Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 35 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 $59 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (35)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $59 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
What you get
- National park admission
- English-speaking tour guide
- Comfortable minibus
- Shampoo and shower gel (upon request)
- Bottled water
- Direct transfer to Big Almaty Lake
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
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
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 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
35 verified traveler reviews for Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Visit to Big Almaty lake
great experience and good guide. The amount one has to walk should be mentioned
via Tripadvisor
Great time
Had an amazing day tour with our guide Yeldar, who has been an absolute pleasure to speak to - he was very informative, fun and extremely helpful :) The transport was very comfortable and punctual, and both Yeldar and the driver tried their best to make sure everyone was comfortable. They were kind to let me and my friends out a bit earlier so we didnt have to go as far back to our Airbnb. The tour! Tour was amazing, BAO was absolutely breathtakingly charming, the turquoise water, the atmosphere, the mountain air! Just perfect. You cant go near water as it is acting as a water reserve for the city, but the view from the side is amazing, I could sit there for hours just staring at the lake :) However! Alma Arasan gorge was by far my favourite part of the tour. We didnt go in the hot springs as it did get a little busy, but there is a trail you can follow that goes up the mountain. The full trail is really long, we followed it to some extent before we had to go back to the van. It is an absolute must to visit while you're in Almaty. Birds of Prey show was very interesting and gives you an insight on how the birds are used in the Kazakh culture (+the host was very funny!). Overall, I loved the tour, and would say it is an absolute must to do while in Almaty. This tour company strives to provide the best service possible, as was seen by how helpful Yeldar was on our tour. Huge thank you!
via Tripadvisor
Axultan was an excellent...
Axultan was an excellent guide. Great combination of information and humor. We enjoyed our day. Saw lots of beautiful sites and he went over and beyond to make sure we had a great tour.
via Viator
Great time with Julie
Went today with an amazing Tour Guide Julie and she was very informative about Almaty itself and all the places we visited! Time wise also everything was quite punctual and kept on track with more than enough time given for each place. The waterfalls by themselves are a but underwhelming, but I would say the trek there and drinking the nice cold water fresh from the glacier in a hot summer day was honestly amazing.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Great way to go see the lake if you want to avoid the hike , all up is a very good day in nature , our guide naz was lovely and gave us plenty of information
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 3+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $59 to $79
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
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 $59 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 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 35 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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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 10-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Big Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Gorge Tour + Birds of Prey Show?
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Around 12 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, Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons. 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.
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