Ormakhai Gorge & Talgar Ridge: 1-Day Panoramic Mountain Horseback Adventure (2,600 m)
MORN. CURATED ESCAPE · SECTOR 02

Ormakhai Gorge & Talgar Ridge

1-Day Mountain Horseback Trail Expedition

Duration
1 Day
Group Size
1–10 guests · Shared group
Difficulty
ADVANCED, EXPERT
Season
June – October
180,000 ₸ (~$380) per person Exactly 0% markup.
The Journey

Ormakhai Gorge & Talgar Ridge: 1-Day Panoramic Mountain Horseback Adventure (2,600 m)

Ride through blooming meadows, pine forests, and mountain ridges to a panoramic picnic spot facing the iconic Talgar Peak. Finish your adventure at a cozy eco-farm tasting homemade cheese and relaxing in a traditional yurt.

Trail Route & Eco Farm Experience

  • Starts directly from a welcoming horse eco-farm near Ryskulovo village, about 40 km from Almaty, featuring a very well-organized territory and friendly staff.
  • Trail passes through cultivated fields, blooming meadows, and crosses a wide scenic valley.
  • Horseback riding continues through mountain forests among majestic Tien-Shan spruces and birch groves.
  • Enjoy a ridge top picnic with panoramic views opening toward the upper reaches of Right Talgar Gorge, Talgar Peak (highest point of Northern Tien Shan at 4,979 m), and surrounding glaciated summits.
  • Accompanied throughout by an experienced instructor and guide sharing insights into local sights, mountain culture, and the vital role of horses in nomadic heritage.

Post-Ride Relaxation & Farm Amenities

  • After riding: rest in a cozy Kazakh yurt or on the summer terrace in the garden.
  • Opportunity to taste fresh homemade cheese, cream, and yogurt.
  • Near the river there is a designated spot for a traditional "Saka" sauna, available upon advance request.

Program Flexibility & Weather Conditions

  • Depending on weather, health, and physical condition of the participants, the guide can make adjustments to the program.
  • The program can be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Highlights

  • Feel yourself as a nomad by traveling in the mountains on horseback.
  • Panoramic view of Talgar Peak — the highest in the Northern Tien Shan.
  • Crossing picturesque blooming fields and meadows.
  • Experiencing a long ride journey on horseback.
  • Picnic with impressive view to the Right Talgar Gorge.
Logistics & Transfer: Round-trip private transfer included to Eco Farm near Ryskulovo Village (40 km one-way from Almaty).
Meeting point: Meeting the guide at your place in Almaty. Meeting the guide at 08:00 AM at your hotel or residence in Almaty. Transfer to the Eco Farm (approx. 40 km).
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Day by Day

Expedition Itinerary

DAY 1

Talgar Ridge Horseback Adventure: Ormakhai Gorge, Mountain Ridges & Talgar Viewpoints

▲ 2600 m
  1. Meeting the guide at your place in Almaty. Transfer to Eco Farm.
  2. Arrival to the farm. Meeting with horses. Short instructions from the guide: safety, features of the route, order of movement in the group.
  3. Start moving along the route. Ground road among apple and apricot gardens. Ride to one of the mountain ridges close to the farm. Observation viewpoint to the summits of Talgar Gorges.
  4. Stop for picnic and rest.
  5. Riding back to the farm.
  6. Arrival to the farm. Transfer to Almaty.
  7. Return to Almaty.
Transparency

What's Included & Packing Checklist

Included in Price

  • Transfer Almaty – Eco Farm – Almaty
  • English-speaking guide
  • Horse breeder services
  • Environmental fees
  • Picnic
  • Horses rental

Not Included

  • Personal and other expenses not indicated in the program
  • Insurance policy
  • Food for snacks

Recommended Packing Checklist

Personal clothing and accessories

  • Light functional trekking long pants or leggings
  • T-shirt or light shirt with long sleeve
  • Thermal base layer (depending the season)
  • Cap or panama hat
  • Neck gaiter
  • Trekking waterproof boots or similar with a good protector sole and high lacing
  • Membrane or other water and wind resistant jacket
  • Raincoat poncho
  • Warm fleece or polartec jacket
  • High socks
  • Beanie (depending the season)
  • Two pairs of gloves (thin and warm, depending the season)
  • Water container (1 liter)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen with a high degree of UV protection
  • Personal AID kit
  • Food for snacks
  • A small hiking backpack with a volume of 20–30 liters

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
129,000 ₸ per person
(~$270)
3–4 Guests
103,000 ₸ per person
(~$220)
5–7 Guests
77,000 ₸ per person
(~$165)
8–10 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 Guides

Certified English-speaking trekking 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.”