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Tourist Attractions in the Almaty Mountains

Tourist Attractions in the Almaty Mountains

Vacations in the Almaty mountains are highly sought after, boasting a plethora of options for accommodation and entertainment along the mountain slopes, including numerous recreation centers, hotel complexes, and guest houses. But how do you choose the right one? Where's the best place to go? If you're embarking on such a trip for the first time or seeking a new experience, you've likely pondered this question more than once. Let's explore some promising options.

Determining Your Vacationer Profile

One of the crucial points to consider is which category of vacationer you belong to. With various hotels catering to different price ranges, mountain getaways in Almaty are accessible to all. Visitors often fall into these groups:

High-income tourists: If comfort, convenience, and an array of amenities matter to you, premium hotels equipped with swimming pools, saunas, billiards, and spa complexes are ideal.
Athletes or groups of friends: Young people often prefer active recreation, opting for budget-friendly hotels that offer skiing, horseback riding, or hiking opportunities.
Families with children: Whether local or visiting, families tend to bring a lot of gear, drive their own cars, and frequently venture to the mountains for weekend picnics. If the children are old enough and resilient, they can join in on hiking adventures.
Elderly groups: Pensioners often book bus excursions to the mountains and, if the trip spans more than one day, opt to stay in mountain hotels.
Foreign tourists: Almaty offers an intriguing holiday experience for international visitors. Kazakhstan allows visa-free entry for two weeks to tourists from capitalist countries.

At the entrances to various gorges, there are eco-posts where entry is affordable, payable via mobile or cash.

Entertainment Options in the Mountains

The Almaty Mountains offer a diverse range of entertainment options. Let's delve into the features of each:

Hiking

Hiking presents one of the most accessible and budget-friendly recreational activities, requiring little preparation or expense. Often referred to as trekking for longer climbs and hiking for shorter, leisurely strolls, these activities cater to various skill levels. The Almaty mountains boast numerous hiking routes, from challenging trails suited for seasoned adventurers to more manageable paths suitable for beginners. Here are some popular destinations:

Mount Kok-Tobe (accessible via gondola ride from the city center)
Bear Gorge (accessible by bus No. 28 followed by a short walk)
Dam in the Medeo tract (reachable by bus No. 12 or car)
Kok Zhailau (bus No. 12 to Prosveshchenets stop, then a walk)
Kimasarovskoe Gorge (accessible by bus No. 12 or car)
Alma Arasan Gorge (bus No. 28 followed by a short walk)
Butakovka Gorge (accessible by buses No. 12 and 29, or by car)
Trek above the Chimbulak ski complex (bus No. 12 + cable car or taxi)
Big Almaty Lake (bus No. 28, then walk, or car to the barrier, then walk)
Almatau, Beskainar village, or Mountain Gardener (bus No. 209 or car)

Hiking not only provides breathtaking panoramas and fresh mountain air but also offers health benefits. It's advisable to carry a GPS navigator for safety. Additionally, be mindful that the southern border leads to Kyrgyzstan, and to the west lies the Almaty Nature Reserve, accessible only with a pass.

Mountain Accommodation

In the mountains, visitors can opt for hotel stays or rent separate houses. The selection is varied, offering different price points and amenities. Those seeking comfort, especially families with children, often prefer hotel rooms or cottages over camping and cooking over a fire.

Mountain hotels provide a host of additional services, including restaurants, spa facilities, excursion centers, ATV and ski equipment rentals, as well as guided horseback riding or walking tours.

Ski Resorts

Near Almaty, several ski resorts cater to skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts seeking extreme slopes (black routes). These resorts have enhanced their facilities, offering instructor services, modern ski lifts, and equipment rentals. Some popular resorts include:

Ak Bulak (accessible by car)
Shymbulak (bus No. 12 or car + cable car)
Oi Karagay (accessible by car)
Almatau (car or bus No. 209)
Mountaineering

For experienced climbers, the Almaty mountains offer challenging routes, including the ascent of Talgar, the tallest peak at 5017 m. For less experienced climbers, there are easier options available for both single-day and extended climbs. It's advisable to hire a guide or conductor to avoid getting lost, especially considering the increased risk of avalanches between late winter and early spring.

The highest mountain in Almaty is Talgar Peak, standing at 5017 m tall.

Family Picnics

For those who aren't keen on hiking but still crave a weekend retreat, a mountain getaway by car is a perfect option. It's especially suitable for families with young children, offering them the opportunity to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Consider visiting destinations like Lake Issyk (an hour's drive away), Big Almaty Lake (cars are currently not allowed there), Butakovskoye, and Big Almaty Gorges.

