★5Senior guide, hiking & jeep-tour organizer
Hiking Tour · Canyons
Walk through the Zailiysky Alatau Gorge
4.9 · 22 reviews
A one-day route through a picturesque gorge near Almaty. Mountain trails, fresh air, and panoramas of the Tien Shan await you.
WhenTue, Thu, Sat — departure at 10:00
Duration3 hours
StartAlmaty
Pricefrom $38/person
Program
Hourly program of the walk through the Zailiysky Alatau Gorge
10:00
Meeting and departure from Almaty
Meeting the group at the bus stop near the Kazakhstan Hotel. Transfer to the start of the route.
10:40
Start of trekking
Setting out on the trail along the mountain river. Guide briefing.
11:30
Stop at the waterfall
Short break at a cascading waterfall, photo session.
12:15
Lunch at the glade
Picnic with views of the Zailiysky Alatau peaks (dry rations or hot tea).
13:00
Ascent to the observation platform
Gentle trail to a viewpoint overlooking the gorge and the city.
14:00
Descent and Return
Back along the same trail. Transfer to Almaty.
15:00
Arrival in Almaty
Approximate end time of the tour at the starting point.
What's included
What is included in the cost of the walk through the Zailiysky Alatau Gorge
Included in Price
Already included in the tour price
- Transfer from Almaty and back
- Guide services
- Picnic arrangement (tea, snacks)
- Group first aid kit
- Insurance on the route
Paid separately
Optional, on site
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks)
- Lunch at a cafe (optional)
- Trekking pole rental
What to Bring
To make the day comfortable
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Windbreaker or jacket (mountain weather is changeable)
- Water bottle (1-1.5 L)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Backpack for personal items
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 walk through the Zailiysky Alatau Gorge
4.9 ★
Our rating · 312 reviews
4.8 ★
Google · 540
4.9 ★
Yandex · 268
4.8 ★
2GIS · 197
1317
Total reviews
Bakhyt K.
Our website ·
★★★★★We planned to go out into nature with friends on a day off. We chose this tour and didn't regret it. The guide led us through a beautiful gorge, we strolled along the riverbank. Madina helped.
Yerzhan K.
Our website ·
★★★★★We decided to go out into nature with our family on a day off. We didn't regret choosing this tour. Walking along the mountain slope is very easy, the air is clean, the murmur of the river calms the soul. The guide took us to the waterfall, we took photos. We had lunch at the site on the mountain top and relaxed looking at the mountain peaks. The ascent to the peak was not difficult, on the contrary, a wonderful view opened up. The guide talked a lot about the local nature. On the way back we fell asleep on the bus. Thanks to Aleksandr, everything was organized!
Dmitry P.
Google ·
★★★★★In short: I recommend it. The only downside was a slight delay in departure, but it was worth it.
Nurlan Zh.
2GIS ·
★★★★★The nature is wonderful, I rested. Next time I'll come with my family. Thanks to the guide.
Arman B.
2GIS ·
★★★★★Great tour, recommend to everyone. Madina organized everything perfectly.
Gulmira S.
Google ·
★★★★★A very heartfelt trip. The guide took all wishes into account, a sensitive person.
Laura T.
2GIS ·
★★★★★We went with friends spontaneously, just wanted a change of scenery. The tour turned out to be a great option for a short trip. The departure was exactly on schedule, which didn't spoil the impression. The nature in the gorge is magnificent: a mountain river, fresh air, silence. The guide led us along beautiful trails and told us many interesting things. We especially liked the stop at the waterfall and the picnic on the meadow with a view of the mountains. We climbed to the viewpoint, from where a panorama of the gorge and the city opens up. On the way back we were tired but happy. I recommend it to everyone!
Timur A.
Google ·
★★★★★Great option for a short trip. The nature is gorgeous, the instructor led us along beautiful trails.
Oleg S.
Our website ·
★★★★★We got together with friends for the weekend, wanted to spend time in nature. We chose this tour and didn't regret it. The guide told us many interesting things about the mountains and the river. The picnic on the meadow with a view of the peaks was especially memorable. It's a pity the time flew by quickly.
Marat P.
Our website ·
★★★★★We left a bit later than stated, but that's minor. The gorge itself is beautiful, I recommend it.
Maria F.
