KAZAKHSTAN

KOLSAY & KUNGEY ALATAU Horseback Tour

Step into a hidden world of pristine alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and towering spruce forests on this one-of-a-kind horseback trail trip through Kolsay Lakes National Park – the crown jewel of the Kungey Alatau mountains.

Geo-Tech Overview

Unlike standard tourist routes, this journey takes you off the beaten path, riding across mountain passes, camping in untouched valleys, and discovering the famous Kolsay Lakes in the most authentic way possible – on horseback, just as the nomads have done for centuries. This program is designed for adventurous travelers who seek the raw beauty of wilderness, the rhythm of life in the saddle, and the simple joys of evenings around the campfire under starry skies. No luxury hotels – only genuine encounters with nature, nomadic culture, and yourself.

June – October
5 days
intermediate, advanced
Kungey Alatau
1800 — 2950 m.a.s.l.
Almaty

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

MAP AND WEATHER

meteoblue

Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights

Ride through the Kungey Alatau mountains, with altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 2,950 meters.
Cross the spectacular Besmoinak Pass (2,950 m) for panoramic views of alpine valleys and glacier-fed rivers.
Discover all three Kolsay Lakes — Lower, Middle, and Highest — each with its own unique beauty.
Explore gorges Kurmety & Taldy dotted with yurts, old seismic stations, and remote shepherd pastures.
Experience nomadic traditions through homestays in Kurmety village and evenings with local hosts.
Ride along flower-filled meadows, dense Tien Shan spruce forests, and crystal-clear streams — with a chance to spot marmots, golden eagles, and ibex.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day 1

Almaty – Kurmety Village – Besmoinak Pass – Mountain Hut

Morning meeting in Almaty and transfer (285 km) to Kurmety village, with a stop at the lively Baiseit market for fresh bread, fruits, and local specialties.
Welcome tea in Kurmety, horse preparations, and loading gear.
Begin riding toward Besmoinak Pass (2,950 m), climbing steadily through spruce forests and alpine meadows.
Arrival at a remote mountain hut on the far side of the pass (2,830 m).
Short hike to a viewpoint with a panoramic vista of the Middle & Lower Kolsay Lakes.
Dinner and overnight in the hut.

Riding: 14 km / +1,250 m / 4 hrs
Hiking: 6 km / +600 m / 3 hrs

Day 2

Mountain Hut – Middle Kolsay Lake – Highest Kolsay Lake

Ride through two small passes with sweeping views of the Kungey Alatau ridge.
Descend through dense Tien Shan spruce forest to the sapphire-blue Middle Kolsay Lake (2,250 m) — picnic and optional swim.
Continue hiking along the shoreline and river valley to reach the Third (Highest) Kolsay Lake (2,860 m), the most remote and wild of all.
Camp by the lake, dinner by the fire, and overnight in tents under the stars.

Distance: 14 km / +700 m / -900 m / 6 hrs

Day 3

Third Kolsay Lake – Middle Lake – Lower Lake – Kurmety Village

Morning descent on horseback back to Middle Kolsay, then onward to the Lower Kolsay Lake (1,818 m) — the most famous and accessible, yet breathtaking in its emerald beauty.
Relax and enjoy a picnic at the lakeshore.
Continue riding back to Kurmety village. Overnight in a local guesthouse — hot dinner, shower, and a chance to experience rural life.

Distance: 18 km / +500 m / -1,800 m / 5 hrs

Day 4

Kurmety Gorge – Taldy River Camp

Ride through remote valleys, passing an old Soviet seismic station, shepherd huts, and endless summer pastures.
Reach a scenic glade along the Taldy River (2,000 m) and set up camp.
Optional evening hike to a viewpoint for a stunning sunset over the gorge.
Dinner and overnight in tents.

Distance: 14 km / +700 m / -200 m / 7 hrs

Day 5

Taldy Gorge – Baiseit – Almaty

Morning ride along the Taldy River, with a final climb to a hilltop offering sweeping views of the gorge.
Descend gradually to the National Park checkpoint, where the horseback journey ends.
Transfer back to Almaty, with a farewell dinner stop in Baiseit village. Arrival around 20:00.

Distance: 12 km / +550 m / -950 m / 4–5 hrs

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Useful Information

Tips & Resources

PRICE LIST:

3200 EUR for one person
1900 EUR per person for a group of 2 people
1500 EUR per person for a group of 3-4 people
1450 EUR per person for a group of 5-6 people
1300 EUR per person for a group of 7-8 people

Accommodation:

You will spend one night in the remote mountain hut and one more night in the homestay. The rest of the nights will be spent under the starry sky in the tents. We recommend to bring your own reliable tent for comfortable night staying. Rental is also possible upon request.

NECESSARY GEAR AND CLOTHING:

Personal clothing and accessories:

– Light functional trekking long pants or leggings;
– T-shirt or light shirt with long sleeve;
– Cap or panama hat for sun and heat protection;
– Neck warmer;
– Trekking waterproof boots or similar with a good protector sole and high lacing;
– Membrane or other water and wind resistant light jacket and pants;
– Raincoat poncho;
– Softshell jacket;
– Down vest or jacket;
– Extra set of warm thermal layer for spending nights in the tent;
– Extra warm socks;
– Sandals or rubber slippers;
– Beanie;
– Pair of thin durable leather or other gloves for horseback riding;
– Warm gloves;
– Headlamp;
– Sunglasses;
– Sunscreen with high UVA protection 50+;
– Personal hygiene items;
– Small towel;
– Swimming suit;
– Water container;
– Personal AID kit (pain and flu medication, adhesive tape, individual medications in case of having chronic diseases);
– Sleeping bag with temperature 0 – -5 degrees Celsius in comfort zone;
– Energy, protein, muesli bars, dry fruits, nuts or other preferred snack;
– Remedy for mosquitoes, flies, horseflies and ticks;
– A small hiking backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters;
– Chargers and cords (power bank or compact solar panel).

Food:

– individual snacks (muesli, protein, chocolate of other bars, dry fruits and nuts, special mount nutrition and etc.)
– soft drinks or alcohol

Services included in the package:

1.Return transfer Almaty – Kurmety – Almaty.
2. English-speaking horseback guide.
3. Horse breeder services & horse rental.
4. National Park entrance fees.
5. All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
6. Camping equipment (2-pax tent, sleeping pad).
7. Horse-riding equipment: helmet and gaiters.
8. Guesthouse accommodation in Kurmety (Day 3).
9. Drinking water.