Why Choose Us
We truly love our wonderful region and want to share this love with you.
We create tours for you that inspire and remain memorable.
Private one-day and multi-day tours with a driver-guide
Horseback rides at Kolsay or Kaindy Lake
Comfortable luxury Hyundai Staria minivans
Drone video shooting
Lunch featuring traditional Kazakh cuisine in a cozy guesthouse or a lakeside café at Kolsay Lake with panoramic mountain views — optional
Private transfer on request
Our tours
Reboot yourself with the energy of the mountains, the picturesque landscapes of the Almaty region, and the mysteries of the city of Almaty
Almaty City Sightseeing Tour
Description: A walking and driving tour of the city's iconic sites:
Medeu International Ice Rink, Shymbulak Ski Resort, Republic Square, 28 Panfilov Park, Ascension Cathedral, Green Bazaar, Rahat Confectionery Factory.
Duration: 5 hours
City rhythm, architecture, history, mountain landscapes, mountain relaxation.
📌 Please see schedule in the Tour program below.
10:00 Meeting with the guide, start of the excursion.
10:30 — Ascent to the Medeu Gorge. Overview of the legendary high-altitude ice rink.
11:00 — Ascent to Shymbulak (by cable car).
14:30 — Republic Square and the Independence Monument.
15:00 — Historical Center: Visit Panfilov Park. Guided tour of the Ascension Cathedral and the Memorial of Glory.
16:00 Green Market, Rakhat Confectionery (optional)
17:00 Completion of the excursion, return to the hotel.
Note: Meals are paid separately.
Top natural attractions of Almaty in 4 days
4-day tour around Almaty and its surroundings
Description:
An intensive itinerary covering the main attractions of the Almaty region with airport–hotel–airport transfers included. Over 4 days, we combine high-mountain resorts, relic lakes, and breathtaking canyons. The program is built on striking contrasts: the modern comfort of Medeu and Shymbulak meets the pristine wilderness of Kaindy Lake and the ancient formations of Charyn Canyon. An ideal choice for a first introduction to the region.
Duration: 4 days
Complexity: easy (available for all)
Top destinations in 4 days — Medeu, Shymbulak, Kolsay Lakes, and Charyn Canyon all in one itinerary.
A contrast of experiences — a modern mountain resort and the region’s pristine nature.
An action-packed itinerary — high mountains, pristine lakes, and canyons without unnecessary transfers.
Perfect for first-time visitors to the Almaty region — all the main attractions in a single trip.
- Drone videography at Kolsay Lake and Charyn Canyon.
- The tour takes place in a spacious and comfortable Hyundai Staria minivan throughout all 4 days.
📌 Lunch at a café is available for an additional fee upon request, with optional drone videography.
📌 A detailed itinerary is provided below and can be customized upon request.
⭐ Meeting at the airport + transfer to the hotel or apartments.
Day 1: Almaty City Tour
- 10:00 Visit to Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen and one of the tallest wooden churches in the world — Ascension Cathedral.
- Visit to "Green Market".
- Visit to the branded store of a confectionery factory "Rakhat-Lotte".
Day 2: Almaty Sightseeing Tour
- 10:00 — Departure from the hotel.
- Visit to the ski resort "Shymbulak".
- Transportation and cable car tickets are included.
Day 3: Kolsay Lake, Black Canyon, and Charyn Canyon.
- 06:00 Departure from Almaty.
- Visit to Kolsay Lake.
- Photo stop at the viewpoint Black Canyon.
- Visit to Charyn Canyon (Valley of Castles).
- 20:00 — Arrival at the hotel (estimated time, subject to traffic conditions).
- Day 4: Big Almaty Lake and Ayu-Sai Waterfall.
- 10:00 — Departure from the hotel (apartments).
- End of the program: Transfer from the hotel or apartments to the airport.
Note: Meals are paid separately.
Mountain Gems of the Almaty Region and Mysterious Natural Canyons
Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, and Kolsay Lake
Description:
A visit to the Charyn Canyon and the unique mountain lake Kolsai, with a stop at the Black Canyon and lunch at a cafe serving national cuisine.
Duration: 13 hours
Complexity: easy (available for all)
Natural attractions, local history, panoramic views of the canyon and picturesque mountain lake + gastronomic experience (optional catamaran trip on the lake for an additional fee)
📌 Please see schedule in the Tour program below.
06:00 Departure from Almaty.
09:30 Arrival at the Black Canyon.
10:30 Lake Kolsay-1. Free time: walk along the shore, boats (optional).
12:00 – Lunch (optional)
14:00 Arrival at the Charyn Canyon (“Valley of Castles”). Walk along the bottom of the canyon, photo session.
16:30 Departure back to the city.
