Kargaly Gorge: 5-Hour Foothill Horseback Ride, Panoramic Vistas & Country Barbecue (1,500–1,900 m)
MORN. CURATED ESCAPE · SECTOR 02

Kargaly Gorge

Half-day horseback journey through apple orchards

Duration
5 Hours
Group Size
1–10 guests · Shared group
Difficulty
BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE
Season
YEAR-ROUND
Total Riding
~3h
180,000 ₸ (~$380) per person Exactly 0% markup.
Kargaly
Gorge

Kargaly Gorge: 5-Hour Foothill Horseback Ride, Panoramic Vistas & Country Barbecue (1,500–1,900 m)

A gentle half-day escape designed to help you slow down and feel the warm, natural rhythm of foothill life. Just a short 40-minute drive from Almaty, Kargaly Gorge opens up into famous apple and apricot orchards, soft rolling hills, and clear views over the city skyline framed by high snowy peaks. Guided by an experienced local instructor, you’ll spend a relaxed morning riding calm, friendly horses along comfortable dirt trails. Between two smooth riding sessions, you’ll take a quiet tea break, and conclude your time at the stables with a warm, freshly prepared barbecue lunch in the open air.

Ride gentle mountain horses through fragrant apple and apricot orchards just 40 minutes from the city center, taking in peaceful views of Almaty and snow-capped peaks. Perfect for beginners, this half-day getaway pairs two easy riding sessions with a cozy tea break and a delicious country barbecue lunch.

Trail Route & Orchard Experience

  • Scenic horseback tour in Kargaly Gorge starting from the equestrian complex near Karagaily village, approximately 40 minutes drive from Almaty city center with easy access.
  • Peaceful trails winding through fragrant apple and apricot orchards across the foothills of Ile Alatau.
  • Wide panoramic views of Almaty city framed by majestic snow-capped mountain peaks.
  • Two 1.5-hour horse-riding sessions separated by a cozy tea break, concluding with a fresh barbecue lunch at the stables.
  • Accompanied by an experienced instructor and trail guide sharing insights into local attractions, culture, and the vital role of horses in nomadic life.

Advance Health Information

Please inform us in advance about any existing health problems: allergies, chronic diseases, injuries, etc.

Weather & Operational Safety

The tour can be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions or danger threatening the lives of participants.

Highlights

  • Feel yourself like real nomads by exploring the outdoors on horseback.
  • Horse-riding healing effect.
  • Communicating with a wonderful and smart animal like a horse.
  • Exploring the foothills of Ile Alatau mountains.
  • Admiring panoramic views of Almaty city and Kargaly Gorge.
  • Acquaintance with Kazakh culture, customs and traditions.
  • Enjoying national countryside dishes.
Logistics & Transfer: Round-trip private transfer included to Equestrian base near Karagaily village in Kargaly Gorge (20 km one-way from Almaty).
Meeting point: Meeting the guide at your place in Almaty. Meeting the guide at 08:20 AM at your hotel or residence in Almaty. Transfer to Kargaly Gorge / Karagaily village (approx. 40 minutes).
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Day by Day

Expedition Itinerary

DAY 1

Kargaly Gorge Horseback Journey: Apple Orchards, Foothills & Country Barbecue

⏱ ~3 hrs saddle ▲ 1900 m
  1. Meeting the guide at your place. Transfer to Kargaly Gorge.
  2. Arrival to start point. Preparation. Meeting horses. Short guide instructions: safety, route features, order of movement in group.
  3. Start riding. Ground hilly road among apple gardens. Circle around gardens. Views of Almaty city and Kargaly Gorge.
  4. Return to stable. Tea break.
  5. Second 1.5-hour horse-riding session.
  6. Return to stables. Barbecue.
  7. Transfer back to city.
  8. Arrival to city.
Transparency

What's Included & Packing Checklist

Included in Price

  • Return transfer from Almaty
  • English-speaking horseback trail guide
  • Horse breeder services
  • All admissions and environmental fees
  • Meals: lunch
  • Three-hour horse-riding session with tea break
  • Horse-riding equipment: helmet and gaiters
  • Drinking water

Not Included

  • Personal and other expenses not specified in program
  • Insurance policy
  • Individual snacks

Recommended Packing Checklist

Personal clothing and accessories

  • Stretch long pants or leggings
  • T-shirt or light shirt with long sleeve
  • Neck warmer
  • Hiking or other shoes with high lacing or leather high boots
  • Membrane or other water and wind resistant jacket
  • Raincoat poncho
  • Extra softshell warm jacket
  • High thermal socks
  • Beanie, cap or panama
  • Leather or other gloves for horse-riding
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle

Food

  • individual snacks (muesli, protein, chocolate or other bars, dry fruits and nuts, special mount nutrition, etc.)
  • soft drinks or alcohol
Rates

Group Tiers & Transparent Pricing

Exactly 0% markup. You pay the organizers directly, with no agency commissions or hidden markups.

The more people in the group, the lower the price for each person.

1 Guest
180,000 ₸ per person
(~$380)
2 Guests
103,000 ₸ per person
(~$220)
3–5 Guests
77,000 ₸ per person
(~$165)
6–10 Guests
67,000 ₸ per person
(~$140)
Peace of Mind

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation terms are not published. Please clarify when submitting request.

