The Northern Tien Shan & National Parks Hiking Adventure

The Northern Tien Shan & National Parks Hiking Adventure is a refined multi-day journey crafted for travelers who seek active exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and elevated comfort. Designed for those who appreciate outdoor adventure without sacrificing modern amenities, this experience combines scenic hiking with relaxing stays in quality hotels.

Enjoy easy to moderate hikes through the dramatic alpine scenery of the Northern Tien Shan, explore pristine mountain ecosystems within the Almaty Nature Reserve, marvel at the vast red rock formations of Charyn Canyon, and discover the crystal-clear waters of the iconic Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes.

This immersive Central Asia hiking experience blends nature, comfort, and discovery — ideal for discerning travelers looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure beyond the ordinary.

Hike the historic Old Japanese Road trail in the Big Almaty Gorge, one of the most scenic mountain hiking routes near Almaty

• Explore panoramic alpine trails in Kim-Asar Gorge and the legendary Medeo mountain valley, home to the world’s highest ice skating rink

• Ride to Shymbulak Mountain Resort and hike toward the iconic Shymbulak Peak, enjoying sweeping views of the Northern Tien Shan

• Discover pristine high-altitude lakes including Issyk Lake, Kolsai Lakes (Kolsai 2 & Kolsai 3), Lake Kaindy, and the hidden alpine gem Yegizkol Lake

• Experience the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia”

• Witness a traditional Kazakh eagle hunting falconry show, showcasing ancient nomadic heritage

• Enjoy easy to moderate guided mountain hiking, combining soft adventure travel with comfortable hotel stays

• Perfect for travelers seeking a Central Asia hiking tour, Almaty mountain adventure, and unforgettable Northern Tien Shan landscapes

Duration: 8 active days / 8 nights, departure on Day 9

Tour type: Active nature tour (Northern Tien Shan hiking, national parks, and cultural experiences)

Age range: 10–75 years (suitable for travelers with basic to moderate fitness levels; easy to moderate hiking involved)

Difficulty level: easy, easy+, moderate

Languages: English, German, Russian, Kazakh, Arabic, Chinese, Italian, French

Start date: April to November

Accommodation: centrally located 4* city hotel in Almaty + guest house in the Almaty Region

Meals: daily breakfast, lunch during day tours (no alcohol), bottled water and lemonade each day

Almaty city, Northern Tien Shan Mountains, Ile-Alatau National Park, Almaty Nature Reserve, Big Almaty Gorge (Old Japanese Road), Kim-Asar Gorge, Medeu high-mountain valley, Shymbulak Mountain Resort & Peak, Issyk Lake, Kolsai Lakes National Park (Kolsai 2 & Kolsai 3), Lake Kaindy, Yegizkol alpine lake, Charyn Canyon, Traditional Falconry Show

Customization: minor adjustments to the itinerary and accommodation options are available upon request

Price: from 1810 USD per person*
(*The rate applies to groups of 6 guests or more and is intended for tour operators and group leaders. For groups of fewer than 6 guests, please contact us for a customized quotation)

• Transfer from and back to the Almaty airport;
• Transfer from and back to all tour locations;
• Accommodation in the 4 * city hotel and Guesthouse in Saty Village;
• Accompaniment by a professional guide
• National Parks and sport facilities fees, tickets for the cable car Medeu – Shymbulak, tickets to Falconry show;
• All activities;
• Meals (breakfast in the hotels, lunch during day tour (without alcohol);
• Drinks (a bottle of water and a bottle of juice);
• Rent of trekking poles
• All Taxes/VAT

• Flights
• Dinners
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips
• Personal items (Souvenirs, rent of hiking equipment etc.)
• Visa fees and insurance

Day 1: pick you up from the airport and transfer you to city hotel, free time.

Day 2: Big Almaty Gorge Hiking Tour (Old Japanese Road Scenic Trail) + Traditional Falconry Show (Wild Birds of Prey Demonstration)

Day 3: Medeu & Shymbulak Mountain Tour (World’s Highest Skating Rink at 1,691 m) + Cable Car Ride to Shymbulak Ski Resort + Shymbulak Peak Hiking Trail (Northern Tien Shan Alpine Views) + Scenic Lunch at Shymbulak Mountain Resort

Day 4: Issyk Lake Sightseeing Tour & Hiking (High-Altitude Alpine Lake in the Northern Tien Shan) + Scenic Lakeside Walk + Lunch at a Local Trout Farm

Day 5: Kim-Asar Gorge Hiking Tour + Furmanov Peak Summit Hike (3,053 m, Panoramic Northern Tien Shan Views) + Nature Picnic in the Mountains

Day 6: Trip to Charyn Canyon (Grand Canyon of Central Asia, Valley of Castles) + Scenic Lunch Stop at Charyn Canyon + Dinner & Overnight at a Saty Village Guesthouse

Day 7: Breakfast at the Guesthouse + Kolsai Lakes Hiking Tour + Hike to Kolsai Lake 2 (Kolsai Middle Lake, 2252 m above sea level) + Scenic Alpine Trail in Kolsai Lakes National Park + Dinner & Overnight at a Guesthouse in Saty Village

Day 8: Breakfast at the Guesthouse + Easy Hike to Kaindy Lake + Visit Yegizkol Alpine Lake + Traditional Homemade Lunch at a Guesthouse + Return Transfer to Almaty + Hotel Overnight in Almaty

Day 9 (Final day): check out of the hotel before 12 noon + transfer to the Almaty airport