3-Day Private Horseback Riding and Hiking Tour in Kolsay

The best part of this trip is its mix of horseback travel and hiking. You reach the Kolsay Lakes through the Kungey Alatau mountains, using lesser-known trails instead of staying with the usual roadside sightseeing. Darya, Alex, and their team lead a small private outing built around quiet mountain time, simple camping, and the old rhythm of moving by horse and foot.

I like two things here. First, the trip gives you a real taste of Nomad-style mountain travel, complete with horses, a hut, tents, and meals in the hills. Second, the route begins with a stop for Uigur food in Baiseit, where you can buy tandyr bread, produce, samsa, and other supplies. The main concern is stamina: the days run up to 12 hours, the altitude and rough trails demand moderate fitness, and you need to bring your own sleeping bag and outdoor clothing.

Key points at a glance

• Three ways to travel: You cover the route by private vehicle, horseback, and on foot, rather than seeing the lakes only from a road or viewpoint.
• A quiet mountain route: The tour is designed to avoid crowded, highly touristic places and follow wilder trails through Kungey Alatau.
• Baiseit food stop: Fresh bread, fruit, vegetables, samsa, lagman, shashlyk, and other Uigur specialties add a strong local note before the mountain section.
• Two kinds of overnight stay: You spend time in a mountain hut and also have a place in a tent, with sleeping pads supplied.
• Meals are covered: Two breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners are included, which matters on a remote three-day trip.
• Private format: Only your group takes part, with pickup from Almaty and return to the same meeting point.

Why this Kolsay trip feels different

Many visits to Kolsay Lakes are built around a drive, a short walk, a photo stop, and a quick return. This experience asks more from you, but it also gives you more time in the mountains. You are not simply looking at the lakes. You are getting there under your own power, first by vehicle, then by horse and foot.

That change of pace matters. Riding lets you cover ground without turning every hour into a hard hike. Walking gives you time to notice the trail, passes, water, and changing views. The result is a more physical and less polished mountain experience.

The word private is important here. You do not join a large coach group or follow a fixed crowd through every stop. The guide services, horse breeder support, transport, meals, and route planning are arranged for your group. Solo visitors can also ask about joining other people, as the operator has arranged shared trips for solo participants in the past, but this particular booking is described as private.

Darya is repeatedly associated with careful attention to comfort and safety, while Darya and Alex lead the wider Powder Nomads operation. Gulnaz is also named in connection with the company’s mountain trips. The supplied details do not assign one specific guide to every departure, so confirm who will lead your date when you book.

The long first day from Almaty to Kurmenty

The tour begins early, at 6:00 a.m., from Magnum Hyper on Demyan Bednogo Street in Almaty. That early start is not decorative. The drive to Kurmenty village covers about 285 kilometers and takes much of the day, with the first day listed at roughly 12 hours.

Private transport is a practical part of the package. You travel by SUV or minibus, which gives your group flexibility and avoids having to arrange a long rural transfer on your own. Still, this is a long road day. If you dislike early departures or extended vehicle time, you should understand that the mountain riding does not begin immediately.

The stop in Baiseit breaks up the journey in a useful way. This Uigur village is known for its fruit and vegetable market and for local foods such as tandyr and onion bread, samsa, chebureki, lagman, and shashlyk. You can buy fresh food here for the route, rather than relying only on packaged snacks.

I especially like this detail because it connects the mountain trip with everyday life in the region. The market is not just a rest stop. It gives you a chance to see what people eat, pick up bread and produce, and begin the trip with a local meal before the wilderness section.

After Baiseit, the road continues toward Kurmenty. The exact sleeping arrangement on the first night is described as a mountain hut, with a later tent place included in the package. Ask the operator to confirm the night-by-night arrangement, since the short public schedule does not spell out which night is spent in each place.

