KAZAKHSTAN

Foothills of Ile Alatau Horseback Group 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.

Route Details:

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.

Route Details:

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:

550 EUR per person for the group tour (4-8 participants)

Group tours operate on fixed departure dates. Please contact us before booking to check the current schedule and availability.

Accommodation:

A cozy yurt camp is hidden in the mountain foothills among pear orchards, providing a comfortable base for two nights in nature. Guests stay in double-occupancy yurts equipped with foldable beds, sleeping bags and diesel-stove heating, making the camp comfortable even during cool spring and autumn nights. Meals are served in a spacious communal guest yurt, the heart of the camp, where everyone gathers for breakfast and dinner, drinks tea, relaxes, watches movies or plays board games. The camp also features a traditional sauna with shower facilities and an outdoor heated hot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day in the saddle while enjoying fresh mountain air and a star-filled sky. On clear evenings, we can also make a campfire and spend the rest of the night outside.

NECESSARY GEAR AND CLOTHING:

Personal clothing and accessories:

— Comfortable long trekking trousers or riding leggings
— T-shirt and lightweight long-sleeve shirt
— Thermal base layer
— Warm fleece or sweater
— Down jacket or vest
— Waterproof and windproof jacket
— Rain poncho
— Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
— Two pairs of warm/high socks
— Sun hat or cap
— Warm beanie
— Neck gaiter
— Thin and warm gloves depending on season
— Sunglasses
— High-SPF sunscreen
— Headlamp
— 1-5 L water bottle
— Personal first-aid kit and medications
— Insect and tick repellent
— Personal hygiene items
— Small towel
— Swimming wear for sauna and hot tub
— 20-30 L day backpack
— Power bank and charging cables

Food:

– Personal trail snacks
– Soft drinks or alcohol

Services included in the package:

1. Return group transfer from Almaty.
2. English-speaking horseback guide.
3. Local horsemen / horse breeder services.
4. Horses for all two riding days.
5. One night in double-occupancy heated yurts.
6. Full-board meals according to the program.
7. Evening sauna.
8. Outdoor heated hot tub.
9. Drinking water and tea at camp.
10. Safety equipment: riding helmet and gaiters.
11. Transportation of non-riding luggage to and from the Yurt Camp.

Services does not included in the package:

1. Personal travel and medical insurance.
2. Personal expenses and services not specified in the program.
3. Personal snacks and energy food.
4. Alcoholic beverages.
5. Individual photo and video services unless arranged separately.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Luggage and clothing that you do not need while riding can be packed separately and transported directly to the Yurt Camp by vehicle. During the ride, participants carry only a small day backpack with water, snacks, extra layers and personal essentials.

Please inform us in advance about any existing health conditions, allergies, chronic illnesses, previous injuries or other medical circumstances that may affect horseback riding or spending several days in the mountains.

The program can be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions.

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