Medium
Our Tours
Embark on unforgettable hikes through Almaty’s stunning mountain trails, including Kok-Zhailau, Medeu, and Shymbulak.
19 routes on the map
Open full map
Find your next trail in the FriendHike app
GPS routes, trail conditions, and hiking partners for the Almaty mountains
We run private guided hiking tours in the mountains above Almaty - from gentle half-day walks through spruce forest to multi-day expeditions on the four-thousanders of the Ile (Zailiysky) Alatau. Every tour is 100% private: your group only, and the pace is set by you.
Every route below is one we have walked ourselves. Each is graded from 1/5 - families and first-timers, no experience needed - up to 5/5, roped alpine ascents with a certified guide, so you can choose by difficulty instead of guesswork.
Day hikes start at $100 per person and the price drops as your group grows, to around $50 each for six people. Every tour includes an English-speaking guide, round-trip transport from Almaty, lunch on the trail, national park fees and a first aid kit. You pay nothing until we confirm your date.
Not sure where to start? The easiest hikes near Almaty are a good first look - or tell us your dates and fitness and we will suggest a route.
When to hike near Almaty
Altitude decides everything here. Almaty sits at about 800 m while the trails climb to 3,000-4,500 m, so the foothills and the high peaks are often in completely different seasons on the same day.
- Mid-June to mid-September - the main season. High passes, alpine lakes and the four-thousanders are open.
- May and October - best for lower trails, waterfalls and autumn colour, while the high passes are still, or already, under snow.
- December to February - snowshoeing, the ski resorts, Medeo skating and the hot springs, plus serious winter ascents for experienced mountaineers.
Our month-by-month guide covers this in detail, and we watch the forecast right up to your date.
How booking works
Pick a tour and a date - or just tell us your dates and fitness and we will suggest a route. We confirm the guide, the transport and the conditions, then a small deposit reserves the day and the balance is paid on the day of the hike. 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.
The booking and FAQ page has the full detail, and pricing has the complete breakdown by group size.
Choosing your tour
Four levels, all private:
- Easy day hikes from $100 per person - gentle trails, stunning views, back by evening. Start with the best day trips from Almaty or the waterfall hikes.
- Summits and long day hikes from $144 per person - 3,000-5,000 m peaks with a certified alpine guide, in a single day.
- Multi-day expeditions from $330 per person - 2 to 11 days, camping under the stars. See the multi-day treks.
- VIP experience from $550 per person - premium transport, gourmet meals in the mountains, professional photography and drone footage.
New to the mountains here? Read first time hiking in Almaty for altitude, fitness and what to pack.
