Winter tours from Almaty 2026

We at toor organize winter tours from Almaty from December to March: one-day hikes from 3,263 KZT, two-day trips with overnight stays from 18,900 KZT, and multi-day programs up to 5 days from 61,900 KZT. The price includes transfer, equipment (crampons, ice axe, poles), insurance, and guidance from a certified mountaineering instructor.

How to choose a winter tour from Almaty: formats, routes, and difficulty levels

Winter tours from Almaty are divided into seven formats — from relaxing walks to classified ascents. Winter tours in Almaty include both one-day hikes and multi-day expeditions with overnight stays in the mountains. Let's break down each option so you can choose the right one based on difficulty, time, and impressions.

Comparison of winter tour formats: trekking, snowmobile, skiing, jeep tour

Snowmobile tours in Almaty last 4-6 hours and do not require a driving license.

Ski tours in Almaty take place at Shymbulak with an instructor for all skill levels.

One-day tours: where to go from Almaty for a day in winter

The most popular one-day winter tour from Almaty is a hike to Big Almaty Lake: 6-8 hours, 400 m elevation gain, groups up to 8 people with our guide. The route goes through a snowy gorge past the Bogdanovich Glacier, ascending from 2,300 to 2,700 m, with temperatures between -5 and -15°C in calm weather. Another short option is Kok-Zhaylau with a view of the entire city: 4-5 hours of walking on a gentle slope, only 200 m elevation gain, suitable even for tourists without winter experience. For your first winter outing, choose a route without technical sections — BAO and Kok-Zhaylau are doable in regular trekking boots with crampons provided by the guide.

Multi-day tours with overnight stays: two-day and five-day programs

Two-day winter tours from Almaty with overnight stays in a cabin cost from 18,900 KZT and include hot dinner, breakfast, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad — all included in the tour price. A popular two-day route is the Turgen Gorge with an overnight stay at the Ayusay base camp: the group covers 10-12 km on the first day, and on the second day, ascends to the Medvezhy Waterfall (a frozen 30 m cascade) and returns to Almaty by 5:00 PM. Five-day programs go higher — the Assy Plateau and Bogatyr Glacier, with elevation gains up to 1,000 m and overnight stays in heated cabins at 3,000 m. On multi-day routes (up to 5 days), the guide adjusts the program according to weather: if avalanche danger increases, the group switches to an alternative route without loss of quality.

Prices for winter tours from Almaty: from one-day to multi-day

The cost of tours depends on duration, format, and included services — from transfer to insurance. Winter weekend tours in Almaty are two-day programs with overnight stays in cabins from 18,900 KZT. Below is a transparent breakdown by program without hidden fees.

Cost of toor winter tours: price table by format

The most budget-friendly option is a one-day trekking tour from 3,263 KZT — cheaper than renting equipment separately in Almaty. New Year's tours in Almaty are booked 1-2 days in advance, and cancellation is free 48 hours prior.

Booking and cancellation conditions: what you need to know

Tours must be booked 1–2 days in advance; cancellation is free 48 hours prior, later — 50% of the cost, and in case of bad weather, the organizer reschedules the tour without penalty. The price of any of our tours includes accident insurance in the mountains, transfer to and from the route, and equipment (crampons, ice axe, trekking poles) — for multi-day programs, a sleeping bag and pad are added. If the guide assesses avalanche danger as high the day before departure, the client is offered a reschedule to another date or an alternative route — the money is not lost.

Equipment for a winter tour: what toor provides and what you need to bring

Proper gear is the main condition for a comfortable hike in cold weather. Let's break down what is included in the tour price and what you need to bring to avoid freezing or overheating.

Equipment included in the toor tour price

Our winter tours include crampons, ice axe, trekking poles, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad — the basic set for safe travel on snow and ice. The crampons have 12 mm spikes and fit any trekking boots, providing grip on icy slopes up to 40°; the ice axe is 50-60 cm long and used for balance and self-arrest in case of a slip. The trekking poles are telescopic, aluminum, with winter baskets — they don't sink into loose snow up to 80 cm deep and reduce knee strain on descents. The sleeping bag is rated to -5°C, and the sleeping pad is 10 mm polyethylene foam — sufficient for overnight stays in heated cabins. If the route goes through deep snow, the guide provides snowshoes at no extra cost — they distribute weight over 1200 cm² and prevent sinking above the knee.

