3-Day Private Horseback Riding and Hiking Tour in Kolsay

Wild mountain days, simple nights. This three-day Kolsay trip pairs horseback riding, hiking, camping, and local food in the Kungey Alatau mountains. I like the way it avoids the usual busy routes, and I like the chance to travel at a slow, old-fashioned pace with horses and on foot.

The main drawback is the physical demand. You need moderate fitness, a very early start from Almaty, and enough comfort with basic mountain camping to enjoy the trip fully. The $1,900 per person price is also a serious commitment, though private transport, horses, guides, food, hut lodging, and camping gear are included.

Key points to know before booking

• Three Kolsay Lakes in three days: You ride toward Middle Kolsay, hike between the lakes, and finish at Lower Kolsay.
• A genuine horse-and-hike format: This is not a short horseback photo stop. You spend long days moving through the mountains.
• Baiseit adds local flavor: The Uigur village is a useful food stop, with tandyr bread, samsa, lagman, shashlyk, fruit, and vegetables.
• Darya leads with care: Darya is praised for her energy, safety-minded approach, and attention to each person’s comfort.
• Simple mountain sleeping: Expect a mountain hut and a tent place, with a sleeping pad supplied. Bring your own sleeping bag.
• Plan for changing conditions: The trip depends on good weather and can be moved or refunded if poor weather stops it.

Why this Kolsay trip feels different

Kolsay Lakes are among Kazakhstan’s best-known mountain sights, but this outing is built around time in the wild rather than a quick roadside visit. You are not simply driven to a viewpoint, handed a few minutes for photographs, and returned to town. The days combine riding, walking, meals, mountain sleeping, and long stretches of open country.

That slower rhythm matters. Horseback travel gives you a practical way to cover ground while taking in the mountain scenery. Hiking then brings you closer to the trail and lets you move at your own pace. The mix also breaks up the strain of a three-day trek, though you should not mistake the horses for a complete rest option.

This is a private activity, so only your own group participates. That can make a big difference in a remote setting. You can ask for help, discuss your pace, and spend less time waiting for unrelated people. The company also offers pickup, and the trip returns to its Almaty starting point.

Darya’s name comes up often in connection with the experience. She is described as caring, energetic, and serious about safety and comfort. That personal approach is useful here, since mountain trips depend as much on good decisions and communication as on scenery.

The 6:00 am start from Almaty

The tour begins at 6:00 am at Magnum Hyper, 3 Demyan Bednogo Street in Almaty. That is early, but the long first day makes it necessary. The drive to Kurmenty village covers about 285 kilometers by SUV or minibus.

You should treat this first day as part of the tour, not just a transfer. The road takes you out of the city and toward the mountain villages, with a stop in Baiseit along the way. Since the drive takes much of the day, pack water, keep a light layer handy, and expect a full schedule from breakfast onward.

Private transportation is included, which is important for a trip with horseback equipment, camping supplies, and food. It also removes the work of arranging your own connection from Almaty to the trailhead. Still, a long vehicle ride followed by mountain activity may feel tiring, especially if you have just arrived in Kazakhstan.

Baiseit, where the food begins

Baiseit is more than a service stop. This Uigur village is known for its produce market and local cooking, giving you a first taste of the region before the mountains take over.

You can buy fresh bread, vegetables, and fruit for the trip. The local specialties include tandyr and onion bread, samsa, chebureki, lagman, and shashlyk. For a three-day outdoor journey, this is a smart stop because fresh food adds variety to camp meals and lets you see how people in the area eat.

I especially like this part because it connects the mountain trip with daily life in southern Kazakhstan. The food is not decorative background. It becomes part of the journey and helps supply the days ahead.

You should also keep expectations realistic. Baiseit is scheduled for about 30 minutes, so this is a short visit rather than a village tour. You will have time to look around and buy provisions, but not necessarily time for a long meal or relaxed exploration.

Day one: the road to Kurmenty

After Baiseit, the route continues to Kurmenty village. The provided schedule allows about 12 hours for the first day, including transport and the village stop. That makes this the least active day physically, but one of the longest days overall.

Arrival details beyond Kurmenty are not fully specified, so you should ask the operator about the exact first-night setup before departure. The package includes accommodation in a mountain hut and a place in a tent, along with dinner. That suggests a basic mountain base rather than a hotel-style stay.

This is where the trip’s simple camping life becomes real. You get shelter and food, but not luxury. The experience is aimed at people who enjoy a practical night outdoors, not those expecting private rooms, hot showers, or a full range of comforts.

Day two: riding toward Middle Kolsay

The second day begins after breakfast and preparation for the horseback ride toward Middle Kolsay. The route from the hut crosses two small passes, which gives you a sense of the terrain and explains why the day is scheduled for about nine hours.

Clear weather may reveal wide mountain views along the route. The scenery is the main reward, but the riding itself requires attention. The horses may set a relaxed pace. One account describes them as somewhat lazy at first, with encouragement needed when a faster pace is wanted. That is not necessarily a flaw. A steady horse can be reassuring in rough country, especially if you are new to long-distance riding.

Still, you should be honest about your riding experience and comfort before booking. This is not a short loop in a fenced field. You are moving through mountain terrain and spending a full day in the saddle and on the trail. The tour is suitable for people with moderate physical fitness, but the supplied information does not promise a specific riding level or horse-training program.

Middle Kolsay is reached after the passes, and the day includes a mountain meal. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during the trip, which saves you from carrying all your food. Fresh produce purchased in Baiseit may add useful variety to the supplied meals.

