Just outside Almaty, you’ll find dozens of gorges, hidden trails, and waterfalls — perfect places to reconnect with nature. All of them are easy to visit on your own, from 40 minutes to two hours’ drive from the city.
This selection includes routes for light hikes, walks through Ile-Alatau National Park, and peaceful picnics with mountain views. There are no crowds here — only fresh air, silence, and breathtaking scenery.
This selection includes routes for light hikes, walks through Ile-Alatau National Park, and peaceful picnics with mountain views. There are no crowds here — only fresh air, silence, and breathtaking scenery.
Chinese Trail
A gentle 5 km circular route above the Gunny Ethnic Village, located within Ile-Alatau National Park.
The trail winds through pine and birch groves, and at times passes wild apple trees. Quiet, scenic, and rarely crowded — perfect for an easy walk close to Almaty.
⚠️ Pay the eco-fee in advance via Kaspi Payments (Maralsay eco-post). Mobile reception is weak.
The trail winds through pine and birch groves, and at times passes wild apple trees. Quiet, scenic, and rarely crowded — perfect for an easy walk close to Almaty.
⚠️ Pay the eco-fee in advance via Kaspi Payments (Maralsay eco-post). Mobile reception is weak.
Talgar Dam, Maralsay Gorge
A beautiful dam reminiscent of Medeu, but without the tourist crowds.
It’s accessible by any car — stop at the top for photos, cross the dam, and continue toward Maralsay Gorge. The paved road winds through a scenic gorge with many turn-offs, perfect for picnics or camping.
⚠️ There’s an eco-post at the entrance where mobile reception works. We recommend having lunch nearby at Talgar Trout
It’s accessible by any car — stop at the top for photos, cross the dam, and continue toward Maralsay Gorge. The paved road winds through a scenic gorge with many turn-offs, perfect for picnics or camping.
⚠️ There’s an eco-post at the entrance where mobile reception works. We recommend having lunch nearby at Talgar Trout
Ak-Bulak Cable Car, Mount Rakhat
The cable car at Ak-Bulak ski resort takes visitors from the lower station (~1,600 m) to the upper slopes (~2,600–2,700 m), offering stunning views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau and nearby lakes.
In winter, the slopes are perfect for skiing of varying difficulty. In autumn, enjoy the ride without crowds, panoramic mountain views, and even a hike up Mount Rakhat.
Price: 3,200 KZT per person for the ride, plus a pass card for 1,500 KZT.
Operating hours: Weekends only, 09:00–17:00.
For more information and up-to-date prices, visit the official website: ak-bulak.com
In winter, the slopes are perfect for skiing of varying difficulty. In autumn, enjoy the ride without crowds, panoramic mountain views, and even a hike up Mount Rakhat.
Price: 3,200 KZT per person for the ride, plus a pass card for 1,500 KZT.
Operating hours: Weekends only, 09:00–17:00.
For more information and up-to-date prices, visit the official website: ak-bulak.com
Kairak Waterfall, Turgen Gorge
The majestic Kairak Waterfall, about 55 m high, is hidden in Turgen Gorge, roughly 80 km from Almaty.
From the parking lot, an 8 km hiking trail follows the river’s curves, winding through dense coniferous forests and blooming mountain meadows. The trail is suitable for beginners and full of impressions: the roar of cascading water, fresh mountain air, and scenic views of the surrounding cliffs and forests.
⚠️ An ecological fee must be paid at the entrance to Turgen Gorge. The best time to hike is from May to October.
From the parking lot, an 8 km hiking trail follows the river’s curves, winding through dense coniferous forests and blooming mountain meadows. The trail is suitable for beginners and full of impressions: the roar of cascading water, fresh mountain air, and scenic views of the surrounding cliffs and forests.
⚠️ An ecological fee must be paid at the entrance to Turgen Gorge. The best time to hike is from May to October.
Issyk Lake (Esik)
Issyk Lake is a high-mountain lake located in Issyk Gorge, about 70 km from Almaty.
It is especially stunning in autumn, when the mountains and forests are painted in vibrant colors. A good asphalt road leads to the eco-post, from where it’s a short 1.5 km walk to the lake.
⚠️ An ecological fee must be paid at the entrance.
You can also combine the visit with Slava Stolyar’s gastro-tour.
It is especially stunning in autumn, when the mountains and forests are painted in vibrant colors. A good asphalt road leads to the eco-post, from where it’s a short 1.5 km walk to the lake.
⚠️ An ecological fee must be paid at the entrance.
You can also combine the visit with Slava Stolyar’s gastro-tour.
These natural spots are part of our Sabay Sai Self-Travel Guide to exploring the Almaty region. In the full guide, you’ll also find family farms, cozy cafés, and creative spaces that reflect the true spirit of rural Almaty.
👉 See the full guide: Almaty Self-Travel Guide ›
👉 See the full guide: Almaty Self-Travel Guide ›
