Tour from Almaty

Jeep tour through Karakol gorges

4.9 · 23 reviews

Intensive jeep tour through three gorges: Jety-Oguz, Altyn-Arashan and Karakol, with swimming in hot springs and overnight stay in yurts.

WhenOn schedule, 5 days
Duration5 days / 4 nights
StartAlmaty
Pricefrom $403/person

Program

Tour itinerary: Jeep tour through Karakol gorges

Day 1

Transfer to the Karakol Gorge

Departure from Almaty early in the morning. The drive to the start of the route takes about 6-7 hours. On arrival — setting up camp and preparing gear.

Days 1–2

Acclimatization and the first gorge

The first day is dedicated to adapting to the altitude. Easy walks around the area, getting to know the group and the guide. In the evening — transfer to the Jety-Oguz Gorge by jeeps, overnight stay in yurts.

Days 2–3

Jety-Oguz: walks and hot springs

Exploring the Jety-Oguz Gorge: cliffs, waterfalls, valley. In the afternoon — swimming in hot springs. Overnight stay in yurts.

Days 3–4

Transfer to Altyn-Arashan

In the morning, transfer by jeeps to the Altyn-Arashan Gorge. Stops for photos along the way. Accommodation in yurts, in the evening — thermal baths under the open sky.

Days 4–5

Altyn-Arashan: radial hikes

A day of trekking to lakes and glaciers, weather permitting. Rest in the springs is also possible. In the afternoon — transfer to the Karakol Gorge.

Day 5

Karakol Gorge and return

In the morning, a walk to the waterfall and viewpoints. Then packing up and return transfer to Almaty. Arrival in the evening.

What's included

What is included: Jeep tour through Karakol gorges

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 Karakol jeep 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
OV
Oleg V.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

In September we went to Karakol, the weather was cool but warm in the yurts. The jeeps are good, the gorges are beautiful.

Verified review · Order #48030
AK
Anton K.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

Ezdili v sentyabre s drugom, pogoda bila otlichnaya no nochyu holodno. Vse ponravilos no pervii den dolgo ehat. Ocenka 4.

Verified review · Order #47914
EK
Ekaterina Kh.
Google ·
★★★★★

We went on vacation with my husband and chose this jeep tour. In August the weather was wonderful.

Verified review · Order #47355
ET
Erbol T.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

My wife and I decided to celebrate our anniversary and chose a jeep tour through the gorges of Karakol. In July the weather is great, but cool in the mountains, we took jackets. Guide Aleksandr led us along the route excellently, showed and told us everything. The only downside — on the first day we drove from Almaty for a long time, about 7 hours, we got tired. Overall we liked the trip, especially the hot springs.

Verified review · Order #46154
AS
Anton S.
Our website ·
★★★★★

In July we went with friends, it was great. Jeep tour through three gorges, overnight in yurts, swimming in the springs.

Verified review · Order #46126
GT
Gaukhar Ts.
Our website ·
★★★★★

We long dreamed with the family to see real mountains and not just pictures on the internet, so we chose this jeep tour. We went in July, took older children with us. The road to the gorge is long, about seven hours, but the children endured. In Jety-Oguz we walked on the rocks and looked at waterfalls, very beautiful. The overnight in yurts pleased everyone, though it was cool at night, thanks for the warm blankets. We swam in the hot springs every evening, the body rested after the walks. In Altyn-Arashan we climbed to the glacier, though not everyone made it, but the views were worth it. Organization is good, the group was calm, without fuss.

Verified review · Order #45644
AK
Aigul Kh.
Our website ·
★★★★★

We chose this tour spontaneously, wanted to see real mountains and not just lie on the beach. In June it's still cool in the gorges, especially in the evening, I took a warm jacket and didn't regret it. We stayed in yurts, it's a separate experience, though the bed is a bit hard. The jeeps sometimes shook on the rocks but the drivers are careful. In Altyn-Arashan we bathed in thermal baths under the open sky, the stars above your head are something. The program is packed, we got tired but are satisfied.

Verified review · Order #44891
NK
Natalya K.
Our website ·
★★★★★

In June my husband and I went on this tour. The weather was sunny, but cool in the mountains. We liked the jeeps and the gorges, especially the springs.

Verified review · Order #44163
KK
Kseniya K.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

My husband and I had long dreamed of the mountains, and so we chose this tour through the gorges of Karakol. In September the weather was changeable, but we were lucky — there was almost no rain, only cool evenings. The jeeps are comfortable, the drivers are careful. I especially liked Jety-Oguz: the rocks are red, the waterfalls roar, and the hot springs — that's something! The overnight stay in yurts was memorable, though the sleeping bags smelled a bit, but that's a minor thing. The program is packed, the drives are long, but the beautiful views more than make up for it. We returned tired but satisfied. I recommend it to those who aren't afraid of the road.

Verified review · Order #36834
ZK
Zhandos Kh.
Our website ·
★★★★★

My wife and I long wanted to see the Karakol gorges, chose this tour for our anniversary. In July it's hot, but in the mountains it's fine, especially at the springs. I liked that everything is included.

