★5Senior guide, hiking & jeep-tour organizer
Hike · One-day
Hike to Big Almaty Peak
5 · 21 reviews
Conquer one of the most scenic peaks of the Zailiysky Alatau — Big Almaty Peak (3680 m). The route starts from the Tien Shan Observatory, passes through alpine meadows and rocky sections. You will enjoy panoramas of glaciers, Talgar Peak, and the city of Almaty from a bird's-eye view.
WhenDaily, time upon request
Duration10 h
StartAlmaty
Pricefrom $45/person
Program
Hourly program for the hike to Big Almaty Peak
06:00
Meeting and departure from Almaty
Meeting in the city center, transfer up the Big Almaty Gorge to the observatory (about 30 km).
07:00
Start of the route at the observatory
Start from the Tien Shan Astrophysical Observatory (2700 m). Gear preparation, short briefing.
07:30
Ascent through alpine meadows
Gradual elevation gain along a trail by the stream. Views of Big Almaty Peak and the glacier.
10:00
Break on the rocky ridge
Short rest at 3200 m, snack and photos against the backdrop of Tien Shan peaks.
12:00
Summit climb
Final section over scree and rocks. At the summit (3680 m) — a panoramic view of Almaty and the mountains.
13:00
Lunch with a view
Descent to a convenient spot, hot lunch (thermos with tea, sandwiches). Rest and recovery.
14:30
Descent to the observatory
Careful descent along the same route, enjoying the changing landscape.
17:00
Return to Almaty
Transfer to the city, estimated arrival by 6:00 PM.
What's included
What's included in the hike to Big Almaty Peak
Included in Price
Already included in the tour price
- Transfer from Almaty and back (comfortable minibus)
- Services of an experienced mountain guide
- Group first aid kit and safety equipment
- Snack (sandwiches, tea, chocolate) and drinking water
- Registration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations and permit to visit the area
Paid separately
Optional, on site
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks)
- Trekking poles (available for rent — $1)
- Accident insurance (recommended to purchase)
What to Bring
To make the day comfortable
- Trekking boots or sneakers with stiff soles
- Warm jacket/fleece (wind and cool conditions at the summit)
- Raincoat (mountain weather is changeable)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (snow and UV)
- Personal water bottle (1–1.5 L)
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.
★5
★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
Reviews of the Big Almaty Peak hike
4.9 ★
Our rating · 312 reviews
4.8 ★
Google · 540
4.9 ★
Yandex · 268
4.8 ★
2GIS · 197
1317
Total reviews
Aigerim K.
Google ·
★★★★★My dream was to see this peak. The tour was perfectly organized. Thanks to the guide for the support.
Saule A.
Yandex ·
★★★★★The hike turned out harder than I thought. But with the team everything went well. Madina encouraged me all the way. Super. I especially liked the views of the glaciers and the city from above.
Zhanna M.
Yandex ·
★★★★★I went with colleagues, we had long wanted to get out of the city to the mountains. The guide organized the route perfectly: first we walked through meadows along a stream, then the rocks began. At the rest stop we drank tea and took photos against the backdrop of the peaks. The summit was conquered, everyone was satisfied.
Natalya R.
2GIS ·
★★★★★The main goal was to test your strength and see the peak. Achieved. Downside: our legs got very tired.
Anelya Zh.
Our website ·
★★★★★The tour gave new acquaintances and a lot of impressions. Thanks to the guide for the positivity
Timur N.
2GIS ·
★★★★★I wanted to see the peak from a new angle. The tour met expectations, even though the road was bumpy. I recommend it.
Aliya G.
Google ·
★★★★★A tour for the strong-willed. I recommend bringing trekking poles. Anzhelika warned about steep sections, but it all went well.
Diana B.
Google ·
★★★★★First time on a hike like this. The team helped me overcome my fear. The guide was very attentive. I'll definitely come back.
Marat T.
Our website ·
★★★★★I chose the hike to Big Almaty Peak for the challenge. Departure was a bit delayed, but that's minor. It's worth it. At the beginning of the route we walked along a stream through alpine meadows, then rocky sections began. We reached the top around noon – the panorama is incredible, you can see the whole city and mountains. The way back was easier. Thanks to the guide for safety and good mood.
Sergey V.
2GIS ·
★★★★★I was looking for a non-standard route to a peak. The tour is unique, the views are stunning. Downside: we waited 15 minutes at the pickup point.
Zarina M.
