Very Hard
Our Tours
Embark on unforgettable hikes through Almaty’s stunning mountain trails, including Kok-Zhailau, Medeu, and Shymbulak.
85 routes on the map
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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.