Note: Meals are paid separately.
Mountain Symphony (an ideal opportunity to see two pearls of Almaty in one day: the majesty of a high-altitude lake and the quiet beauty of a forest waterfall)
Big Almaty Lake and Ayu-Sai Waterfall
Description: Azure Calling Card (BAO): We will ascend to the famous Big Almaty Lake, where a stunning panorama of turquoise water surrounded by the peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau awaits you. You will learn the history of the lake, its unique origin, and will be able to take unforgettable photos.
Forest Oasis (Ayu-Sai): Next, we will head to the Ayu-Sai gorge (Bear Ravine). A light trek along a picturesque trail along a mountain river through Tien Shan firs awaits us.
"Bear Tears" Waterfall (height 8 m): The highlight will be a visit to the Ayu-Sai waterfall, where you will enjoy the coolness and the sound of water falling from picturesque cliffs, feeling the purity of the mountain air.
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty – easy/medium (accessible to most)
High-altitude lake with turquoise waters amid the majestic peaks of the Tien Shan.
Breathtaking mountain panoramas and fresh, pure air.
An ideal spot for relaxation and stunning photos.
📌 Please see schedule in the Tour program below.
09:00 Departure from the city, ascent through the Alma-Arasan gorge.
10:00 Arrival at the Ayu-Sai gorge ("Bear Ravine"), briefing.
10:15 Trekking to the "Bear Tears" waterfall (height 8 m).
11:30 Rest at the waterfall, photo session.
12:30 Ascent to the Big Almaty Lake.
13:00 Walk near the lake, guide's story about the origin of the reservoir.
14:30 Lunch (lunch boxes in nature).
16:30 Return to the city.
Note: Meals are paid separately.
"Issyk Cascade: History and Nature" Tour. Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of the Issyk Gorge, where nature and ancient mysteries are woven together.
Lake Issyk and Bear Waterfall
Description: Lake Issyk: We begin with a visit to the legendary lake, resurrected after the 1963 catastrophe. You will learn the tragic and amazing story of this mountain wonder, enjoying its calm azure surface and majestic surroundings.
Next, we will head along a picturesque forest trail to the Bear Waterfall (30m high), where you will feel the power of falling water and enjoy the coolness, peace, and the purest mountain air.
On the way back, we will have lunch at a mountain restaurant at a Trout Farm and visit an Ostrich Farm.
Duration: 9 hours
Difficulty – easy/medium (accessible to most)
Natural landmarks, regional history, mountain panoramas, a beautiful waterfall, an azure mountain lake + a gastronomic experience
📌 Please see schedule in the Tour program below.
08:30 Group gathering and departure from Almaty via the Kuldja Tract.
10:00 Visit to the "Issyk" State Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum (optional).
11:00 Arrival at the Turgen Gorge, trekking to the Bear Waterfall (30 m).
13:00 Transfer to Lake Issyk.
13:30 Excursion at the lake, free time.
15:30 Lunch at a mountain restaurant at the trout farm.
16:30 Departure to the city.
18:00 Arrival in Almaty.
Note: Meals are paid separately.
Transfer (Airport - Hotel - Airport)
Full range of transport services
Airport pickup, transfer to the hotel, and transfer from the hotel back to the airport.
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Transfer Type
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One-way price
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|---|---|
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8-seater minivan
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25 USD
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Our Fleet
We have our own fleet of modern and comfortable tourist-class vehicles for any trip:
Hyundai Staria, Minivan, 2024, 8 seats
The 2024 Hyundai Staria is a modern and comfortable 8-seater minivan, perfect for transfers and group travel. The spacious interior with a convenient 2+3+3 seating layout provides plenty of room for all passengers, while wide sliding doors make boarding as convenient as possible. The large trunk allows for easy storage of suitcases and carry-on luggage.
Hyundai Staria, Minivan, 2023, 6 seats
ChatGPT сказал:
The 2023 Hyundai Staria with a 6-seat configuration is a premium and ultra-comfortable minivan, ideal for high-level transfers, business trips, and transporting VIP clients. The cabin is designed in a 2+2+2 format, where each passenger has an individual seat with enhanced comfort, creating a business-class atmosphere.
Reviews
"Our introduction to Almaty was wonderful. To a large extent, this is the merit of Dauren and his team. Punctuality, a pleasant communication style, attention, and care throughout both excursion days (we took the city tour and the lakes with canyons). They responded to every wish and request. Our friends are delighted with our stories and impressions."
Irina I.
"We really enjoyed the excursion with Dauren! A convenient format (individual for 5 people), a comfortable car, and a pleasant guide who told us many interesting things about the city and history and willingly answered all our questions. We visited the main sights, took many great photos, and, at our request, were taken to try national cuisine. In just a few hours, we saw the beauty and grandeur of Almaty and got many vivid impressions! We recommend it to everyone!"
