Kolsay feels like a wild fairytale. This private 3-day tour in the Kungey Alatau mixes horseback riding with hiking to the Upper and Lower Kolsay Lakes, aiming for quieter trails instead of the same tourist loop. I also like how the trip is guided by Darya and Alex, which shows up in the “responsible and fun” way they run the mountains.

Day 1 is a long travel day, starting with an early pickup at 6:00am, and you’ll spend much of the day on the road (about 285 km). The other thing to consider is that you’re sleeping in a mountain hut and a tent setup, but the operator provides pads and basic comfort.

If you’re the type who likes real outdoors over polished comfort, this feels like a good fit. Bring the right gear, keep your expectations practical, and you’ll get a very hands-on mountain experience.

Key Points Before You Go

• Private guide + horses: you’re not sharing horses or instructions with strangers.
• Kolsay Lakes on two feet too: you mix riding with walking over passes and down to the Lower Kolsay area.
• Nomad-style rhythm: you camp in simple conditions with hut stays and provided meals.
• Early start, big day: 6:00am pickup plus a long drive means plan a rested morning.
• Safety and pacing matter: trekking poles are included, and the guide team emphasizes responsible travel.

Why This Kolsay Tour Feels Different Than the Usual “Lakes Only” Trip

This is not just a photo stop at Kolsay Lakes. You spend the days moving through the Kungey Alatau mountains by both horse and foot, which changes the whole vibe. Riding gets you into areas you’d struggle to reach quickly on your own, then hiking lets you feel the terrain up close.

I also like the way the route is described: they aim for wild and less touristic trails, which usually means fewer people and more “out there” silence. And because it’s private, your pace can stay consistent. That matters on mountain days where one slow group can reshape the whole schedule.

One more practical plus: the trip includes trekking poles and uses a guide-led hut/tent setup. That reduces decision fatigue. You don’t need to figure out the logistics of where to sleep or how the riding/hiking transitions work.

Day-by-Day: Baiseit, Kurmety, and the Upper-to-Lower Kolsay Lakes Route

Day 1: Baiseit Village Food Stop, Then Transfer to the Mountain Area

The day starts early at 6:00am from Magnum Hyper… on ulitsa Demyona Bednogo in Almaty, and the tour includes your private transport. From there, you drive by SUV or minibus toward Kurmety (about 285 km), with a planned food stop in Baiseit along the way.

Baiseit is a Uigur village with a vegetable and fruit market and hearty local breads and snacks. Expect flavors like tandyr and onion bread, plus items such as samsa, chebureki, lagman, and shashlyk. It’s a nice way to “warm up” before the mountains, and it also gives you a chance to buy fresh fruit/veg and bread before trekking days.

The reality check: Day 1 is long. The itinerary lists roughly a full travel day (around 12 hours), so this is not a “sleep in and stroll” kind of outing. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead before the road segment.

Day 2: Riding Toward the Upper Kolsay Area, Then Walking Past Two Passes

After breakfast and preparations, you ride toward the Kolsay lake region. The route description notes you move toward the Middle Kolsay Lake area, then continue from the hut on foot through two small passes to reach the Upper Kolsai Lake.

That pass segment is the point where the day usually turns from “interesting riding” into “proper mountain hiking.” Passes bring wind, changes in footing, and that satisfying moment when views open up and you can finally see where you’ve gone.

You’re out for about 9 hours on Day 2, with horse riding and hiking combined. The upper lake portion is typically what people picture when they imagine Kolsay: a calm water setting with a bigger sense of remoteness around it.

If you’re prone to getting cold on ascents, pack a warm layer even in shoulder season. With passes, weather can shift fast, and you’ll likely appreciate having something on hand for those slower moments.

Day 3: From the Lower (First) Kolsay Back Toward the Middle, With Tea and Snacks

Day 3 starts with breakfast and packing. You hike back toward the Middle Kolsay Lake first, then follow the trail leading to the Lower (First) Kolsay Lake.

There’s a smart pause built in: you stop near the Middle lake for snacks and tea before continuing. That break helps you reset before the final push, especially if your legs are already asking “why?” by this point.

Total time on Day 3 is about 8 hours, and again, this is a mix of terrain types because you’re switching between lake-area walking segments and trail travel along the way.

The best practical advice here is simple: keep a steady pace on the downhill sections. Trekking poles are included for a reason, and using them consistently usually saves your knees for the ride home.

The True Value in Price: What $1,900 Per Person Actually Buys

At $1,900 per person, this is clearly not a budget day trip. The value is in what’s bundled: private transportation, horses rental, horse breeder services, guide services, and accommodation support in the mountains.

You also get a lot of “in the field” essentials handled for you:

• mountain hut accommodation
• a spot in the tent
• sleeping pads
• trekking poles
• multiple meals (breakfast 2 times, plus lunch 3 times and dinner 3 times)

Then there are the intangible value pieces: having an experienced guide who knows the route, and having access to horses for steep or long stretches. A lot of people underestimate how hard it is to combine remote travel, lodging, and animals without local help.