Parking areas along the road provide convenient spots for picnics. Here, you'll find gently sloping clearings ideal for setting up a barbecue, laying out a blanket, or arranging camp tables and chairs. Some areas even offer specially equipped gazebos. However, be aware that not all tourists clean up after themselves, so there may be some litter around.

Weekend Tours

Travel companies in Almaty offer weekend tours to various attractions, including Lake Issyk, Turgen waterfalls, Kolsai lakes, and Aksai gorge. Visitors can also explore observation decks offering stunning views. These tours are a hassle-free way to experience the mountains and enjoy a memorable holiday. Comfortable buses transport tourists to the starting points of walking routes, with organized groups accompanied by guides. While most tours are designed for a single day, there are options for two-day tours with overnight stays in mountain hotels. Activities may include themed events, bicycle rides, ATV rides, and visits to local attractions.

Gorges in the Almaty Mountains

When planning your mountain getaway in Almaty, don't forget to include visits to the local gorges. Many are conveniently located near the city or within its boundaries and are easily recognizable by their names.

Click to enlarge

Small (Maloe) Almaty Gorge

Accessible by several city buses, this gorge is home to the famous Medeo skating rink, a gondola road to Shymbulak, and various hotels, private cottages, and restaurants. A road on the right side of the ski base leads to the Tuyuksu glacier, although navigating this area requires good physical fitness. It's a great spot for relaxation and picnics.

Kimasarovskoe Gorge

Located near the Medeo skating rink and Shymbulak resort, this gorge offers scenic walking opportunities and is accessible by bus No. 12.

Big Almaty Gorge

Located to the right of the Small Almaty Gorge when facing the mountains from the city, this gorge is reachable by bus No. 28. The road is well-paved, leading to attractions such as the Ayusai mudflow dam, glamping houses, and the Ayusai visitor center. Further along, the road is closed to vehicles, requiring a walk to reach Big Almaty Lake.

Butakovskoye Gorge

Accessible from the final stop of bus No. 29, visitors can either walk or drive to the left.

Prosveshenetz

Starting from a stop of the same name, this easy walking route leads to the Kok-Jailau site and offers a gentle descent towards the city. The climb is slightly more challenging.

Alma-Arasan Gorge

One of the most popular gorges, Alma-Arasan is located to the right of the Big Almaty Gorge. It boasts numerous recreation centers, houses, cottages, Tau Spa pools, and trout fishing ponds. There's even a hot spring, although accommodations are basic yet intriguing.

Besqaynar (Mountain Gardener)

Formerly known as the state farm, Besqaynar is now dubbed "Mountain Gardener." Positioned notably to the left when viewing the mountains from Almaty, this gorge is accessible by turning onto Chekhov Street. Buses No. 209 and 210 provide convenient transport options. Besqaynar boasts numerous recreation centers, cottages, lodges, dachas, boutique hotels, the Tabagan ski resort, and the Lesnaya Skazka (Oy-Karagai) resort, all operating year-round. Available activities include:

- Winter sports like skiing, sledding, tubing, and snowboarding
- Biking, hiking, and horseback riding
- Fishing
- Sauna, steam room, and Turkish bath
- ATV tours

Aksai Gorge

Situated to the right of Almaty, Aksai Gorge was once a dacha village during Soviet times and still features many dachas and gardens, even at high elevations. Visitors can rent houses in the gorge and explore the Seraphim-Feognostovsky Aksai Skete, a renowned Orthodox shrine built on Mount Kyzyl-Zhar's slope. Weekend tours to the skete offer a restored route suitable for beginners, with convenient steps, benches, and a gazebo along the way. The elevation gain is consistent, offering serene views and a tranquil atmosphere. The journey, approximately 1.5 km in length, leads to the skete, chapel, and graves of saints, offering breathtaking panoramas.

For those seeking an extended stay, the Melnitsa recreation center provides a cozy family-friendly environment with amenities including a children's playground, restaurant, and trout fishing lake. The menu features European, Kazakh, and Caucasian cuisine, with additional options to rent gazebos and trestle beds (barbecue and cauldron included), along with complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Hotel "4 Seasons"

A charming mountain hotel favored by business travelers, city guests, and tourists alike, offering a homely atmosphere, a wide array of services, and a convenient location near the mountains and a river.

Trout Farm "Dolphin"

An intriguing establishment featuring a restaurant, sauna, bar, and swimming pool, accessible by bus No. 26. The farm provides excellent trout fishing opportunities, with rental fishing rods and services for cleaning and preparing the catch in various styles.