Natalya N.
"A wonderful excursion. We visited many observation decks with breathtaking mountain views. The organizers are very attentive to wishes when planning the route. There was no rush or fuss; we drove around the city, saw many locations, and learned about the city's history and interesting places. The trip turned out to be very comfortable."
Maria L.
"Huge thanks to Dauren for a perfectly organized tour! We took great pleasure in the individual excursion and communicating with the guide! We will recommend you to our friends!"
Natalia N.
"I really liked it! The car, the places, the professionalism! Thank you so much!"
Elena
"Thank you to our wonderful guide, Dauren, for the city tour of Almaty in a private car; they met us at the hotel. The car is very comfortable. All our wishes for the excursion were taken into account; we managed to see everything and even stopped by the market for souvenirs. Dauren answered all our questions and was very polite and attentive to our needs. We are grateful for the hospitality and responsiveness."
Svetlana S.
"Thanks for the city tour! Our family really enjoyed everything. We got to know Almaty and the history of Kazakhstan and admired the beautiful views when we went up into the mountains. Comfortable transfer and an interesting excursion. I recommend it to everyone!"
Nadezhda R.
Our Almaty City Tour was an absolutely delightful experience! A special mention goes to our tour guide, Darima, whose knowledge extended far beyond just the local sights — she impressed us with her awareness of global events and even her familiarity with India, which truly made us feel at home away from home. The weather in Shymbulak was perfect, and the picturesque mountain views made the trip unforgettable. We also had a comfortable Hyundai car and a wonderful driver, Zaur, who ensured a smooth and pleasant journey throughout. What started as a half-day tour felt like it could go on forever — that’s how much we enjoyed it! Darima and Zaur together transformed the experience from a good tour into an exceptionally memorable one with their warmth, enthusiasm, and professionalism.
Nagraj Kamat, India
I would highly recommend this trip - the tour guides were friendly and professional. We throughly enjoyed the experience.
Claire Roberts, Great Britain
Unforgettable history and the taste of travel following the footsteps of the great nomads of Kazakhstan!
Instructions
For medium-difficulty tours, we recommend using the following gear:
List of Recommended Gear
To ensure a comfortable journey and mountain stay, please prepare the following:
Clothing and Footwear
Footwear: Comfortable, broken-in trekking sneakers or boots with good tread. BAO is located at an altitude of 2,500 m, and the trail to Ayu-Sai can be slippery.
Layering: Mountain weather is unpredictable. We recommend the "three-layer" principle:
• Base layer: Thermal underwear or a light T-shirt.
• Insulating layer: Fleece jacket or a sweater.
• Protective layer: Windbreaker or a light waterproof jacket (mandatory!).
Headwear: Cap, sun hat, or beanie (depending on the season).
Food and Water
Water: Minimum 1.5 – 2 liters of drinking water per person.
Snack/Lunch: Lunch box (sandwiches, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, energy bars).
Thermos: Tea or coffee (especially relevant during the cold season).
Additional Items
Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses (the mountain sun is very intense).
First Aid Kit: Personal medication, band-aids, antiseptic.
Raincoat: Light and compact (in case of sudden rain).
Passport/ID: BAO is located in a border zone, so documents are mandatory.
Backpack: Small and comfortable for carrying your belongings.
Recommended Equipment for
Almaty City Tours
List of Recommended Gear
To ensure a comfortable journey and mountain stay, please prepare the following:
Clothes, Shoes and Additional
Comfortable footwear - sneakers or light trekking boots, as tours include walking.
Clothing seasonal: cotton items in summer, insulated jackets in winter.
Sunglasses and sunscreen - Almaty is surrounded by mountains; the sun is active even in cold weather.
Headwear - cap or sun hat in summer, warm hat in winter.
Bottle of water and a light snack - tours last 3–5 hours.
Camera or smartphone — the city and mountain views are impressive.
When Visiting Shymbulak and Medeo
Clothing and Footwear
Warm layered clothing temperatures in the mountains are lower than in the city.
Trekking boots or winter boots - for walking on snow.
Gloves, hat, and thermal underwear - mandatory in winter.
Trip Information
The travel route, including starting, intermediate, and final points, checkpoints on the route, and estimated travel times, can be clarified with our manager.
Visiting Regulations
In Kazakhstan, the rules for visiting nature reserves and national parks are strictly regulated. Please contact our manager for further details.
Book Now
We wish you unforgettable experiences with Tau Samal Travel!
Our manager will help you choose your dream tour, answer all your questions, and take all your wishes into account!