2GIS ·
★★★★★My colleagues and I decided to escape the city hustle for a day, and this tour turned out to be the perfect choice. In the morning we gathered at the hotel, the guide met us, and we set off to the gorge. The trekking along the river was easy and pleasant, we especially liked the stop at the waterfall — we took beautiful photos there. Lunch on the meadow with a view of the mountains was very atmospheric, we drank tea and enjoyed the silence. The ascent to the viewpoint was effortless, and the view of the gorge and the city was simply breathtaking. The guide kept telling interesting facts about nature. We returned on time, tired but happy. I will definitely go again with my family.
Dinara R.
2GIS ·
★★★★★We spent a long time choosing where to go for the weekend and settled on this tour. I went with a friend to unwind. The road to the gorge is a bit bumpy, but the views out the window are worth it. The trail along the river is scenic, the air is fresh. The guide suggested cool spots for photos, especially at the waterfall. Lunch on the meadow was simple but tasty, with a view of the mountains. The ascent to the viewpoint took a little time, and from there a stunning panorama opens up. We went down in a good mood. Time flew by unnoticed. We will definitely come back here again.
Ruslan Sh.
Google ·
★★★★★We left on time, everything was clear. Nature is calming. Thanks to the driver.
Pavel N.
2GIS ·
★★★★★In short: awesome. The road is bumpy, but that's part of the adventure.
Evgeniy T.
Google ·
★★★★★I liked it, but the route could have been more varied. Overall, it was good.
Sveta G.
Google ·
★★★★★Great option for relaxation. The group was small, the guide was heartfelt.
Zhanna M.
Google ·
★★★★★A tour for those who want a break from the city. Everything is well organized, thanks to the guide for the care.
Aizhan K.
Google ·
★★★★★We spent a long time choosing a tour for the weekend and settled on this option. We didn't regret it — the views are incredible, the air is clean. Thanks to the guide for great company.
Aliya B.
Our website ·
★★★★★We took the tour spontaneously and didn't regret it. Anzhelika is very pleasant and told us everything. The only thing — the trail was quite crowded, we had to walk in single file.
Aigul R.
Our website ·
★★★★★Everything went well, but the departure was slightly delayed at the start. However, the views made up for it.
Saule K.
Our website ·
★★★★★My sister and I decided to take a break after a busy week. We took this one-day tour and were thrilled: the gorge, the river, fresh air. The guide organized everything, even helped with photos at the waterfall.
Ilya Ch.
Our website ·
★★★★★The departure was delayed by 15 minutes, but it didn't spoil the experience. The guide was great.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the walk through the Zailiysky Alatau gorge
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 questionThe route is designed for a mini-group and follows a gentle trail along a mountain river, with no overnight stays and no difficult ascents, so basic physical fitness is enough. The guide sets the pace according to the group and makes stops at the waterfall and in a clearing, so both beginners and older people can manage it comfortably. If you're unsure about a specific person, message us on WhatsApp — we'll advise on the load for your date.
The walking part starts at 10:40 and ends by 14:00 with the descent along the same trail, so trekking takes just over three hours, including stops. Within that time there is a rest at the cascading waterfall, a picnic in a clearing and the climb to the viewpoint. We return to Almaty at approximately 15:00.
The essentials are comfortable trekking shoes that are fine for a mountain trail, and a windbreaker or jacket: in the mountains the weather is changeable even on a warm day. Take a bottle of water, sunglasses and sunscreen, and put personal items in a small backpack. The rest — tea and snacks for the picnic — is arranged by us, and the guide will explain and advise everything before departure.
We meet at 10:00 in Almaty at the Hotel Kazakhstan, from there we drive by car to the start of the trail and by 10:40 we are already on the route. After the descent, the transfer brings the group back to the starting point, at approximately 15:00. The guide will confirm the exact meeting point again on WhatsApp before departure.
The price already includes the road from Almaty and back, a guide-instructor, a picnic with tea and snacks, as well as a group first-aid kit and insurance on the route. Only personal expenses are paid separately: souvenirs, extra drinks, lunch at a cafe if you wish, and trekking pole rental. There are no additional charges on site for the transfer or the guide's work.
Our departures are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:00, and for your own group you can ask about an individual format on WhatsApp. We hold the booking based on a message in the messenger, no prepayment is needed — you pay on the day of the trip via Kaspi, by card or in cash. If plans change, cancellation of the booking is free.