Guest House "Panorama"

Ideal for extended stays after visiting the Skete, the Panorama guest house offers comfortable accommodations in stylish cottages with amenities such as bed linen, bathrobes, sauna, swimming pool, kitchenware, washing machine, bathtub, and toilet. Grill rentals are available for outdoor cooking.

Kaskelen Gorge

Positioned to the right of the city, Kaskelen Gorge boasts numerous suburban recreation areas, dachas, and cottages. The Home Club base offers a wide range of activities year-round, including ferry rides, horseback riding, mountain biking, paintball, and fishing for trout. The Prival recreation center features yurts and standard rooms, perfect for holidays, banquets, and family celebrations, with amenities like a playground, gazebos, and a volleyball court.

Nurlytau Trout Farm

Located higher in the gorge, Nurlytau offers an array of services including children's and adult pools, dishware rentals, river trout fishing, catch cleaning and preparation, horseback riding, camel rides, and electric scooter and ATV rentals. The rooms are equipped with appliances, furniture, and bedding, with additional amenities like gazebos, a pier, a Saki bathhouse, and a parking lot. Tourists mainly access the area by car, with some opting for picnics on-site while others venture higher into the mountains.

Talgar Gorge

Situated to the left of Almaty, Talgar Gorge is relatively close and features several notable attractions, including:

Ak Bulak Ski Resort: One of the top 10 resorts, open year-round, offering cozy accommodations, restaurants, sauna, indoor pool, bars, bowling alley, and billiards. The resort caters to various skill levels with ski trails, a children's playground, gyms, and equestrian facilities.
U Mikhalych Recreation Area: Comfortable rooms, a petting zoo, sauna, and restaurant.
Gora Glamping: Individual guest cottages with modern amenities, tent-houses with barbecue areas, and a spacious terrace.

Bel-Bulak

Situated near Talgarsky, Bel-Bulak offers a range of attractions including the Pioneer family ski resort and the Ne Dacha recreation complex. Visitors can enjoy skiing, sauna facilities, swimming pools, and comfortable accommodations. Professional instructors are available upon request, and equipment such as grills, cocktail pots, and cauldrons can be rented for added convenience.

Issyk Gorge

Located approximately 65 km from Almaty's center, Issyk Gorge is a captivating destination to the left of the city. Key attractions include:

Lake Issyk: Formed over 10 thousand years ago due to a mountain collapse, this lake sits at an altitude of 1714.5 m above sea level and can be accessed by car or as part of a weekend tour.
Issyk trout farm: Offering a unique recreational area with fishing, gazebos, and a restaurant.

Turgen Gorge

Further to the left of the city lies Turgen Gorge, renowned for its natural wonders and recreational facilities:

Turgen waterfalls: Featuring seven waterfalls of varying power and height, including the breathtaking Kairaksky and Medvezhiy falls. Accessible by car or through organized weekend tours, which may also include visits to the historical and ethnographic museum, an ostrich farm, and a trout farm.
Turgensai recreation area: A complex of classic yurts, offering fishing, sauna facilities, a restaurant, and proximity to the waterfalls.
ALTYN TAU trout farm: A popular spot for fishing and hearty meals, consisting of several dozen individual yurt houses, restaurants, and gazebos, with amenities for children. Open year-round.
Turgensai Visit Center: Organizing excursions, tours, and events, with facilities including parking, a souvenir shop, food area, children's playground, restroom, and terraces.

These are just a few highlights of the gorges in the region. For a comprehensive experience, consider consulting local guides for insights and assistance in navigating the area.

Preparing for Your Mountain Visit

Here are some tips to ensure a comfortable and safe mountain getaway:

Check the weather forecast before heading out, as mountain weather can differ significantly from the city.
Wear appropriate clothing, including comfortable shoes, a warm jacket, and a raincoat. In summer, don't forget a hat and sunscreen.
Bring water and food, even when traveling with an organized group.
Be cautious of ticks, especially during the first month and a half of summer, and take necessary precautions.
Be aware of natural hazards such as avalanches in winter and floods and mudslides in summer.

For both experienced and inexperienced travelers, it's advisable not to venture into the mountains alone. If you do decide to go solo, inform someone close to you about your route, duration of the trip, and checkpoints along the way.

Explore Useful Links

Some places in the mountains on the map

View Google map at these coordinates

Travel agencies offering weekend tours to the Almaty mountains:

http://tvd.kz/
http://www.keremettour.kz/tvd

You can hire a guide for a mountain hike through these sites:

http://adrenalinicsilence.kz/marshruty-i-karty/10-marshrutov-v-gorax-almaty-gps-treki/

http://trekkingclub.kz/

http://morena.kz/