Day two: riding toward Middle Kolsay Lake

After breakfast and preparation, you set out on horseback toward Middle Kolsay Lake. The route from the hut crosses two small passes. In clear weather, you can see broad mountain views along the way, although cloud and weather will affect how much you see.

The riding section is not a short pony outing. It is part of a full mountain day listed at about nine hours. You receive horse rental and horse breeder services, along with a guide. That support matters because you are relying on the animals and the local team for a substantial stretch of the route.

One practical point comes from the riding experience itself: the horses may move at a relaxed pace. You should not expect a fast gallop or a tightly timed riding lesson. The horses have been described as somewhat lazy, with riders sometimes encouraging them to pick up speed. For many people, that is a benefit. A steady pace gives you more time to watch the views and feel comfortable in the saddle. If you want an athletic riding challenge, this may feel gentle rather than exciting.

The two passes add effort, and the day can be tiring even if the horse carries much of your weight. You still need to mount, dismount, walk around camp, manage changing trail conditions, and stay comfortable for hours outdoors. Moderate physical fitness is required, and that should be taken seriously.

The route’s main reward is space. Instead of treating the lake as a quick destination, you approach it through mountain country. The guide can also provide the practical help that matters on a remote outing, including route support, horses, and camp arrangements.

Day three: walking from Middle Kolsay to Lower Kolsay

The third day shifts the balance toward hiking. After breakfast and packing, you walk back toward Middle Kolsay Lake, then follow the path to Lower Kolsay, also called First Kolsay Lake. The day is listed at about eight hours.

This is a useful contrast with the second day. You are not spending the entire trip in the saddle, and the walking section lets you move at a more personal pace. You also stop near Middle Kolsay for snacks and tea, a small comfort that becomes valuable after several hours outside.

The route to Lower Kolsay gives the trip a sense of completion. You see more than one lake and experience the connections between them rather than treating Kolsay as a single lookout. The water and mountain views are the main draw, but the approach is just as important as the destination.

Fresh mountain water is part of the appeal, though you should plan carefully. One person specifically recommends bringing a filter. A filter is not listed as included, so pack one if you intend to treat natural water. Snacks are also not included. The operator provides three lunches and three dinners, but personal trail snacks remain your responsibility.

The schedule finishes with the return toward the original meeting point in Almaty. Since the public details do not give a precise return time, avoid booking a late flight or another fixed commitment on the same day without checking with the operator.

Sleeping in a hut and tent

This is not a hotel-based mountain holiday. Accommodation includes a mountain hut and a place in a tent, plus sleeping pads. A sleeping bag is not included, and neither are outdoor clothing or general gear.

That arrangement suits you if you want a basic outdoor stay and can accept simple conditions. It is less suitable if you need a private room, a soft bed, or a predictable indoor setup each night. The point is not luxury. The point is to spend the night close to the route and keep the trip moving through remote country.

Pack with the nights in mind. A sleeping bag is essential unless the operator confirms another arrangement. Bring clothing suited to changing mountain weather, sturdy footwear for hiking, and layers you can adjust during long days. Trekking poles are supplied, which is helpful on uneven ground and during the longer walking sections.

The tent place and hut stay also explain part of the cost. You are paying for more than a scenic transfer. The price includes remote accommodation, horses, transport, food, guide services, equipment support, and the planning needed to link them together.

Food, supplies, and what you must bring

The package includes two breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners. That is a strong practical inclusion for a three-day trip in the mountains. You do not have to organize every main meal while moving between the lakes.

The Baiseit market gives you a chance to add fresh bread, fruit, and vegetables. That stop is especially useful because snacks are excluded. You should bring the small foods you personally rely on, such as energy bars or dried fruit, rather than assuming the included meals will cover every need during an eight or nine-hour day.

Alcoholic drinks are not included, and personal expenses are separate. Outdoor clothing, insurance, and a sleeping bag are also your responsibility. Read the inclusions as a starting kit, not as a full equipment rental package.

