Kok Zhailau trek Almaty: Mountain pasture above the city

The mountain staircase built for tourists is where the real work happens.

Kok Zhailau is a high mountain pasture trek in Almaty that starts at your hotel and climbs through Ile Alatau National Park to 2,200 meters, with views of the Tien Shan Mountains and the city below. The route takes about 3 hours up and 2 hours down, passing through protected forest and alpine meadows. Private transport, a live guide in English, German or Russian, trekking poles and metal shoe chains are included. You'll drink from a mountain spring and stop at the alpine pasture itself.

The experience

The trek begins with a drive through Almaty's city center along Dostyk Street to the trailhead in Ile Alatau National Park. Once on the mountain, the first third climbs a built stone staircase that feels steep enough to earn the effort. This is where the day's real work sits. The rest of the route gentles into a steady climb through birch, pine and spruce forest toward the alpine meadows, with pure water from a mountain spring available as you go.

At 2,200 meters, you reach the high pasture itself and the reason this route is the most popular trek among Almaty residents and visitors. The panorama opens to the Tien Shan range and a complete view of the city below: the bird's-eye perspective the description promises actually arrives. The descent retraces the same path and takes roughly 2 hours, so the full day runs about 7 hours from hotel to hotel.

Your guide speaks English, German or Russian and travels with you in an air-conditioned vehicle. Trekking poles and metal shoe chains come with the booking, along with bottled water and snacks. The route sits inside a protected reserve, so the landscape stays intact and the forest canopy stays thick even in summer heat.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• live guide in English, German or Russian.
• trekking poles and metal shoe chains.
• bottled water and snacks.
• access to Ile Alatau National Park and the high mountain pasture at 2,200 meters.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 70 years) · Youth (10 to 16 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, German and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Incredible Kazakhstan

Is this one for you?The steep stone staircase in the first third demands real effort, so this trek suits hikers with at least moderate fitness who are ready for a full day of climbing and descent. The private guide and transport mean you move at your own pace without waiting for a group, and the route itself is straightforward enough that first-time mountain hikers with good health can complete it.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, German and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 16 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How steep is the climb to Kok Zhailau?

The first third of the trek climbs a built stone staircase that is noticeably steep, then the route eases into a gentle slope through forest toward the alpine meadows. Most of the day's elevation gain happens in that opening section.

What will I see at the top of Kok Zhailau?

The high mountain pasture opens to a full panorama of Almaty below and the Tien Shan Mountains across the horizon. The alpine meadows themselves are the destination, and the view from 2,200 meters is why the route is so popular with both residents and tourists.

What's included in the trek besides the guide?

Private transport from your hotel, trekking poles, metal shoe chains, bottled water and snacks are all included. Your guide speaks English, German or Russian and travels with you throughout the day.

Is this trek suitable for someone who has never hiked before?

The route is described as easy and suitable for beginners, though you do need good health and at least moderate physical fitness. The steep stone staircase in the first third is the most demanding part. The rest is a steady climb through forest.

How long does the whole day take from start to finish?

The climb takes about 3 hours and the descent takes about 2 hours, plus time for transport to and from your hotel and stops at the pasture itself. Plan for roughly 7 hours total.

What should I bring or wear for this trek?

Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip. The metal shoe chains provided help on steep sections. Bring layers because temperature drops with altitude, and sun protection. Trekking poles are supplied, and water and snacks are included.