Updated June 2026
Booking & FAQ
Everything you need to know before you book a guided hike with us - how booking and payment work, our cancellation and weather policy, what's included, and how pickup and group sizes work. Still have a question? Just message us.
Quick answer
You pay nothing until we confirm your spot. A small deposit then reserves the date and the balance is due on the day. Cancel free up to 48 hours before for a full refund; if we cancel for weather or safety you choose a free reschedule or a full refund. Every tour is 100% private.
On this page
How booking works
Booking is simple and there is no payment until we confirm your spot:
- 1. Pick a tour and date. Browse our guided hikes and send us your preferred date and group size, or just tell us your dates and fitness and we will suggest a route.
- 2. We confirm availability. We check the guide, the transport and the conditions, and confirm the price for your group size.
- 3. A deposit reserves your spot. Once you are happy, a small deposit locks in the date. The balance is paid on the day of the hike.
- 4. We prep you. After booking we send a packing checklist and the pickup details, and we keep an eye on the weather right up to your date.
Not sure which trail suits you? Read our first-time hiking guide or browse the easy beginner hikes.
Payment, deposit & prices
You pay nothing until we confirm your booking. A small deposit then reserves your spot, and the balance is due on the day of the hike. We send payment details when we confirm.
Because every tour is private, the per-person price drops as your group grows. Typical starting prices:
| Tour type | From (solo) | Per person (6 people) |
|---|---|---|
| Day hikes | $100 | $50 |
| Summit & long day hikes | $144 | $65 |
| Multi-day treks | $330 | $147 |
| VIP experience | $550 | $350 |
See the full breakdown on our pricing page.
Cancellation, refunds & weather
We keep it fair and flexible:
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the hike - your deposit is refunded in full.
- Within 48 hours of the hike the deposit is non-refundable, as we will have reserved the guide and transport for you.
- If we cancel for weather or safety, you choose a free reschedule or a full refund - your call.
The same terms apply to every tour, including multi-day, summit and VIP trips. We monitor mountain weather closely; if conditions look unsafe we will move your date or switch to a safe alternative route at no extra cost. You can check the latest forecast on our Almaty mountain weather page.
What's included (and what's not)
Every tour includes:
- A certified, English-speaking mountain guide
- Round-trip transport from Almaty (door-to-door)
- Lunch on the trail
- National park and entrance fees
- A first-aid kit and safety equipment
- A 100% private group - just you and your party
Not included: personal hiking clothing and footwear, travel insurance, and optional extras (souvenirs, drinks, tips). For longer treks we provide or arrange camping and group gear - we will tell you exactly what to bring.
Pickup, timing & group size
Pickup: we collect you from your hotel or apartment in Almaty and bring you back at the end of the day - no need to arrange your own transport.
Group size: all tours are private. You hike only with your own group and your guide, which means we can set the pace to suit you.
Timing: most day hikes start early (we confirm the exact pickup time when you book) to make the most of the morning light and weather. Multi-day treks and summits may start the day before or very early - we will give you a clear plan.
New to hiking here? Our first-time hiking in Almaty guide covers fitness levels, altitude and what to wear.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a hike?
Send us your preferred tour, date and group size (or just your dates and fitness level) and we'll confirm availability and price. You pay nothing until we confirm your spot; a small deposit then reserves the date.
When and how do I pay?
You pay nothing until we confirm your booking. A small deposit then reserves your spot, and the balance is due on the day of the hike. We send payment details once we confirm.
Can I cancel or get a refund?
Yes - free cancellation up to 48 hours before the hike, with your deposit refunded in full. Within 48 hours the deposit is non-refundable. If we cancel for weather or safety, you choose a free reschedule or a full refund. The same terms apply to every tour.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We monitor mountain weather closely. If conditions are unsafe we'll reschedule to another date or switch to a safe alternative route - at no extra cost.
What's included in the price?
An English-speaking guide, round-trip transport from Almaty, lunch on the trail, national park fees, a first-aid kit and a 100% private group. Personal clothing, footwear and travel insurance are not included.
Do you pick me up from my hotel?
Yes. We collect you from your hotel or apartment in Almaty and bring you back afterwards. We confirm the exact pickup time when you book.
Are the tours private or shared with strangers?
Every tour is 100% private - you hike only with your own group and your guide, so we can match the pace to you.
Do you run tours in winter?
Yes - winter is a great season near Almaty for snowshoeing, skiing, skating and hot springs. See our winter hikes and activities guide for the options.