Plan your visit
Plan your Visit
Organize your trip to the mountains. Learn how to reach the trailheads, when to hike, and what rules to follow.
Getting there
Getting to the park from central Almaty.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus: Public bus routes from central Almaty (#12 to Medeu, #28 to Alma-Arasan gorge near Ayusai) drop visitors at major trailheads. | 40-60 minutes | approx. 100 KZT | An incredibly cheap and popular way to reach the mountain bases, but requires walking or taxiing further up for high-altitude spots. |
| Car: Yandex Taxi or rental car to major park checkpoints (Medeu, Alma-Arasan, or Turgen). | 30-50 minutes from city center | 1,500 - 4,000 KZT via ride-hailing | Driving your own car requires paying the eco-fee per passenger and sometimes a vehicle fee at the boom gates. |
| Tour: Booked 4x4 guided excursions covering main sights like Big Almaty Lake, Turgen Gorge, or Issyk Lake. | Half-day to full-day | 15,000 - 35,000+ KZT | Recommended for deep park exploration or spots like Big Almaty Lake where road access can occasionally be restricted for private cars. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The best months for hiking and sightseeing are May through September. Winter brings heavy snow, making December to March ideal for winter sports.
Check the weather before you leave Almaty. Mountain conditions change rapidly, so prepare for rain or dropping temperatures even in summer.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Over 1,200 plant species grow in the park.
This includes the Sievers apple tree, the ancestor of the modern apple.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to spend your day in the park.
A quick trip to see the park's most famous alpine reservoir and nearby waterfalls.
- Depart Almaty
Take a taxi or join a tour heading up the Alma-Arasan gorge.
- Ayusai Visitor Center
Stop to pay eco-fees, get maps, and use the restroom facilities.
- Big Almaty Lake
Arrive at the lake. Walk the designated paths and enjoy the views.
- Ayusai Waterfalls
Hike the short eco-trail to see the cascading waterfalls.
- Return to City
Head back down to Almaty for a late lunch.
Explore the deeper forests and powerful waterfalls of the eastern park sector.
- Drive East
Depart Almaty toward the Turgen Gorge. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
- Bear Waterfall
Hike the short, family-friendly trail to the 30-meter Medvezhiy waterfall.
- Lake Issyk
Drive to the emerald-green mountain lake for photos and a picnic.
- Assy Plateau
If you have a 4x4, continue to the sweeping highland steppe at 2,700 meters.
- Return trip
Drive back to Almaty before sunset.
Important Park Rules
Ile-Alatau is a protected environment. You must stay on officially marked trails to prevent erosion and protect endemic flora. Lighting fires is strictly forbidden outside of designated and equipped picnic zones.
Swimming or walking down directly to the water at Big Almaty Lake is strictly prohibited. The lake is a protected reservoir supplying drinking water to Almaty. You must also pack out all your trash, as garbage facilities are sparse.
Easiest way to do it
Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour
8 h 4.9 (36)
- National parks entrance fees
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
From$90per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Is there a visitor center?
Yes, the Ayusai Visitor Center is a great starting point. It offers trail maps, local information, and a place to grab a coffee before hiking.
What should I wear?
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. Bring warm layers, a rain jacket, and sun protection. Mountain temperatures drop quickly, even on sunny summer days.
Do I need my passport?
Yes. You should bring your passport or ID. Areas close to the border, like Big Almaty Lake, often require identification at checkpoints.