Is the $1,900 price good value?

At $1,900 per person, this is an expensive three-day excursion. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled: private transportation from Almaty, guide services, horse rental, horse breeder support, accommodation in a hut and tent place, sleeping pads, trekking poles, meals, fees, and taxes.

You are also buying a private format and a route that is designed around remote mountain travel rather than a standard day tour. If you are comparing it with a simple Kolsay transfer and lakeside walk, this will look costly. That comparison is fair. The value appears when you want the full arrangement, including horses, food, support, and a guide who handles the route.

Group discounts are offered, but no discount amount is provided. Ask for the exact price for your party before paying. Since the average booking is made well in advance, planning early may help, especially if you need a particular date or guide.

I would consider this good value for a small group that wants a private, active trip and does not want to coordinate a rural vehicle, horses, food, and mountain sleeping arrangements separately. It is weaker value for someone who mainly wants quick photos of the lakes or prefers comfortable accommodation.

Who should book it?

You should consider this trip if you like long days, quiet trails, basic camping, and a mix of riding and walking. It also suits people who want a more authentic connection with Kazakhstan’s mountain culture, including the food stop in Baiseit and the simple horse-supported way of moving through the hills.

It can work for solo participants if the operator arranges a shared departure, but confirm that point before booking. Families may enjoy the scenery and horses, though every person must be ready for long days and basic sleeping conditions. One past trip included a son and grandfather, showing that the experience can suit different ages, but the moderate fitness requirement still applies to everyone.

You should think twice if you dislike rough conditions, cannot manage extended days outdoors, or expect a fast-paced riding adventure. The horses may be slow, the schedule is demanding, and weather can affect the views or cancel the activity.

The tour is also weather-dependent. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own plans, keep some flexibility around the three-day window.

Small details that make a big difference

Start with the right meeting point. Pickup is offered, but the stated start is Magnum Hyper at Demyan Bednogo Street 3 in Almaty, and the return is to that same meeting point. Confirm the exact pickup details before departure.

Bring a sleeping bag, outdoor clothing, snacks, insurance, and any water treatment equipment you want. Trekking poles and sleeping pads are supplied, but those items do not replace warm clothing or suitable footwear.

Service animals are allowed. The tour is a private activity, and only your group takes part. Confirmation is provided when you book, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund, except when poor weather causes the operator to cancel.

Should you book the Kolsay horseback and hiking tour?

Book this trip if you want Kolsay Lakes as a mountain journey, not just a scenic stop. The combination of horseback riding, hiking, hut and tent accommodation, local food, and private guiding gives you a fuller connection with the area than a standard sightseeing visit.

Do not book it simply because the photographs look beautiful. The three days are physically demanding, the first day includes a long drive, the accommodation is basic, and the $1,900 price is high. If those tradeoffs suit you, this is a well-supported way to experience the Kungey Alatau mountains with Darya, Alex, or the wider Powder Nomads team. Bring the right gear, leave room in your schedule, and expect the horses to set the pace.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts approximately three days. Day one is listed at about 12 hours, day two at about nine hours, and day three at about eight hours.

Where does the tour start?

The stated meeting point is Magnum Hyper, 3 Demyan Bednogo Street, Almaty 050018, Kazakhstan. The start time is 6:00 a.m.

Does the tour include pickup?

Pickup is offered. Confirm the exact pickup arrangement and time with the operator before departure.

How do I reach the Kolsay area?

You travel from Almaty by private SUV or minibus toward Kurmenty village, a road journey of about 285 kilometers. You then continue through the mountains by horse and on foot.

Are horses included?

Yes. Horse rental and horse breeder services are included, along with guide services.

What accommodation is provided?

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

Are meals included?

Yes. The package includes two breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners. Snacks are not included.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

Yes. The stated requirement is moderate physical fitness. The trip includes long days, horseback riding, hiking, mountain passes, and basic outdoor accommodation.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.