The mountain hut and tent night

Accommodation is part of the adventure, but it is also one of the areas where you need to set sensible expectations. A mountain hut is included, as is a place in a tent, but the information does not specify which night uses which arrangement or what facilities are available.

A sleeping pad is supplied. A sleeping bag is not, so you must bring one. Outdoor clothing and other gear are also your responsibility. The difference between a pleasant night and a miserable one can come down to these basics, especially in mountain weather.

Pack clothing in layers, even though the exact seasonal temperatures are not provided. Bring practical hiking clothes, sturdy footwear, rain protection, warm sleep clothing, and a sleeping bag suited to the conditions. Do not rely on city clothing or a thin travel blanket.

The tour also includes trekking poles. These are useful on the hiking portions, particularly when moving over uneven ground or descending toward Lower Kolsay. Snacks are not included, so carry your own favorites. Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses are also separate.

Day three: hiking from Middle Kolsay to Lower Kolsay

After breakfast and packing, day three shifts from riding to hiking. You walk back toward Middle Kolsay and then follow the path to Lower Kolsay, also called First Kolsay. The program allows about eight hours, so this is still a substantial mountain day.

A snack and tea stop near Middle Kolsay breaks up the route. That small pause matters. It gives you a chance to eat, drink, adjust your pack, and take in the lake before continuing.

The walk lets you experience the lakes at a different speed than the horseback route. Instead of sitting in the saddle, you are using your feet and trekking poles, with more control over each step. If you enjoy walking, this may be the strongest part of the tour. If your knees or ankles are sensitive, the descent and length of the day deserve careful thought.

The tour ends back at the Almaty meeting point after the return journey. Exact arrival time is not provided, so avoid scheduling a tight flight, train, or evening commitment on the final day.

What the $1,900 price includes

At $1,900 per person, this is an expensive three-day experience. The value depends on what you are comparing it with. You are not paying only for a scenic ride. The price covers private transportation, guide services, horse rental, horse breeder services, taxes and fees, hut accommodation, a tent place, a sleeping pad, trekking poles, and meals.

Food coverage is strong: two breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners are included. That reduces both packing and planning. The horse breeder service is also important because it supports the practical side of handling the animals during a remote route.

A private trip costs more than joining a large shared departure, but privacy has real value in the mountains. You are traveling only with your own group, and the operator can focus on your party rather than a busload of different needs.

The price does not include a sleeping bag, outdoor clothing, insurance, snacks, alcohol, or personal purchases. Those exclusions are normal for a serious outdoor trip, but they can add to the total. Ask yourself if you already own suitable gear. If you need to buy everything, budget beyond the advertised price.

Food, water, and practical comfort

Meals are supplied, and the Baiseit market gives you a chance to add fruit, vegetables, and bread. That combination should make the food side easier than a fully self-supported trek.

One useful tip is to carry a water filter. Fresh mountain water was praised during the experience, but filtered water is a sensible precaution. The tour information does not promise a particular water supply or filtration system, so you should not assume every drink is ready straight from a stream.

Bring personal snacks because they are not included. Choose food that travels well and gives you quick energy during the riding and hiking days. Tea is included at a stop near Middle Kolsay, which adds a welcome warm drink during the final walk.

Fitness, gear, and weather

The official fitness requirement is moderate. In practical terms, expect long outdoor days of about eight to 12 hours, time on horseback, mountain passes, and hiking between lakes. You do not need to be an elite athlete based on the stated requirement, but you should be comfortable with sustained activity.

The trip requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That protects your money, but it means your schedule needs some flexibility.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Cutoff times use local Kazakhstan time, so check the clock carefully if you are arranging the trip from another country.

Service animals are allowed. The activity is private, and confirmation is received when you book.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for you if you want wilderness, horses, long mountain days, and a close look at rural Kazakhstan. It suits people who value scenery and local food more than polished accommodation.

It is also a good fit for a solo person who wants a private booking or hopes to be placed with a small arranged group, though the exact group arrangements should be confirmed. One solo participant found the shared mountain experience especially rewarding, joining other women on the route.

Families can enjoy it too, provided everyone meets the moderate fitness requirement. A parent, child, and grandparent used the trip to create a memorable family experience, but age alone does not tell you if someone can manage the riding and hiking. Ask the operator about the suitability of your specific group.

I would hesitate if you dislike early starts, long drives, basic sleeping arrangements, or uncertain mountain weather. I would also avoid booking without a suitable sleeping bag and proper outdoor clothing.

Should you book the Kolsay horse and hike?

Book this tour if your ideal Kazakhstan experience means moving through wild mountains with horses, eating local food, sleeping simply, and seeing Kolsay Lakes through both riding and hiking. The care associated with Darya, the private format, and the strong attention to safety add real value.

Skip it if you want a low-cost sightseeing trip, a hotel each night, or a short and gentle horseback outing. At $1,900 per person, the trip needs to match your priorities. For a well-equipped private adventure with transport, guides, horses, meals, and mountain lodging included, it can be worthwhile, but only if you are ready for the physical work and basic conditions.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Magnum Hyper, 3 Demyan Bednogo Street, Almaty 050018, Kazakhstan.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 6:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts approximately three days.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Private transportation is included, with travel by SUV or minibus from Almaty toward Kurmenty village.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in this private activity.

Are horses included?

Yes. Horse rental and horse breeder services are included in the price.

Where do you sleep?

The package includes accommodation in a mountain hut and a place in a tent. A sleeping pad is supplied, but a sleeping bag is not.

Are meals included?

Yes. The package includes two breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.