KAZAKHSTAN

FOOTHILLS OF ILE ALATAU HORSEBACK TOUR

This trip is perfect for beginners and experienced riders and anyone looking for a horseback adventure with comfort, nomadic atmosphere and beautiful wild scenery.

GEO-TECH OVERVIEW

A simple and soulful horseback journey into the open steppe and mountain landscapes. No crowds, only horses, nomadic life around, golden evening light, a cozy yurt camp, hot sauna, mountain air and two days of reconnecting with nature.

All year round
2 days
beginner, intermediate
Ile Alatau
850 — 1500 m.a.s.l.
Almaty

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

MAP AND WEATHER

meteoblue

Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights

Scenic horseback ride through open fields and foothills.
Comfortable pace suitable for beginners and faster pace suitable for experienced riders.
Overnight in heated yurts.
Traditional camp atmosphere with sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Sunset ride through wild landscapes.
Panoramic ridge ride on Day 2.
Authentic local hospitality.
Easy access from Almaty.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day 1

Almaty – Qainazar – Yurt Camp.

Transfer from Almaty to Qainazar village (70 km). Meeting with horses and safety instructions. Start of the trip. Passing shortly through the settlement before heading into wide open fields and countryside trails. In autumn, after harvest season, riders can cross open farmland directly, making the route especially scenic and varied. During summer months, routes follow side trails around active fields. The ride is smooth and comfortable with no technical climbs, making it a great option for first-time riders. We move steadily with minimal stops, enjoying beautiful afternoon light and golden sunset views. Arrival at the mountain camp around dusk. After reaching camp, the team takes care of the horses while guests settle into cozy yurts with foldable beds and heating from diesel stoves. Evening activities in the camp: traditional hot sauna, outdoor heated bath tub under the stars, homemade dinner in the main guest yurt, tea, conversations, table games or movies. Overnight in yurts.

Distance: 13 km
Riding time: 3 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +600 m / -100 m
Camp altitude: 1330 m
Start point altitude: 850 m

Approximate Schedule:

— 12:00 — Start from Almaty
— 14:30 — Arrival to the village
— 15:00 — Start riding
— 17:00 — Arrival to camp
— 17:30 — Sauna
— 19:00 — Dinner
— 22:00 — Rest time

Day 2

Yurt Camp – Panorama – Yurt Camp – Qainazar – Almaty.

Slow mountain morning, breakfast in the guest yurt and relaxed start of the day. Before departure, we saddle the horses for a short scenic ride above the camp to a panoramic ridge with wide views over the valleys and foothills. A perfect place for photos, drone shots and quiet moments in nature. After returning to camp, lunch is served. In the afternoon we ride back down to the village using another trail. There are several route options here, allowing the guides to choose the best and most scenic way depending on weather and trail conditions. Return to the village by late afternoon and transfer back to Almaty.

Distance: 3.5 km
Riding time: 1.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +150 m / -150 m
Camp to Finish Distance: 12 km
Riding time: 2,5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +30 m / -500 m
Total Day 2 Riding Time 4 hours

Approximate Schedule:

— 10:00 — Breakfast
— 11:30 — Ridge ride
— 13:30 — Lunch
— 14:45 — Ride back to village
— 17:00 — Ready to depart to the city
— 19:00 — Return to Almaty

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Useful Information

Tips & Resources

PRICE LIST:

500 EUR for one person
350 EUR per person for the group of 2
300 EUR per person for the group of 3-6
250 EUR per person for the group of 7-10

Accommodation:

Cozy yurt camp hidden in the mountains among the pear orchards, offering everything needed for a warm and comfortable overnight stay after a day on horseback. Guests stay in double occupancy yurts with foldable beds, sleeping bags, and diesel stove heating. Meals are served in a spacious guest yurt, where you can also relax with tea, watch movies, or enjoy board games in the evening. The camp also features a traditional sauna with shower and an outdoor hot tub — the perfect place to unwind under the stars and breathe the fresh mountain air.

NECESSARY GEAR AND CLOTHING:

Personal clothing and accessories:

– Light trekking long pants or leggings;
– T-shirt or light shirt with long sleeve;
– Thermal base layer;
– Cap or panama hat;
– Neck gaiter;
– Waterproof boots or similar with a good protector sole;
– Water and wind resistant jacket;
– Raincoat poncho;
– Warm sweater or zip jacket;
– Light down vest or jacket;
– Two pairs of high thermo socks;
– Beanie;
– Two pairs of gloves (thin and warm, according to the season);
– Head-mounted or other compact flashlight;
– Water container (1-1,5 l);
– Sunglasses;
– Sunscreen with a high degree of UV protection;
– Personal AID kit (cold and individual diseases medicines, painkillers, adhesive tape);
– Remedy for mosquitoes, flies, horseflies and ticks;
– Personal hygiene items;
– Small towel;
– Swimming wear;
– A small hiking backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters;
– Chargers and cords (power bank or compact solar panel).

Equipment:

– freeride backpack with skis/splitboard fixation (volume 30-40 liters)
– helmet
– goggles with a spare lens for foggy conditions
– ski-touring/snowboard boots
– freeride skis with proper touring bindings or splitboard
– climbing skins
– telescopic poles