
Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 41 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show worth booking?
Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show is a 10-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $69 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 41 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (41)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $69 per person
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).
What you get
About this experience
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).
What's included
Included
- National park admission
- English-speaking tour guide
- Comfortable minibus
- Shampoo and shower gel (upon request)
- Bottled water
- Direct transfer to Big Almaty Lake
Not included
- Lunch is not included (provided at local cafe)
- Birds of prey show admission (paid on site)
What you'll see and do
Big Almaty Lake
Sightseeing, walking, photographing, enjoying the scenery
60 minutes here · Admission included
Ayusai Gorge
Short walk to the Ayusai waterfall with stops for photos
45 minutes here · Admission included
Ayusai Visitor Center
Souvenir shopping at the Visitor Center and lunch in the cafe (not included)
75 minutes here
Alma-Arasan Gorge
- Walk (short hike) to the Maiden's Tears waterfall along the gorge with stops for photo; - Bathing in the hot springs (optional);
90 minutes here · Admission included
Falcon Farm Sunkar
A visit to the Falconry Center, featuring 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).
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Almaty
Meeting point
Almaty
Meeting point
Almaty
Kazakhstan (Express) Hotel
Meeting point
Almaty
Novotel Living and Ibis Almaty Jetisu Hotels, Abylai Khan Ave. 55
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Kazakhstan (Express) Hotel
Ends at
Novotel Living and Ibis Almaty Jetisu Hotels, Abylai Khan Ave. 55
Options you can book
Includes Birds Show
Birds of Prey Show: visit a Falconry Center and enjoy an impressive show with eagles, falcons, and other birds of prey. Duration: 9 hours
Excludes Birds Show
Birds of Prey Show: not held. Duration: 7 hours
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kazakhstan Guided Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 41 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
41 verified traveler reviews for Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great 1 Day Trip to BAL
Great Experience visiting BAL (Big Almaty Lake), Alma-Arasan Gorge, and Falcons & Eagles Show. Thanks Inzhu for being great tour guide for us. You are very energetic and take care of our group very well. 🙏
via Tripadvisor
Well Balanced Day
Had a great time with plenty of free time to explore each stop. The guide, Inzhu, was bubbly and enjoyed getting to know each guest.
via Tripadvisor
"Perfect for small groups!"
My group of 3 booked this 1-day trip to Big Almaty Lake and Alma-Arasan Gorge after doing some research online. It was absolutely worth every penny. The itinerary was perfectly paced, allowing us to fully enjoy the nature and beautiful views without feeling rushed. Most importantly, the tour guide was exceptional. A special thanks to Spelled Yeldar, who was incredibly lovely, articulate, and fluent in English. He provided excellent commentary at each stop and shared a long list of great restaurant recommendations. This tour is highly recommended!"
via Tripadvisor
The locations we visited...
The locations we visited are definitely worth visiting. The birds of prey show was not worth it and we had to pay for the tkt. Bibi did a gooð job managing the tour.
via Viator
Beautiful Big Almaty Lake
Big thanks to Yeldar for making the tour such a great experience! He managed everything so well, was helpful throughout the trip, and made sure everything went smoothly. Oh and kazakhstan is so stunning! 🇰🇿🤎
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $69 to $79
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kazakhstan Guided Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Kazakhstan Guided Tours runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show cost?
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Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Almaty usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Almaty is not rushed.
Is Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 41 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show?
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Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Almaty can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Almaty and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Almaty within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Almaty?
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On Outty we rank every Almaty experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour, Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour, Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Almaty?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Almaty?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show?
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Included: National park admission; English-speaking tour guide; Comfortable minibus; Shampoo and shower gel (upon request); and Bottled water. Not included: Lunch is not included (provided at local cafe); and Birds of prey show admission (paid on site). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 95 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show offered in?
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It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show?
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Across 41 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Includes Birds Show, Excludes Birds Show. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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