Guide Team

Your Mountain & Riding Guides

Certified English-speaking horseback guides and professional horse breeders of Powder Nomads.

Languages on site: English
Digital briefing: English, Russian, Kazakh
Darya Ponomaryova
Powder Nomads

Darya Ponomaryova

Certified KMGA/KTA Guide • Expedition Leader & Ski Mountaineer

🇬🇧 Fluent English⛷️ 1st Female Ski Guide in RK (KMGA)🏆 RK Book of Records Record Holder❄️ Avalanche Safety (AST 2)🏔️ NAMG Board Member

The first certified female ski guide in Kazakhstan (KMGA) and the first CIS woman to ski down Peak Lenin (7,134 m). Darya led Kazakhstan's inaugural ski-touring expedition to Antarctica, holds AST 2 avalanche safety credentials, and earned a Tourism degree from Turan University. She seamlessly blends elite high-altitude safety with mindfulness, passion, and genuine hospitality.

“Adventure isn’t just about reaching a peak — it’s about personal growth, inspiration, and living every moment fully. The mountains teach us to stay grounded and deeply connected.”
Alexander Zadneprovskiy
Powder Nomads

Alexander Zadneprovskiy

Certified KMGA/KTA Guide • Ski Mountaineer & Expedition Leader

🇬🇧 Fluent English⛷️ Certified Ski Guide (KMGA)🏔️ Descent from Lenin Peak (7,134 m)📜 KMGA / KTA Certification🐴 Horseback & Trekking Expeditions

Born and raised in Almaty, Alexander has 20+ years of skiing experience. Certified through the International Mountain Guiding School (KMGA), he completed a historic ski descent down the North Face of Peak Lenin (7,134 m) and pioneered over 15 first ski descents in the Tien Shan. Having guided across Central Asia and Europe, he combines high-altitude mastery with authentic hospitality.

“Nature is our greatest teacher. Mountains aren't just about the summit, but about the genuine connection, stories, and wild freedom we share along the trail.”
Alyona Gulyayeva
Powder Nomads

Alyona Gulyayeva

Certified KTA Trekking Guide • Expedition Organizer & Yacht Skipper

🇬🇧 Fluent English🏔️ Certified Guide (KTA)⛰️ Elbrus Ascent (5,642 m)⛵ Yacht Captain (IYT Bareboat Skipper)🐧 Antarctica Expedition Organizer

Born into a family of geographers, Alyona grew up surrounded by maps and expedition notebooks. She organized Kazakhstan’s first ski-touring expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, summited Mount Elbrus (5,642 m), and is a certified IYT sailing skipper. Alyona brings calm confidence, deep environmental insight, and authentic warmth to every mountain journey.

“The wilderness allows you to meet your true self far from city noise and artificial roles. Mountains are places of pure power, clarity, and lifelong connection.”
Rakhman Baibolatov
Powder Nomads

Rakhman Baibolatov

WFTGA Regional Guide • Jeep Tours, Trekking & Horse Riding Expert

🇬🇧 Fluent English📜 WFTGA Certified Guide (2025)🏔️ 3rd Category Mountaineer🩹 First Aid🚙 Jeep Tours & Expeditions

Formerly a finance graduate and banker, Rakhman left the corporate world behind to follow his true calling in the wild landscapes of Kazakhstan. Since 2020, he has guided hundreds of custom day-trips and multi-day expeditions (including Baikonur). Combining deep cultural insight with genuine warmth and strict safety standards, Rakhman creates deeply meaningful experiences for international travelers.

“The mountains revealed something I didn’t even know I was looking for. Guiding travelers from all over the globe and sharing the authentic spirit of Kazakhstan is what truly fulfills my soul.”
Natalya Salnikova
Powder Nomads

Natalya Salnikova

3rd Category Alpine Instructor • Certified Mountain Guide & Ski Mountaineer

🇬🇧 Fluent English🏔️ 3rd Category Mountaineering Instructor🏆 RK Championship Medalist⛰️ 100+ Ascents (Lenin Peak, Elbrus)🎿 Ski Touring & Trekking

With over 15 years of mountain experience, Natalya is a certified alpine instructor (since 2016) and a medalist in National Ice Climbing and Winter Duathlon Championships. Having completed 100+ major ascents — including Lenin Peak (7,134 m), Kazbek, and Elbrus — she prioritizes group harmony, calm confidence, and deep respect for every climber along the trail.

“In the peaks, true connection and safety matter most. I guide without rush, focusing on mutual respect, calm presence, and the genuine freedom to be yourself.”
Igor Malkin
Powder Nomads

Igor Malkin

Certified Mountaineering Instructor • High-Altitude Trekking & Ski Expedition Leader

🇬🇧 Fluent English🏔️ Mountaineering Instructor🏆 RK Championship Bronze Medalist (2017)⛰️ 150+ Technical Ascents🎿 High-Altitude Ski Touring Expeditions

Igor has completed 150+ technical mountain ascents across Central Asia and the Caucasus, including Peak Lenin (7,134 m), Marble Wall, Free Korea, Kazbek, and a pioneer first ascent on Bayankol (2018). As a certified mountaineering instructor and bronze medalist at the Kazakhstan National Championships, he blends high-level alpine mastery with a calm, reassuring, and supportive presence.

“My passion for the wild began in childhood. Today, my mission is to share mountain wisdom so you feel completely confident, secure, and at home among the high peaks.”