One more thing: the operator lists group discounts, even though the tour is private. If you’re traveling with friends or family, it’s worth asking whether your dates qualify for any pricing relief.

Bottom line: if you want autonomy (private, with a guide and horses) rather than “join a crowd and hope,” the cost starts to make sense.

Mountain Hut + Tent Reality: Comfort, Meals, and What to Pack

This tour provides basic comfort, but it’s still real outdoors. You get accommodation in a mountain hut and a place in the tent, plus sleeping pads. What’s not provided is the sleeping bag and the bulk of your outdoor clothing.

So plan to bring:

• a sleeping bag (not included)
• outdoor gear and clothing suited for mountain weather
• personal expenses items you may want
• snacks (snacks aren’t listed as included beyond the tea/snack stop on Day 3)

One small tip based on prior experience: if you’re drinking mountain water, consider bringing a water filter. Fresh water is one thing; clean water you trust is another.

Meals are covered (breakfast 2, lunch 3, dinner 3). That matters because it prevents the classic mountain problem: spending your energy on hunting food instead of enjoying the day. The food stop in Baiseit also gives you a tasty, local warm-up before the “system” of mountain meals takes over.

If you’re someone who needs hotel-level comfort to sleep, you might struggle. If you can sleep outdoors with a pad, you’re in the right mindset.

Riding and Hiking Pace: Fitness, Horse Temperament, and Your Expectations

The trip is listed for moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. It means the operator thinks you can handle a long day of movement if you’re reasonably active.

Day 2 and Day 3 each clock in around 8–9 hours total. Since you’re switching between riding and walking, the rhythm matters: riding doesn’t fully “rest” you the way a car does. You’ll still feel it in your hips and thighs after a couple of days.

There’s also a real horse factor. In some previous experiences with similar routes, the horses were described as a bit lazy at first, then more responsive after a bit of encouragement. The good news: you’re not doing that alone. With guides and horses rental/breeder services included, you can focus on staying balanced and following instructions.

Practical riding mindset:

• Wear secure footwear for boarding and dismounting.
• Expect some bumpy moments when the trail turns rough.
• Keep your hands relaxed and follow the guide’s cues.

On hiking segments, trekking poles help a lot on downhills and uneven ground. Use them often, not only when things get dramatic.

Safety and Remote Feeling: Why Having Guides Like Darya and Alex Matters

The guide team is a big part of the quality here. Darya and Alex are referenced in ways that point to professionalism and care—someone making sure you’re comfortable and safe, not just someone showing up and moving on.

The tour also builds safety into the structure:

• guide services included
• horses rental plus horse breeder services
• trekking poles provided
• accommodation planned (hut + tent) rather than “figure it out”

Another safety layer is weather dependency. This experience requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s not just a legal checkbox; on mountain lakes, weather can change the whole trail and visibility.

You’re also starting and returning to the same meeting point, which keeps the logistical load low. In a remote place, that simple “we’re organized” factor helps you relax and enjoy the day.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Another Option)

This works best for you if:

• you want both horseback riding and hiking
• you like quiet nature routes more than crowded viewpoints
• you’re okay sleeping in a hut/tent setup
• you travel in a way that appreciates guide-led adventure

It’s probably less ideal if:

• you want a short, low-effort outing (Day 1 is long)
• you strongly dislike early mornings (pickup is 6:00am)
• you need a sleeping bag and outdoor setup fully handled for you (it’s not included)

If you’re traveling solo, a private tour still means you’re not joining mixed groups. But the operator clearly has experience running solo travelers through these long-distance mountain days, so your comfort level may depend on your gear and how you handle being active all day.

Should You Book This 3-Day Private Horseback Riding and Hiking Tour in Kolsay?

I’d book it if you want a real mountain experience with horses, not just a lake visit. The value comes from the bundle—transport, guides, horses, lodging support, trekking poles, and meals—so you spend your time outside instead of solving logistics.

I’d think twice if you’re expecting hotel comfort or if a 6:00am start and long travel day will make you miserable. In that case, look for an option with less driving or more comfort included.

If you do book: pack thoughtfully (especially a sleeping bag and warm layers), drink responsibly (water filter is a smart move), and treat each day like a hike first, photo shoot second. That mindset makes the whole Kolsay experience click.

FAQ

Where do we meet, and what time does the tour start?

You meet at Magnum Hyperулица Демьяна Бедного 3, Almaty 050018, Kazakhstan. The start time is 6:00 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private tour, or will I join other people?

It’s private, so only your group participates. The tour also lists group discounts, so you can ask if any apply to your travel plans.

What’s included versus not included?

Included are private transportation, all fees and taxes, horses rental, guide services, mountain hut accommodation, tent place, sleeping pad, trekking poles, and meals (breakfast 2 times, plus lunch 3 times and dinner 3 times). Not included are sleeping bag, outdoor gear/clothing, insurance, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

Yes. A sleeping bag is not included, though sleeping pads are provided.

What fitness level is needed for this trip?

The tour is suitable for people with moderate physical fitness. Since it includes long hiking days plus horse travel, you should be comfortable with sustained outdoor activity.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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