Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour with Birds of Prey Show
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Want to experience the true beauty of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains and recharge with fresh mountain energy? Join us on a scenic tour to Big Almaty Lake, along with the picturesque Alma-Arasan and Ayusai gorges, located just a short drive from Almaty.
What awaits you:
• Visit the famous Big Almaty Lake — a stunning alpine reservoir surrounded by towering peaks, famous for its turquoise color and breathtaking panoramic views;
• Walk through pine forests filled with fresh mountain air and crystal-clear rivers;
• Relax at the natural hot springs of Alma-Arasan (if accessible), known for their calming and rejuvenating properties;
• Waterfalls and panoramic views of the Alma-Arasan and Ayusay gorges;
• Visit a Falconry Center and enjoy an impressive show with eagles, falcons, and other birds of prey — a unique insight into the region’s nomadic traditions (only from April to October).
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Big Almaty Lake
Sightseeing, walking, photographing, enjoying the scenery
Ayusai Gorge
Short walk to the Ayusai waterfall with stops for photos
What‘s Included
National park admission
English-speaking tour guide
Round-trip transfer to Big Almaty Lake
Comfortable minibus
Shampoo and shower gel (upon request)
Bottled water
Lunch is not included (provided at local cafe)
Birds of prey show admission (paid on site)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Group tour without show
Birds of Prey Show is not held: available only from April to October.
Small-group: an uncrowded small group of up to 15 tourists.
Pick-up/drop-off: only listed meeting points.
Private tour
Individual tour: only you participate, without other people.
Vehicle type: 2-5 pax - SUV/minivan;
6-7 pax - Toyota Hiace van;
8-15 pax - Mercedes Sprinter minibus.
Pick-up/drop-off: any location in Almaty city.
Pickup included
Small-group tour
Birds of Prey Show: visit a Falconry Center and enjoy an impressive show with eagles, falcons, and other birds of prey.
Duration: 10 hours
Pick-up/drop-off: only listed meeting points.
Reviews
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exceptional Service & Memorable One-Day Trip
chuthipakw,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful one-day trip experience. Everything was well organized, smooth, and enjoyable from start to finish. Our tour guide Ms. Naz was not only knowledgeable and friendly, but truly went above and beyond to make our day special. I was especially impressed when I accidentally left my sunglasses behind. Ms. Naz kindly helped locate them and even brought them back to my hotel the next day. Such thoughtful and exceptional service is rare and very much appreciated. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a reliable and caring tour experience.
Great experience
415varshab,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was lovely rour, Zhenis was a fantastic guide . I recommend all of the tourists to book through this if you are looking for any day tours
A Great Day Out
jen shuff,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip with Nazerke yesterday. Timings were prompt and the minibus was comfortable and spacious. Naz was a great guide, with excellent English and always looked out for us on the slippery paths! Walking boots/shoes are a must as it was quite slippery. We took our 5 and 10 year old with us but were a bit wary, although Naz was always one step ahead. We all had a great time in the hot springs and enjoyed the lunch time spot. We didn’t feel rushed and felt there was enough time to do everything. All in all a very reasonably priced and enjoyable day out.
Great sights
hassano934,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Beautiful views. Luba was a great guide, super knowledgeable and clearly passionate. Highly recommended.
Turist guy
824alexandrosp,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everithing is fine, perfect. ☺️ Luba
Experience Outdoor Hot Spring + Cold Plunge @ Winter in Almaty
Departure61109317011,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Alma Arasan hot spring is the highlight of the tour. You have to hike up / walk around 20 - 30 mins to the hot spring, its an easy walk w mostly metal walking paths and staircase. The winter view towards the hot spring was nice, w a stream flowing along the pathway. Highly recommended to try out the hot spring while you are there since this is the highlight for the entire trip (in my opinion). There're 2 very basic changing room and 2 shower room (same water temp as the hot spring) for simple shower. Please bring flip flop (optional), towel, and swimming wear. Hot spring water was lukewarm (for me) since the winter temp is low. If u go on a sunny day, its not too cold when u r in your swim wear in the outdoors. Try to dip in the cold stream water and back to the hot spring like the kaz. Ayusai waterfall was frozen over since its winter. Its just 10 mins from Arasan. Simple hike up of 20-30 mins to reach the waterfall. Shoes with good traction / w spikes r highly recommended as the ground turns icy and slippery. There's a cute restaurant on the way to the waterfall. Again, kaz food taste bit bland. We stopped for lunch / tea. Tried the fermented horse milk and it gave me some discomfort to my stomach. You will have a slight burning sensation after you drink it. Its sourish, cold and pungent after taste when u drink it. Give it a try. Restaurant allow payments in card / cash (they may not have enough change). There is also a slide u can enjoy at Ayusai. Overall trip was average as tour ended earlier around 2pm when its suppose to end 4pm. I can see why its less popular choice amongst travellers. Good option if u want to experience the outdoor hot spring in the winter and have extra days at Almaty.
Amazing!
Aythnic,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing nature tour, hotspring is my main goal in joining the tour but the view added more on the experience. Thanks to Yula for guiding us well.
Half day memorable trip
sundert2018,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guided tour was exceptional. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional, providing insights that truly enriched the experience. The chosen locations were perfect and well-coordinated, allowing us to create wonderful memories.
Value for money tour
381preetamh,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Serzhan was excellent in taking us to all the locations and informing details of the location and its history. It was fun filled tour with all activities as per itinerary on time. It was good!
Friendly
Global34239236611,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible time. Their depth of knowledge about the place was impressive—we learned so much more than we would have on our own. Guide was punctual, organized, and answered all our questions with a smile. Highly recommend if you want a deep dive into the local culture!
From US$79.00
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Operated by Kazakhstan Guided Tours