Big Almaty Lake on Horseback: Mountain Day Escape

This 7-hour day trip from Almaty combines a stop at Big Almaty Lake with a guided horseback ride through the surrounding Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, with a driver-guide handling the day from pickup to drop-off.

Drive to Big Almaty Lake

Your driver-guide collects you in Almaty and heads up into the mountains south of the city to Big Almaty Lake, a high-altitude lake sitting at roughly 2,500 metres and known for its turquoise to green water and the snow-capped peaks that ring it, including Sovetov, Ozyorny and Turist. You have time here to walk along the shore, take photos and enjoy the fresh mountain air before the ride begins.

Guided horseback ride through the mountains

From the lake, a local handler leads a guided horseback ride along mountain trails, passing through forest, past streams and across open meadows with views over the surrounding peaks and alpine scenery. The ride is suited to beginners, with basic riding instructions given before you set off, so previous riding experience is not required, and the pace is kept comfortable throughout, with your handler staying close by along the trail.

This trip is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with limited mobility, given the terrain and time spent in the saddle. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing you can layer are worth packing, since mountain weather can change quickly through the day, and it is worth carrying water, sunscreen and a camera. Littering is not permitted anywhere along the route, in keeping with the lake's role as a source of drinking water for the city below.

The day wraps up with the drive back down to Almaty, rounding off a trip that mixes a scenic mountain lake with a light, guided adventure on horseback. Rayna's local guide and driver handle the outing from pickup to drop-off, and the team is reachable before and after your trip if your plans need to change.

• Ride a horse along mountain trails in the Trans-Ili Alatau range with a local handler.
• Spend time at Big Almaty Lake, known for its turquoise water and high-altitude mountain setting.
• Pass through forest, streams and open meadows on a guided ride suited to beginners.
• Take in views of snow-capped peaks and alpine scenery through the day.
• Roundtrip transport and a professional local guide included for the full outing.

• Roundtrip transportation for the full day
• Professional local guide
• Guided horseback riding experience

• Personal expenses
• Meals and beverages

1. Keep a soft copy of your voucher on your phone.
2. Carry your passport or ID card.
3. Present it to your driver for verification at pickup.

• Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor activity and riding.
• Dress in layers, since mountain weather can change quickly through the day.
• Carry water, snacks, sunscreen and a camera.
• The ride suits beginners; basic riding instructions are given before you set off.
• Riding time may vary depending on weather and trail conditions.
• Littering is not allowed during the activity.
• This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with limited mobility.
• Be ready in the pickup area 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
• Provide accurate hotel address details when booking, to help pickup run smoothly.
• Carry a valid ID or passport with you for identification during the tour.
• Stick to the scheduled pickup time, since timings can shift with traffic and other factors.
• Meals are not included, so bring snacks or plan to eat before or after the outing.