Almaty: Sunkar Falcon Farm Tour & Horse Ride with Lunch

Summary

Falcon show stories horse rides & mountain air in Alma-Arasan

You’ll ride up into Alma-Arasan gorge for lunch at a local restaurant before exploring Sunkar Falcon Farm with your guide. Watch eagles soar during the live falcon show and try horse riding on-site if you’re feeling brave. It’s a day full of small surprises, fresh air, and real moments you’ll remember long after heading back to Almaty.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we almost missed our pickup because I couldn’t find my other shoe. Our guide, Timur, just grinned when we finally made it down to the car. He said it happens all the time — apparently people get distracted by the mountain views even before leaving Almaty. The drive up into Alma-Arasan gorge felt like a slow exhale; windows cracked open, you could smell pine and something almost sweet from the wet grass. I kept thinking how close this was to the city but it already felt like somewhere else entirely.

Lunch came first — a local spot where Timur ordered for us (I tried to pronounce “baursak” but he had to help). Still warm bread, tangy salads, and tea that tasted faintly of smoke. After that we wound up to Sunkar Falcon Farm itself. The place isn’t fancy but it’s alive: dogs barking somewhere in the back, kids chasing each other between pens, and that sharp cry of a bird overhead. Walking through the nursery, Timur pointed out a tiny owl blinking at us from a perch — “He thinks he’s a falcon,” he joked. The air was cool enough to see your breath if you looked hard.

The falcon show started with barely any warning — someone called out in Kazakh and suddenly an eagle swooped low over our heads. I flinched (everyone did) but then laughed because so did Timur. Watching these birds work with their trainers is wild; there’s this mix of old ritual and total unpredictability. You can see why hunting with eagles was such a big deal here. My hands were cold from clapping too much, honestly.

I tried riding one of the horses after — not very gracefully, but nobody seemed to mind except maybe the horse itself. On the way back down to Almaty I kept replaying that moment when the eagle landed right in front of us; I don’t think I’ll forget that sound or how everyone just went quiet for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Falcon farm visit and horse riding

• Meet guide and driver
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Transfer to falconry farm
• Tour falconry farm
• Ride horses on your own
• Watch falcon show
• Transfer back to Almaty

Top questions

Is lunch included on the Sunkar Falcon Farm tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included before visiting the farm.

Can I ride horses during the day trip to Sunkar Falcon Farm?

Yes, you can ride horses at your own pace after touring the farm.

How do we get from Almaty to Sunkar Falcon Farm?

Private transportation with pickup is included from Almaty to Alma-Arasan gorge.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, guide service is provided throughout your visit.

Are entrance tickets for the falcon show included?

Yes, entry fees for the falcon show are part of your booking.

How long does it take to reach Sunkar Falcon Farm from Almaty?

The drive is short; you'll reach Alma-Arasan gorge quickly after lunch in town.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels except those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Almaty with pickup by your guide, lunch at a local restaurant before heading into Alma-Arasan gorge, entrance tickets for both Sunkar Falcon Farm and its live falcon show, plus mineral water and time to try horse riding if you’d like before returning home.