Our website ·
★★★★★I wanted a change of scenery. The tour gave me a boost of energy. The guide was wonderful. I'll come back with friends. I liked that the route is diverse: first meadows, then scree and rocks. At the halt we drank tea from a thermos, admired the peaks. A bit tired by the end, but it's a pleasant tiredness. I advise everyone to try.
Talgat K.
Yandex ·
★★★★★Top-notch organization. Aleksandr and the team did a great job. I recommend it to anyone who wants real emotions.
Denis Ch.
Google ·
★★★★★A tour for those who love extreme. The views that open up are unreal. It was hot, but it was worth it. We walked along a rocky ridge, a bit scary, but the guide belayed.
Vladimir D.
Our website ·
★★★★★I've long dreamed of conquering the peak. Thanks to the guide for the motivation. The road is hard but beautiful. I especially remember the ascent through the alpine meadows – you walk among grasses and flowers, and ahead a glacier opens up. On the rocky ridge we made a halt, caught our breath and moved on. At the top – a circular view, the whole Almaty is like on the palm of your hand. A bit tired, but emotions overflow. I will definitely come back again.
Gulnara Sh.
Google ·
★★★★★I took the tour on a whim. No regrets. Unique nature, fresh air. The only thing—I wanted more time at the top.
Ruslan A.
Our website ·
★★★★★I chose the tour because of the convenient start time. No regrets. Madina, thanks for your patience when I lagged behind. The group turned out friendly, everyone supported each other. Most impressive was the moment when we came out onto the ridge – from there a view opens up to Talgar peak and glaciers. Lunch with a panorama was very timely. The descent went briskly. I recommend it to everyone who wants to test themselves.
Ksenia V.
2GIS ·
★★★★★First time in the mountains. I was scared but I managed. The guide distracted with funny stories on difficult sections. I recommend
Elena S.
2GIS ·
★★★★★Thanks to the organizers for an unforgettable day. We went with my husband, wanted a change of scenery and didn't regret it. The ascent over scree was not easy, but the panorama of Almaty from above is worth it. Special thanks to the guide, who charged the whole group with energy.
Kanat R.
Google ·
★★★★★Nature is beautiful, air is clean. The guide led well. The only downside – we waited a lot on the bus
Aigul K.
Our website ·
★★★★★I took this tour to test myself. Thanks to the guide for the support. The ascent is difficult but the views are unreal
Askhat B.
Google ·
★★★★★Saw an ad and decided to go for it. A team of professionals. The guide led us like a true leader. Thank you.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Big Almaty Peak hike
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 questionThis is a full mountain day: the ascent starts from the observatory at 2,700 m, and the summit is 3,680 m, so the elevation gain is almost a kilometre. You go at a relaxed pace with a rest on the ridge and lunch on the descent, returning along the same route. No climbing experience is needed, but basic endurance and a readiness to be on the move for almost the whole day are essential.
The format is private, so the guide adjusts the pace to you, but the route still requires good physical fitness — it is a long ascent with elevation gain and sections over scree. If you have never hiked in the mountains or have heart or joint problems, we will be honest: it is better to choose something easier. For children and age, we will clarify for your date on WhatsApp, because the decision is always individual.
Footwear is the main thing: you need trekking boots or trainers with a stiff sole; in ordinary sneakers on scree and rocks it will be uncomfortable and unsafe. On top, take a warm jacket or fleece — it is windy and cool at the summit even when it is hot in the city, plus a raincoat, sunglasses and sunscreen, because snow and altitude intensify ultraviolet. Your own water bottle for 1–1.5 litres will also come in handy.
Meeting in the centre of Almaty at 06:00, then transfer up the Big Almaty Gorge to the observatory, and from the observatory we start the route at 07:00. Estimated arrival in the city is by 18:00, but the exact time depends on the group's pace and the weather. We will confirm the meeting point and time for your departure on WhatsApp the day before.
The price already includes transfer from Almaty and back, the work of a mountain guide, a snack with tea and water, a group first-aid kit and arranging a permit with registration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Only personal little things such as souvenirs and extra drinks, trekking pole rental for $1 and accident insurance, which we recommend arranging in advance, are paid separately.
Yes, the tour is private — you go with your own group, the date and departure time are on request, so we will adjust to you. Booking is free: just message us on WhatsApp and secure the date; no prepayment is needed. Payment on the day of the trip — Kaspi, card or cash, and you can cancel the booking free of charge.