What to bring on the hike: clothing list

• Base layer: synthetic or merino wool, tight-fitting — wicks moisture away from the body and prevents freezing at rest in -15°C.
• Fleece: mid layer, 200-300 g/m² thickness — retains heat even when damp from sweat during ascents.
• Membrane jacket: windproof up to 20 m/s and snowproof, breathable — prevents overheating during activity.
• Down jacket: worn during breaks and descents — lightweight, warm at -15°C, weighs 200-300 g.
• Balaclava and gloves: essential in winds above 10 m/s — exposed skin freezes in 5 minutes; gloves must be waterproof.
• Trekking boots: high-top, with membrane — protect ankles and stay dry in snow up to 30 cm deep.

How to dress in layers: the three-layer principle for cold-weather trekking

The three-layer system works as follows: the base layer wicks moisture, the mid layer retains heat, and the outer layer protects from wind and snow. In practice, this means thermal underwear made of polyester or merino wool, fleece of 200-300 g/m², and a membrane jacket with breathability of 10-15 thousand g/m²/24h. The down jacket is not part of the layers — it's a separate item for static periods: breaks, lunch, descents in wind up to 20 m/s. The difference between Gore-Tex membranes and cheaper alternatives is 200 g in weight and whether you get wet in one hour or three in wet snow. On ascents, remove the down jacket and unzip the membrane — if you sweat, you'll freeze faster at -15°C without wind due to evaporative cooling.

Safety in winter mountains: avalanches, weather, and guide actions

The mountains are not a place for unprepared solo hikes. Let's cover the key risks: avalanche danger, weather conditions, and mandatory insurance.

Avalanche danger: how toor's guide assesses risk and changes the route

Before each tour from Almaty, our certified mountaineering instructor assesses avalanche danger using the CAAML scale: at level 3 and above, the route is adjusted or postponed. The assessment starts with checking recent snowfall — if more than 30 cm fell in 24 hours, slopes of 25-45° in the Turgen, Aksai gorges, and Assy Plateau are at higher risk, so the guide probes snow depth with a probe and looks for weak layers (depth hoar, crust under powder). If unstable, the group is led along ridges or forested sides — trees hold snow, preventing avalanches. At level 4 out of 5, the tour is canceled with a full refund or replaced with a lower-elevation route.

Winter weather in the mountains: what to expect and how to prepare

In the mountains, daytime temperatures range from -5 to -15°C, wind up to 20 m/s, and snow cover 20-80 cm — our guide provides an accurate forecast the day before and adjusts gear recommendations. At altitudes of 2500-3000 m (BAO, Assy Plateau), wind increases by 5-10 m/s compared to the city — a balaclava and windproof mask are mandatory, even in calm Almaty weather. In the Alma-Arasan and Kok-Zhaylau gorges, wind is weaker — a fleece hat is enough, but in open areas (Big Almaty Lake, Zhosaly Pass), frostbite occurs within 15-20 minutes at -10°C with 15 m/s wind. The day before departure, the guide sends a personalized clothing list based on actual weather: at -18°C, they recommend adding a second base layer and a down vest.

Insurance for the hike: is it mandatory and what does it cover?

Accident insurance for the mountains is mandatory for participation in our tour: it is included in the price and covers injuries, evacuation, and emergency communication. A standard travel insurance policy without mountain coverage is invalid above 2000 m — the extended version covers up to 4500 m and includes fractures, dislocations, frostbite of extremities, altitude sickness (pulmonary edema), and evacuation by ground or helicopter transport for serious injuries. Coverage is up to 1.5 million KZT for medical expenses, including transport to Almaty hospitals (City Clinical Hospital No. 7 or the Trauma Center). The policy is valid from the start of the route, not from the time of booking: if the tour is canceled 48 hours prior, it is rescheduled to the next date at no extra cost.

Best locations for winter hikes near Almaty

Within 40–100 km of the city, there are five key locations, each with its own terrain, altitude, and hike format. Winter excursions in Almaty cover Big Almaty Lake, Turgen Gorge, and the Assy Plateau. The table below shows them.

Five winter locations: what to see and which format suits best

The Assy Plateau in winter is one of the windiest areas in the region (up to 25 m/s), so our guide provides extra windproof masks and recommends a down jacket with a hood, not just a fleece.

