
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan
1. Kolsai Lakes
A series of three turquoise alpine lakes nestled within the Tian Shan Mountains. Offers stunning views and opportunities for trout fishing.
- High-Altitude Hiking: Requires good physical fitness due to steep terrain and high altitudes.
- Wildlife Encounters: Possibility of encountering rare snow leopards, argali sheep, and ibex.
- Remote Location: Requires a guided tour due to its remote location and complex transportation system.
2. Chimbulak
A popular ski resort in winter, but also offers hiking trails with breathtaking views of the mountains during summer.
- Cable Car Access: Easy access to high-altitude trails via cable car.
- Food and Beverage: Availability of cafes and restaurants at the resort for refreshments.
- Mountain Biking Option: Offers opportunities for mountain biking as well as hiking.
3. Sharyn Canyon
A stunning canyon with unique red-colored rock formations. Features a variety of hiking trails and camping sites.
- Unique Landscape: Offers a chance to explore unique, red-rock canyons.
- Camping Opportunities: Allows for overnight camping experiences.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous opportunities for stunning landscape photography.
4. Kok-Tobe Mountain
A popular tourist spot with a cable car, offering panoramic views of the city and nearby mountains.
- Easy Access: Accessible via a cable car, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.
- Cafes and Restaurants: Offers cafes and restaurants at the peak for refreshments.
- Viewing Platforms: Provides multiple viewing platforms for optimal photo opportunities.
5. Medeu Skating Rink
The world's highest skating rink with scenic views of the mountains. Offers hiking trails in the surrounding area.
- Unique Skating Experience: Offers a unique skating experience at high altitude.
- Hiking Opportunities: Provides hiking trails in the surrounding area for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the mountains from the rink.
6. Kazakh Aul-National Park
A park showcasing traditional Kazakh yurts and nomadic culture. Offers hiking trails through the picturesque mountains.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a glimpse into Kazakh nomadic culture.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking trails through the surrounding mountains.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous opportunities for stunning landscape photography.
7. Besbek Gorge
A picturesque gorge with waterfalls and lush vegetation. Offers hiking trails leading to natural pools.
- Waterfall Hike: Features a hike to stunning waterfalls.
- Natural Pool Swimming: Allows for swimming in natural pools along the trails.
- Lush Vegetation: Offers a lush, green environment for hiking and relaxation.
8. Turgen Gorge
A deep, picturesque gorge with the Turges River flowing through it. Offers opportunities for rafting and hiking.
- Rafting Adventure: Offers thrilling rafting experiences on the Turges River.
- Hiking Opportunities: Provides hiking trails along the gorge for stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains.
- Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking scenic beauty, perfect for photography.
9. Tuyuk-Su Gorge
A beautiful gorge with crystal-clear waters and opportunities for horseback riding and hiking.
- Horseback Riding: Allows for guided horseback rides through the gorge.
- Crystal-Clear Waters: Features crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or picnicking.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking scenic beauty, ideal for photography.
10. Tamgaly Tas National Park
A national park featuring ancient petroglyphs and Buddhist rock carvings. Offers hiking trails through the desert landscape.
- Historical Significance: Features centuries-old rock art and carvings.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking trails through the desert landscape.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous opportunities for stunning photographic moments.
11. Big Almaty Lake
A scenic lake surrounded by mountains. Offers hiking trails and picnic spots.
- Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking scenic beauty, perfect for photography.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking trails around the lake.
- Picnic Spots: Provides picnic spots for relaxing and enjoying the surroundings.
12. Kazakhstan Military Pantheon
A memorial complex dedicated to Kazakh soldiers. Offers hiking trails through the surrounding forest.
- Historical Significance: Pay tribute to Kazakh soldiers who have served their country.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking trails through the surrounding forest.
- Scenic Beauty: Features scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings.
13. Kaindy Lake
A unique lake filled with sunken pine trees. Offers hiking trails leading to the lake.
- Unique Landscape: Features a striking landscape of sunken pine trees in a crystal-clear lake.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking trails leading to the lake.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous opportunities for striking landscape photography.
14. Almaty Zoo
A zoo showcasing various animal species native to Kazakhstan. Offers walking paths and picnic areas.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to view wildlife native to Kazakhstan.
- Walking Paths: Offers walking paths through the zoo for a leisurely exploration.
- Picnic Areas: Features picnic areas for enjoying meals outdoors.
15. Akbulak Gorge
A gorge featuring a waterfall and opportunities for horseback riding and hiking.
- Horseback Riding: Allows for guided horseback rides through the gorge.
- Waterfall Hike: Features a hike to a stunning waterfall.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking scenic beauty, ideal for photography.