Hiking in Kazakhstan for Beginners: Charging with Mountain Energy Without Extra Costs

In simple terms: it’s not mountaineering and not a marathon

Hiking is a walk on rough terrain for recreational or sports purposes. The main difference from mountaineering is that there is no goal to reach the summit. You simply enjoy nature and the views. Routes for easy hiking are usually equipped trails that don’t require special mountaineering gear.

Why can hiking become your inexpensive hobby?
Hiking is one of the most accessible types of active recreation. The main expenses are getting to the trailhead and snacks — especially if you don’t chase branded equipment right from the start.

The best places for walks are located right next to major cities, making them ideal for weekend hikes.

Almaty — the gateway to the mountains: the best options to start
Almaty is perhaps the best place in Kazakhstan to begin hiking. The city sits at the foot of the Zailiysky Alatau, and many trails start right within the city limits.

Kok Zhaylau Gorge: A picturesque plateau in the Ile-Alatau National Park — one of the most popular routes for beginners. It’s easy to reach, the trails are well-trodden, and you won’t be alone. Guides from Alpine Club.kz recommend starting from the Maly Almatinsky Gorge side, from the “Ak-Bulak” stop.

Kimasar Gorge: An easy, accessible route that is even suitable for a walk with children from 7 years old. In 6 hours of leisurely walking (only 1.5 hours uphill) you can enjoy panoramic views of the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan.

Gorelnik Waterfall: Another beautiful and uncomplicated route from the high-mountain skating rink “Medeo” to the waterfalls. The trail has a gentle elevation gain and won’t cause difficulties for beginners.

Astana: kingdom of steppes and the pine forest of Burabai
Unlike Almaty, there are no mountains in Astana itself, so the main attraction for active recreation lovers is the Burabai National Park.

Hike to the summit of Bolektau in Burabai: This is an easy hike through the pine forest in the national park. From the top you get a stunning panorama of the lake and rocks. Most tour operators include it in their programs, providing transport, lunch and a guide. You can get from Astana to Shchuchinsk by public transport, car or taxi.

Other regions of Kazakhstan
If you’re ready to spend more time on the road, the jewels of nature await you:

Kolsai Lakes (Almaty region): An easy walking route goes from the first Kolsai Lake (altitude 1800 m) to the second. The trail is comfortable for walking and takes about 2–3 hours.

Charyn Canyon: Here it’s more about walking along the bottom of the canyon than classic hiking. The routes don’t involve big elevation changes, but be sure to wear shoes with non-slip soles.

Important tip: in the Almaty region and Burabai, projects for safe and digitized routes are actively developing. For example, the Dem Al project has already prepared more than 125 verified tracks for download.

Going with a guide or on your own: when it’s worth paying
This choice often sparks debate. For the first time, especially on an unfamiliar route, a guide is not just a “tour guide” but a guarantee of your safety. He knows the trail, dangerous sections and can navigate if the weather changes.

The Dem Al project and Alpine Club.kz emphasize that many emergencies in the mountains happen to unprepared tourists. If you go alone, choose only the simplest, most popular and well-marked routes, for example, the trail to Gorelnik Waterfall.

Seasonality and weather: what to pay attention to
Mountain weather is extremely changeable. Even if it’s sunny and hot in the city, it can be windy and cool in the mountains. Always check the forecast before you go.

Layering rule: wear several layers of clothing. This way you won’t freeze in the wind and won’t overheat during the climb. Your clothes should be made of quick-drying materials — no cotton.

Mountain safety: short checklist
Don’t go alone: This is the main rule for beginners.

Tell your loved ones: Let them know where you’re going and when you plan to return.

Download an offline map: Mobile signal is often absent on many routes. So download the map of the area in advance. The MAPS.ME or “Yandex Maps” apps support offline mode and GPS tracking.

Consider the time: Start the route early in the morning. This gives you extra time in case of unforeseen circumstances and allows you to return before dark.

Visiting rules: Access to national parks often requires an environmental fee. Fines apply for violations. For example, climbing the Zhumbaktas rock in Burabai can result in a fine of 39,320 tenge.

The key question for a beginner is what to buy. You’ll be surprised, but the starter kit doesn’t require big investments. Your main goal is comfort and safety, not a branded look.

Buy first: the essentials you can’t do without
Comfortable shoes: This is the most important thing. You don’t have to buy expensive trekking boots. Good sneakers with a strong tread pattern and preferably with a membrane will do for starters. Guides from Provodniq.com confirm that good sneakers are a must. The shoes should be well broken-in so you don’t get blisters.

Backpack: A small 20–30 liter backpack is enough to fit water, food and spare clothes.

Water and food: Water norm per person is 1.5–2 liters per day. Take “long-lasting” snacks: nuts, dried fruits, energy bars.

Sun and weather protection: A hat, sunglasses and a light windbreaker/raincoat that will save you from sudden rain are a must.

First-aid kit: Minimum set — plasters, bandage, antiseptic, painkiller.

Power bank and flashlight: Charge your phone and take an external battery. A flashlight may come in handy if you’re delayed on the route.

You can postpone or save on: things you can easily do without at the start
Expensive membrane jacket: A regular windbreaker works great as a replacement.

Professional trekking poles: Not critical on easy routes.

Tourist cookware (pots, burners): Not needed for a one-day hike.

Expensive GPS navigator: On the initial stage, offline maps on your smartphone do the job perfectly.

The budget for a hike consists of several parts:

Transport: From 2,500 tenge (bus to Shchuchinsk) to 5,000–10,000 tenge (gas for your own car).

Environmental fees: 500 to 2,000 tenge per person (for example, entry to Kolsai Lakes).

Food: If you prepare at home — about 2,000–3,000 tenge.

Guide: If you decide to go with a verified guide, a group day tour can cost from 8,000 to 20,000 tenge per person.

Equipment rental: If you forgot something, in Almaty you can rent a tent for a day from 15,000 tenge.

Total:
A self-guided weekend hike will cost you 5,000–10,000 tenge. With a group and a guide — 15,000–30,000 tenge.

Offline maps: MAPS.ME, Organic Maps or OsmAnd. They let you download area maps and build routes without internet.

Weather check services: “Kazhydromet” app or other weather services.

Didn’t check the weather forecast. Because of this you can get caught in rain/thunderstorm or not take enough water in the heat.

Went hiking in new, unbroken-in shoes (guaranteed blisters).

Didn’t take enough water (1.5–2 liters per person per day).

Didn’t tell loved ones your route and return time.

Left trash in nature. Always take your garbage with you. Fines also apply for littering in national parks.

1. Alpine Club.kz (Dem Al project) — information about prepared and safe routes in the mountains near Almaty.
2. Zakon.kz, Inform.kz, Tengrinews.kz — descriptions of routes for beginners, safety tips and national park rules.
3. Trekkingclub.kz and Provodniq.com — examples of tours, routes and equipment recommendations.
4. National park websites and Kazhydromet — up-to-date information on weather, fees and rules.

All data verified as of spring 2026. Rules, prices and trail conditions may change — always check official sources before heading out. This is not a safety instruction, but a practical guide.