Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience
Almaty, Kazakhstan

Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience

Outty Ranking 81 4.8 · 76 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $70
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Outty Ranking

81/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 76 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience worth booking?

Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience is a 5-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $70 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 76 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
81 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (76)
Duration
5 hours
From
$70 per person

Big Almaty Lake sits at 2,500 meters above sea level — a turquoise alpine gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Tian-Shan mountains, just 30 minutes from Almaty. Choose your adventure: Group Hike — Trek 10 km one way through alpine meadows and pine forests to reach the lake. Hiking sticks provided. Best for active travelers who love a real challenge. Hike + Falcon Show — Same epic 10 km hike, plus a traditional Kazakh falconry show on the way back. A perfect mix of nature and culture. Private Hike — The full 10 km trail with your personal guide, at your own pace. No strangers, total focus on your group. Car Tour — Drive directly to the lake and enjoy breathtaking views without the hike. Perfect for families or those with limited time. English-speaking guide included in all hiking options. Hotel pickup available. All national park entrance fees included.

What you get

    About this experience

    Big Almaty Lake sits at 2,500 meters above sea level — a turquoise alpine gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Tian-Shan mountains, just 30 minutes from Almaty. Choose your adventure: Group Hike — Trek 10 km one way through alpine meadows and pine forests to reach the lake. Hiking sticks provided. Best for active travelers who love a real challenge. Hike + Falcon Show — Same epic 10 km hike, plus a traditional Kazakh falconry show on the way back. A perfect mix of nature and culture. Private Hike — The full 10 km trail with your personal guide, at your own pace. No strangers, total focus on your group. Car Tour — Drive directly to the lake and enjoy breathtaking views without the hike. Perfect for families or those with limited time. English-speaking guide included in all hiking options. Hotel pickup available. All national park entrance fees included.

    What's included

    Included

    • National parks entrance fees
    • English speaking guide
    • Hotel Pick-up and drop
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Snacks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Big Almaty Lake

      Duration: 6-7 hours Difficulty: Moderate Distance: ~10 km round trip Elevation gain: Around 600–800 meters

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Private hiking to the Lake

      Hiking to Big Almaty Lake: Full 10 km one way trail with your personal guide at your own pace. No strangers — just your group and the mountains. Pickup included

    • Hiking and Falcon Show

      Falcon Show: 10 km one way hike to Big Almaty Lake plus a traditional Kazakh falconry show. Nature and culture in one epic day Pickup included

    • Big Almaty Lake tour by car

      Big Almaty Lake tour by car: Drive to Big Almaty Lake at 2,500m. Breathtaking views, no hiking required. Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Kazakhstan Very Nice

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience, photo 2Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience, photo 3Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience, photo 4Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience, photo 5

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 76 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Physical effort

    8 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Traveler reviews

    76 verified traveler reviews for Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    70
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    mightypink6 · October 2026

    Fantastic day out

    Fantastic day out, we really enjoyed our time with Batyr, he was a strong hiker and very confident with the route and timings. It is a steep hike and difficult in places so bear that in mind when booking. We knew the distance and ascent details so we were prepared. Take snacks with you and prepare to use natures bathroom :) Amazing day, worth it for the views and it was nice to be on the side of the lake with little tourists. We felt we had the whole place to ourselves. Highly recommend

    via Tripadvisor

    Canqiang_F · September 2026

    Now it’s confirmed it’s a...

    Now it’s confirmed it’s a scam. Only the late tour, driver late for one hour and there is no falcon show, cheating company and that’s why u can never reach them, never reply messages. Fake reviews

    via Viator

    Navigator42137327003 · September 2026

    Great experience

    The tour was very fun, although the hiking trail was dificult. But the tour guide name leane from the kazakhstan very nice tour and travel make the hiking looks very easy for us. The scenery was awesome.

    via Tripadvisor

    120ryders · September 2026

    Great hike with a brilliant guide, highly recommended

    This was a great tour with an amazing and very upbeat guide, Leana, she was very bubbly, attentive, passionate and gave us the greatest overall experience on this challenging hike, plus the Falcon show was spectacular, highly recommended

    via Tripadvisor

    Namrata_G · September 2026

    Hopeless company with several errors in their advertising and poor customer service

    I booked this tour as an Almaty Lake + Falcon Show experience. I opted for the car option vs the hike, which was probably the less common option picked by most tourists. Their tour required me to book for a minimum of 2 people, so I assumed this was a private tour. I didn't mind paying the amount if it was a private tour that included both the lake and the falcon show. However, when I got into the van, I was advised that another passenger had to be picked up. I didn't complain about it. However, when the other passenger got in, the driver told us that he would just be driving us to the lake where we would spend 30 to 45 minutes and return to the city. I was shocked that I paid US$180 for a quick trip to a nearby lake. When I complained about it and asked to at least include the Ethno Village for the price I paid, they reluctantly agreed. We got dropped off at a smaller nomad village (vs Huns which is supposed to be bigger). After spending around 3 hours there we got dropped off at a point where a yandex taxi was ordered for us to get to the entrance of the lake. We waited 30 minutes for another driver to take us to the top of the hill where the lake was. After 45 minutes he drove us back down. And another yandex was ordered for us (after enquiring about next steps) to take us back to our individual hotels. The taxi took around 25 minutes to arrive. When I complained to the tour operator about the debacle, they said they never advertised it as a private tour and I was at fault for knowingly booking it for 2 people. I was confused why I had to book for a minimum of 2 people for a group tour and how another passenger was able to book it through another app as a solo trip. As for the falcon show, they claimed we didn't read the options carefully where the falcon show wasn't mentioned. The ticket I received clearly mentioned the inclusion of the falcon show. It's pathetic that they thought it was reasonable for anyone to pay that much for a group tour for a quick visit to a nearby lake. I was also shocked that they were justifying their claims and actions. I would however like to thank the first driver for helping out to the extent possible. I wouldn't recommend this tour company to anyone.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $70 to $90
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    27
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Kazakhstan Very Nice, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Kazakhstan Very Nice runs

    Why this scores 81

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)79
    Booking momentum (14% weight)75
    Value for money (12% weight)81
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)49
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.

    How much does Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience cost?

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    Prices start at $70 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 Hike and Falcon Show Experience take?

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    Plan for about 5 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 Hike and Falcon Show Experience worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 76 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 Hike and Falcon Show Experience?

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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 Hike and Falcon Show Experience suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience?

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    Around 27 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience 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?

    +

    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 Hike and Falcon Show Experience?

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    Included: National parks entrance fees; English speaking guide; Hotel Pick-up and drop; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 110 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience offered in?

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    It runs in 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 Hike and Falcon Show Experience?

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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 Hike and Falcon Show Experience 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 Hike and Falcon Show Experience 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 Hike and Falcon Show Experience?

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    Across 76 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    What booking options are available for Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience?

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    There are 3 options to choose from, including Private hiking to the Lake, Hiking and Falcon Show, Big Almaty Lake tour by car. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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