otherwise
  • Entrance tickets to individual sites

What to Bring

To make the day comfortable

  • Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
  • Water and a light snack
  • A charged phone or camera
  • A hat and sun protection

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 the private Karakol tour

Leave a review
4.9 ★
Our rating · 312 reviews
4.8 ★
Google · 540
4.9 ★
Yandex · 268
4.8 ★
2GIS · 197
1317
Total reviews
IP
Irina P.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #46008
MK
Maria K.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

Gathered with colleagues for a corporate event in July. Madina organized everything clearly, met us on time. Trekking and springs — super.

Verified review · Order #45718
VT
Vitaliy Ts.
Our website ·
★★★★★

My wife and I went during the May holidays to unwind. The weather was cool, but we enjoyed swimming in the springs.

Verified review · Order #43779
AI
Aidana I.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #42939
OD
Oleg D.
Our website ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #38011
YT
Yulia T.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

Went with a friend to celebrate her birthday in July. The trekking to the waterfalls was cool, but there were lots of mosquitoes.

Verified review · Order #34621
NS
Natalya S.
Our website ·
★★★★★

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!

Verified review · Order #32448
VK
Viktor K.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #27535
NK
Nurlan K.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #27015
ZA
Zukhra A.
Our website ·
★★★★★

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!

Verified review · Order #26974
SK
Svetlana K.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #24788
ED
Elmira D.
Our website ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #23485
VV
Viktoriya V.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

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!

Verified review · Order #22764
DU
Dinara U.
Our website ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #22141
LZ
Lyazzat Zh.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #19045
IM
Igor M.
Google ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #17306
AL
Aizhan L.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #15780
DB
Daniyar B.
Our website ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #15730
ZO
Zarina O.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #15638
GG
Gulmira G.
Our website ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #15387
DG
Darya G.
Google ·
★★★★★

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.

Verified review · Order #15294
BD
Bakhyt D.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

In May it's cool in the gorge. I took a warm jacket, didn't regret it. The jeep is comfortable.

Verified review · Order #13770

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the tour to Karakol Gorge and its hot springs

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

For 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.