Classified winter ascents: for whom and how to prepare

Ascents of category 1B–2A (glaciers, steep slopes) are conducted by toor for participants with trekking experience — basic physical fitness and familiarity with crampons and ice axes are required. Routes go through the Bogdanovich, Tuyuk-Su glaciers, and the upper reaches of the Malaya Almatinka River; elevation gain is 800–1200 m per day, duration 6–8 hours of pure walking. Groups are limited to 6 people, allowing the guide to monitor each person on technical sections. The certified mountaineering instructor checks equipment before departure: crampons must fit snugly on boots (a 2-3 mm gap reduces stability on ice), and the ice axe must match the user's height. Before a 2A ascent, the guide conducts mandatory instruction on self-belay on ice and ice axe techniques — this takes 30-40 minutes at the start of the route.

Winter tour with children: tips for parents

A hike with a child is a viable vacation option if you choose the right route and gear. We've covered the minimum age, safe trails, and what to bring for children.

Minimum age for hikes and suitable routes

Children from age 7 are allowed on toor tours — they are offered separate short routes (Kok-Zhaylau, lower part of Turgen Gorge) lasting 4-5 hours without technical sections. For children aged 7-10, the guide selects trails with no more than 200 m elevation gain and mandatory breaks every half hour to prevent fatigue and cold. Teenagers aged 11-14 are suitable for moderate-difficulty routes: a snowmobile tour on the Assy Plateau, trekking to a waterfall in the Malaya Almatinka Gorge (8-10 km, up to 400 m elevation gain) with a gentle pace. Classified ascents (Big Almaty Peak, Bogdanovich Glacier) are not open to children — they require mountaineering training and belay experience.

What to bring for a child on the hike: extra gear

• Base layer and fleece: synthetic only — cotton absorbs sweat and freezes in the cold, which will definitely ruin the outing.
• Membrane overalls: protect from snow and wind, allow freedom of movement — a model with straps is more convenient than separate top and bottom.
• Down vest: worn under the membrane, warms the core and doesn't hinder walking — easy to remove and pack in the backpack during activity.
• Two pairs of gloves: one on hands, one in the backpack — children's gloves get wet from snow in 20-30 minutes, a spare pair prevents frostbite.
• Spare socks and balaclava: essential in wind; the toor guide checks during breaks if the child's toes are cold and cheeks are red.

Common mistakes of beginners in winter hikes and how to avoid them

Beginners make the same mistakes — from improper clothing to overestimating their strength. Winter hikes in Almaty require proper gear and adherence to the guide's recommendations. Let's break down five typical situations and explain how to avoid them.

Five mistakes of winter tourists and how to avoid them

• Cotton instead of synthetics: cotton absorbs sweat and freezes — use thermal underwear made of polyester or merino wool.
• No balaclava: in 15 m/s wind, exposed cheeks and nose freeze in 5 minutes — a balaclava is mandatory.
• Overestimating strength: beginners walk too fast and tire out within an hour — the certified guide sets a steady pace with breaks every 30 minutes.
• Ignoring the guide: deviating from the route independently risks avalanches or getting lost; the guide knows safe trails and keeps the group's pace uniform.
• Not drinking enough water: the body dehydrates faster in the cold — drink every 20-30 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty.

Which tour to choose for a beginner: step-by-step recommendation

For a beginner with no hiking experience, we recommend a one-day trekking tour to Kok-Zhaylau or BAO — an easy route lasting 6-8 hours with up to 400 m elevation gain, groups up to 8 people with a certified mountaineering instructor. At Kok-Zhaylau, snow cover rarely exceeds 30-40 cm, the trail is wide and marked — getting lost is impossible even in zero visibility, and at BAO in winter, the road is plowed to the dam, then hard-packed snow without avalanche zones. This tour includes transfer from the city, hot tea with a snack, and insurance — price from 3,263 KZT per person. If you feel confident after the first outing, the next step is a two-day tour with an overnight stay in a cabin: it offers experience in cold weather and longer transitions without health risks.

Conclusion

We've gathered five principles to help you plan a winter tour from Almaty without risk or unnecessary expenses.

Key takeaways

• Choose a format based on your experience: trekking for beginners, snowmobile for speed lovers, jeep tour for families with children.
• Proper gear is the foundation of comfort: the three-layer clothing system and synthetics instead of cotton protect against cold even in windy weather.
• Safety in the mountains is the guide's job: avalanche danger is assessed before each departure, and the route is adjusted if risk is present.
• Children can join from age 7: short routes with frequent breaks and hot tea are the best format for a first mountain experience.
• Plan your budget in advance: a one-day tour costs from 3,263 KZT, a two-day tour from 15,000 KZT, a snowmobile tour from 25,000 KZT.