Horseback Riding in Ile-Alatau National Park from Almaty

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Overview

Ride through birch, spruce and pine forest in the Ile-Alatau National Park on this half-day horseback tour from Almaty. You are collected from one of two pickup locations in the city, receive a safety briefing and basic riding instructions, and then ride for about two and a half hours at a calm walking pace along the Zhailau route with an English-speaking horse guide. The ride ends with traditional tea and baursaks. It is a good choice for beginners, couples and friends who want mountain nature without a long day.

Highlights

2.5 hours on horseback through the Ile-Alatau National Park
Suitable for beginners: calm horses, safety briefing and basic riding instructions
Forest trails, mountain streams, wild apple trees and viewpoints
Round-trip transfer from one of two pickup locations in Almaty
Helmets provided, and raincoats if it rains
Traditional tea and baursaks at the end of the ride
English-speaking horse guide throughout the ride

Full Description

Ile-Alatau National Park

Ile-Alatau National Park protects a large part of the northern slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau range above Almaty, from foothill meadows to high alpine zones. Its forests of spruce, birch and pine, its mountain streams and its wild apple trees make it a favourite place for a nature day out. Park entrance fees are included in this tour, so there is nothing extra to pay at the gate.

Many travellers search for horseback riding near Almaty and ask how far the national park is from the city; the drive is around fifty minutes each way. The best time to visit Ile-Alatau on horseback is from late spring to early autumn, when the trails are dry and the forest is green.

The Zhailau riding route

The ride follows a mountain route through the Zhailau area, passing gorges, meadows and quiet forest paths with changing views. Because it runs inside the park rather than across open hills, the scenery stays varied throughout, and there is natural shade from the trees. Horseback tours in Ile-Alatau National Park suit travellers who prefer nature to cities.

The pace is a calm walk, with no galloping or jumping, and the horses are trained for beginners. Wear long trousers and closed shoes, and expect a warm sun and cool shade. Weather can change in the mountains, so raincoats are provided if needed.

Riding instructions and safety

Before setting off you receive a safety briefing and basic riding instructions, with helmets provided for everyone. No previous experience is required, which makes this horse riding tour from Almaty a good choice for first-timers.

Guides stay with the group for the whole ride, so you are never left on your own on the trail. Because of safety limits, children under 13 years, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments and people over 113 kilograms cannot take part. Large bags are not allowed on the horse, so carry only what you need.

Tea and baursaks after the ride

At the end of the ride the group stops for traditional Kazakh hospitality: hot tea and baursaks, small pieces of fried dough that are a staple of the local table. It is a relaxed way to finish and to talk with the guide about the mountains and local life.

After the tea the group returns to Almaty and is dropped at the same pickup location. The whole trip takes about five and a half hours, starting at 11:30 with pickup from one of two locations we confirm after booking.

Itinerary

Pickup in AlmatyAt 11:30 from one of two pickup locations, chosen when you book.
Drive to Ile-Alatau National ParkAbout fifty minutes by comfortable transfer.
Safety briefing and instructionsMeet your horse and guide, receive a helmet and basic riding instruction.
Horseback rideAbout 2.5 hours at a walking pace through forest and meadows.
Tea and baursaksTraditional refreshments at the end of the ride.
Return to AlmatyAbout fifty minutes back to the drop-off location.

What's included

Horses for 2.5 hours
National park entrance fees
Basic riding instructions
Helmets, and raincoats if it rains
Round-trip transfer from Almaty
Traditional tea and baursaks at the end
English-speaking horse guide throughout

Not included

Personal expenses
Tips

Not suitable for

Children under 13 years
Pregnant women
People with mobility impairments
People over 113 kg (250 lb)

Meeting point

Pickup is from one of two pickup locations in Almaty, which you choose when you book, at about 11:30. The transfer returns you to the same location after the ride.

Important information

Horses for 2.5 hours, park entrance fees, basic riding instructions, helmets, the round-trip transfer, tea with baursaks and the English-speaking horse guide are included.
Wear long trousers, closed-toe shoes and layers suited to the weather.
Bring sunscreen, a hat and a camera; large bags and luggage are not allowed.
Please follow the guide's instructions and do not litter in the park.
Children under 13 years cannot take part in the ride.
The route may change with weather and trail conditions.

Good to know