Verified review · Order #35270
KB
Kristina B.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

We chose this tour spontaneously, with a group of four. In July the gorges are very beautiful, but the weather is changeable: sometimes sun, sometimes rain, so jackets and raincoats came in handy. The jeeps are comfortable, the drivers are careful. We especially liked Jety-Oguz — red rocks, waterfalls. The overnight stays in yurts are simple but colorful, though it was cool in the yurt at night, the sleeping bags saved us. The hot springs are something incredible, especially under the open sky in Altyn-Arashan. The program is packed but not overloaded. The only thing, we would have liked more time in the Karakol gorge, but we were in a hurry to get back. Overall I recommend it, but take warm clothes even in summer.

Verified review · Order #34997
ZK
Zhanna K.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

We gathered with colleagues to celebrate the end of vacation, chose this five-day tour. In July it's good in the mountains, but the sun is scorching.

Verified review · Order #34602
ZE
Zhanna E.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

In June we went on a jeep tour, Andrey showed us mountain routes, he is a very experienced guide. The thermal waters in Altyn-Arashan are amazing. Overnight in a yurt left a special impression.

Verified review · Order #34334
SZ
Saule Zh.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

A friend persuaded me to go, I probably wouldn't have dared to such an active vacation myself. We took a five-day tour, in June the season just opened. The first day is just the road, about seven hours in the car, but the scenery outside the window brightens it up. In Jety-Oguz we walked on the rocks, saw waterfalls, breathing is easy. Overnights in yurts, they feed simple but hearty food. We sat in the hot springs until dark, our legs are just buzzing after the walks. I liked that the group was friendly, even though we went as a couple.

Verified review · Order #33351
AG
Arman G.
Our website ·
★★★★★

My brother and I went in September, we wanted to close the season. Driver Sergey handled the road excellently, thanks to him.

Verified review · Order #27206
VT
Vladimir T.
Google ·
★★★★★

September in the mountains is already cool, but comfortable during the day. Ilyas led us to the glacier, belaying on difficult sections. The jeeps go confidently through the gorges, the views are powerful. Overnights in yurts added flavor, though it was a bit cold to sleep.

Verified review · Order #27137
NK
Natalya K.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

My sister and I wanted to celebrate her birthday in an unusual way, Madina picked dates for us in August. The weather was great, the springs are just super.

Verified review · Order #26351
TR
Tamara R.
Our website ·
★★★★★

In September we went on this jeep tour, the weather is already autumnal, but warm during the day. The gorges are beautiful, especially Jety-Oguz, the springs are very handy after walks. We stayed in yurts, they gave warm sleeping bags. The road from Almaty is long, but it's worth it.

Verified review · Order #17696
ML
Madina L.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

In August we went to the Karakol gorge, the weather was excellent. The jeeps are comfortable, the guide told stories along the way. The overnight in yurts was memorable, though it was cool at night. The springs are warm, relax after a long day.

Verified review · Order #17083
MK
Maria Kh.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

My friend and I went to celebrate the end of university. In July we took a jeep tour to see Karakol. No regrets, the gorges are super.

Verified review · Order #15936
AS
Aigul Sh.
Our website ·
★★★★★

In July we went with our family to the gorges of Karakol. The hot springs and overnight stay in yurts were amazing.

Verified review · Order #15196
DR
Dinara R.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

We went in July, liked the jeep tour, especially swimming in the springs after a long day.

Verified review · Order #15058
BA
Bekzat A.
Our website ·
★★★★★

My s bratom reshili poehat v iyun, chtoby otmstit v gorah. Djip-tur po ushelyam Karakola - ochen klassno, osobenno istochniki.

Verified review · Order #14354

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the jeep tour through the Karakol gorges

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

Dress so that you're comfortable both in the off-road vehicle and on walks through the gorges, and choose broken-in footwear — you'll be walking on various surfaces. It's worth bringing a supply of water, something light to snack on, a cap or sun hat with sun protection, and a charged phone or camera. The guide will tell you the rest of the gear details before departure.

The first day of the program is set aside for acclimatization to the altitude and easy walks, then come radial outings and transfers between the gorges, so base your decision on how your parents are feeling. The group's pace follows the program, and you stay overnight in yurts. If you have any health concerns, message us on WhatsApp — we'll discuss it for your date.

Between the gorges you travel by off-road vehicle, and on foot there are walks through the valleys and radial outings that the guide plans based on the weather. The guide will give you the distance and trekking time to the lakes and glaciers before departure — they depend on the weather and the chosen outing. No special training is needed, but broken-in footwear is a must.

Hot springs and thermal baths are part of every departure's programme, while the trek to the lakes and glaciers of Altyn-Arashan only goes ahead in good weather. Departures run on a 5-day schedule — message us on WhatsApp and we'll tell you what weather to expect in the Karakol gorges for your date.

The group meets in Almaty, with departure on the first day early in the morning; we confirm the exact place and time for your date on WhatsApp. The drive to the start of the route is about six to seven hours, so we leave with time to spare. The guide will tell you the meeting point in advance so everyone arrives without rushing. The route goes to Kyrgyzstan, so bring your passport — we'll tell you on WhatsApp which document you need.

The price covers the off-road vehicle for the entire route, the guide's work and organising the trip with stops. Meals (unless stated otherwise), personal expenses and tickets to individual sites are paid by you.

The tour is listed as a group tour, but we always look at the composition and dates individually — message us on WhatsApp, and we'll discuss an option for your company. A booking is held based on your message, and we don't take a deposit. If your plans change, cancellation is free, and payment is on the day of the trip via Kaspi, by card, or in cash.