Ak-Kayin Birch Grove: Guided Walk from Almaty

A gentle guided walk through the Ak-Kayin birch grove and surrounding forests on the southern edge of Almaty — one of the easiest and most photogenic nature experiences in the Ile-Alatau National Park.

What to expect at the Ak-Kayin birch grove

The Ak-Kayin birch grove in Almaty is one of those places that feels impossibly far from the city while being, technically, still inside it. Located on the southern outskirts of Almaty in the foothills of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, this grove of tall, slender white birches sits above the Kamenskoye Plateau at roughly 1,500 meters elevation. The name says it plainly: “Ak-Kayin” translates from Kazakh as “white birch.” What draws people here isn’t distance or difficulty — it’s atmosphere. The white trunks against the green canopy in summer, the golden carpet of leaves in autumn, the silence broken only by birdsong and the rustle of wind through the branches.

This isn’t a mountain hike in the traditional sense. It’s a nature walk — relaxed, scenic, and accessible to practically anyone. The trail gains minimal elevation, the paths are wide, and the whole experience can comfortably fit into a half day. That makes it ideal for families, photographers, visitors who want mountain air without mountain effort, or as a warm-up day before tackling something bigger like Kok-Zhailau or Butakovka.

Detailed Itinerary

Pickup and drive to Ak-Kayin (30 minutes)

We meet you at your accommodation in Almaty and drive south along Dostyk Avenue toward the mountains. The drive is short — the grove is only about 9 km from the intersection of Dostyk and Al-Farabi, which puts it closer to the city center than most hiking trailheads in the area. We pass through the residential neighborhood of Tau-Samal, past the Ak-Kayin sanatorium, and reach the eco-post at the entrance to the Ile-Alatau National Park (entry fee included). From the parking area, the grove is a short walk uphill.

Birch grove walk (1.5–2 hours)

The walk begins on a wide path that climbs gently through mixed vegetation before opening up into the birch grove itself. The birches here are mature and densely packed — hundreds of white-barked trees with slender trunks rising from a mossy, leaf-covered forest floor. In the warmer months, the canopy filters sunlight into shifting patterns on the ground. In autumn — the grove’s most spectacular season — the leaves turn golden-yellow and create a scene that locals call the “birch fairy tale” (березовая сказка).

Beyond the birch grove proper, the path continues through terrain that shifts noticeably as you gain a little elevation. First come wild apple orchards — this area is part of the natural habitat of the Sievers apple tree (Malus sieversii), the genetic ancestor of all cultivated apples on earth. Then pine forest, and beyond that, dense Schrenk spruce. You don’t need to go far to experience all four ecosystems; they layer naturally into one walk.

We take our time through the grove. There are clearings with benches and gazebos for resting. We stop for snacks and tea, and there’s plenty of time for photos — the birch grove is one of the most popular photography spots in Almaty for good reason.

Optional extensions

For those who want a longer walk, several connecting trails branch out from the grove area:

The Kamenskoye Plateau viewpoint is a short detour that offers panoramic views of Almaty spread out below and the snow-capped peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau above. On a clear day, the contrast between city and mountains is striking.

The Fesenkov Astrophysical Observatory, located on the Kamenskoye Plateau, has been operating since 1947. Evening excursion sessions are sometimes available if arranged in advance — worth considering if you’re a stargazing enthusiast visiting Almaty.

From Ak-Kayin, experienced hikers can also continue uphill toward Kok-Zhailau — the popular alpine plateau between the Small and Big Almaty gorges. This extension adds several hours and significant elevation, so it’s only recommended for fit hikers looking for a full-day route.

Return to Almaty (30 minutes)

We walk back to the vehicles and drive to Almaty. The whole outing takes roughly 3–4 hours door to door, leaving the rest of the day free.

When to visit: best time for the Ak-Kayin birch grove

The grove is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something different. Autumn (September to mid-October) is the undisputed highlight — the golden birch foliage against white trunks is the reason this place is famous. Locals time their visits around the first weeks of October when the color peaks. Summer (June–August) brings lush green canopy, wildflowers, and cool shade that feels like natural air conditioning compared to the city below. Spring (April–May) brings apple blossoms in the orchards near the grove — a delicate, fragrant experience. Winter transforms the grove into a quiet snow-covered landscape; the white birch trunks blend into the snow, and the effect is striking. Tubing and horse riding are available in the winter months.

Why book this guided Ak-Kayin birch grove walk?

Ak-Kayin is one of the few nature experiences near Almaty that requires almost no physical effort but delivers genuine mountain atmosphere. It’s the right choice for travelers with limited time, families with young children, or anyone who wants a calm half-day in nature before or after more demanding activities. With a guide, you get seamless transport, context about the local ecology (the Sievers apple tree story alone is worth the trip), and help navigating connecting trails if you want to explore further.

FAQ: Ak-Kayin Birch Grove

How hard is the walk at Ak-Kayin? This is rated 1 out of 5 for difficulty. The paths are wide and mostly flat to gently rising. It’s suitable for all ages, including young children and elderly visitors. No hiking experience needed.

Can I visit Ak-Kayin on my own? Yes — it’s reachable by city buses 5B or 5V from Dostyk Avenue (ride to the last stop, then walk 10 minutes uphill). However, signage is minimal and mostly in Russian/Kazakh. A guided visit adds context, transport convenience, and the option to combine the grove with nearby trails.

How far is Ak-Kayin from Almaty center? About 9 km from the Dostyk / Al-Farabi intersection — roughly 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Is there an entrance fee? Yes. The grove is within the Ile-Alatau National Park, so there’s a small entry fee at the eco-post (approximately 500 tenge per person). This is included in our guided tour price.

When is the best time for autumn photos? The birch foliage typically peaks in the first two weeks of October, though this varies slightly year to year depending on weather. Late September through mid-October is the safest window.

Can I combine Ak-Kayin with other hikes? Absolutely. The grove connects to trails leading up to Kok-Zhailau plateau and over to Butakovka gorge. We can design a longer route that starts with the grove and continues uphill — just note that the extensions are significantly more demanding than the grove walk itself.

Is Ak-Kayin good for children? It’s one of the best nature options near Almaty for kids. Short distance, easy terrain, and in the winter months there’s even tubing and horse riding available in the area.