Hot springs and waterfalls, close to the city.

This day tour pairs the Alma-Arasan natural hot springs with the Ayusai gorge waterfall views, plus a short, beginner-friendly hike through pine forests and mountain river scenery. The one thing to plan for: lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want a little extra cash for the café stop.

I also like how it’s run like a real outing, not a rushed checklist. You get pickup and a comfy minibus, an English-speaking guide (I met folks guided by Yula, Serzhan, and Zhenis in this tour style), and even practical extras like bottled water and shower items so your day stays comfortable after the springs. One more seasonal note: the falconry show at Falcon Farm Sunkar runs April to October.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel during the day

• Hot springs at Alma-Arasan: optional bathing after the gorge walk, with shampoo and shower gel included so you’re not scrambling afterward.
• Two gorge experiences, two kinds of views: Maiden’s Tears at Alma-Arasan, then the Ayusai waterfall viewpoints.
• Built for photos but not just sightseeing: photo stops are part of the pacing at both gorges.
• Falconry show with eagles and falcons at Falcon Farm Sunkar, but only April–October.
• Small group size (max 15): easier conversations with your guide and a less chaotic pace.
• Guides who guide: names you’ll hear include Yula, Serzhan, Alma/Amal, and Zhenis, and many people loved how engaged and organized they felt.

Why Alma-Arasan and Ayusai are a smart day-trip from Almaty

If you’re in Almaty and want mountains without committing to a full multi-day trek, this route is a strong choice. Alma-Arasan and Ayusai gorges are close enough for a long half-day, yet wild enough that you feel like you’ve escaped into the Trans-Ili Alatau region.

What makes the mix work is the rhythm. You walk through forest-and-water scenery, stop for hot springs, then you shift to waterfalls and viewpoints in Ayusai. After that, you get culture in a very tangible way at the falconry center—birds of prey are the headline, and the show connects to Central Asian traditions of hunting and training.

Getting there: pickup, small groups, and the “comfort math”

This tour runs about 7 to 8 hours, with a maximum of 15 travelers, so it stays in that sweet spot where you can move together but still have space to breathe. Pickup is offered, which matters in Almaty—show up stressed, and the day doesn’t start well.

On top of the usual guide + minibus setup, you get bottled water and some post-springs comfort items like shampoo and shower gel. That’s not just a nice gesture; it changes how you plan the day. You can go in focused on the experience, then clean up and keep enjoying the rest of the itinerary without feeling stuck.

English support is included with an English-speaking guide. In practice, that’s what turns a pretty gorge into a memorable one—your guide’s job is to connect what you’re seeing to why it matters, and multiple guide names from past departures (including Serzhan and Alma/Amal) came up in feedback.

Stop 1: Alma-Arasan Gorge, Maiden’s Tears, and real hot springs time

Alma-Arasan Gorge is the heart of the day if your main goal is bathing in nature’s hot springs. You start with a short hike along the gorge toward the Maiden’s Tears waterfall, with photo stops built into the walk. The pace is described as suitable for beginners, which is exactly what you want for a one-day format.

Then comes the big decision: the hot springs are optional, but this is the attraction you came for. The springs are natural and located in the gorge area, so you’re not just sitting in a hotel pool—you’re soaking in a mountain setting after a short trek.

One practical tip: treat the first stop as your warm-up for the whole day. If you’ll swim or soak, plan to spend enough time that you don’t feel rushed. People often get the most out of it when they do the walk, enjoy the waterfall moment, and only then settle into the springs.

Ayusai Visitor Center: souvenirs plus a café lunch you’ll plan for

After Alma-Arasan, you’ll shift to the Ayusai Visitor Center for about 1.5 hours. This is where you can slow down, pick up small souvenirs, and reset before the second gorge walk.

Lunch is available at the café here, but it’s not included. That’s the main “budget reality” of the day. I’d recommend planning for it early—look for something simple, and avoid overordering if you’ll still be walking afterward.

This visitor center stop also helps the day feel complete. You get a transition point between two active sections, and it’s a good time to ask your guide questions you didn’t think to ask earlier—like what to watch for at the waterfall viewpoints later in the gorge.

Stop 3: Ayusai Gorge walk to the waterfall and photo stops that pay off

The Ayusai Gorge portion is shorter—around 1 hour—with a walk to the Ayusai waterfall and photo stops along the way. If you’re someone who likes variety, this is a nice counterbalance to the Alma-Arasan portion: different waterfall moment, different gorge feel, but the same mountain-energy vibe.

Because the walk is short, it’s a good option if you don’t want to feel “tour-bus tired.” You’ll still get the payoff of being in the gorge environment—water, rocks, and views—without needing advanced hiking skills.

If it’s your first trip to the Trans-Ili Alatau region, this stop helps you understand the geography fast. The gorges are basically nature’s corridors—walkable paths through steep terrain where water creates the focal points.

Falcon Farm Sunkar: the bird-of-prey show (April to October)

The final part of the day takes you to Falcon Farm Sunkar for a falconry center visit and a bird of prey show. Expect eagles, falcons, and other birds of prey, and the show is described as connected to nomadic traditions.

This is where the tour adds culture without turning it into a museum day. You’ll see training and flying behaviors up close, and it’s easy to appreciate even if you’re not a big animal-program person. You also don’t need to read up beforehand to enjoy it—you can just watch, listen, and ask questions.

Important timing note: the show is only from April to October. If you’re traveling outside those months, you may want to double-check whether the falconry portion is still available on your departure date. The tour is built around it, so season matters.

The hot springs experience: how to do it well (and not get overconfident)

Hot springs days have their own rules, and you’ll enjoy yours more if you follow them. Here’s the approach I’d use:

• Go after you’ve done the walk, not before.
• Take your time adjusting to the temperature, especially if you’re visiting during colder months.
• Use the included shower items right after you’re done soaking, so you can transition smoothly back to the rest of the day.

One detail that stuck with me from guide stories: Zhenis-style encouragement to try hot spring and then ice water, then back to hot spring—people liked it and felt it helped them. I’m not saying you have to do a temperature-rollercoaster, but it does suggest the springs setting is active and flexible. If your body handles it well, you’ll probably feel energized afterward.

Also, because bathing is optional, you can tailor the day. If you want the soaking moment but not the full bath commitment, even a shorter soak after the gorge walk can still feel like a reset button.

What to bring for a day of gorges, water, and a show

You won’t need a mountaineering kit, but you should pack smart. This is a day where you’ll walk in gorge terrain, then get wet at the springs, then still move to waterfalls and an outdoor show.

Bring:

• Something quick-drying for the springs portion (if you plan to bathe)
• A towel or plan to manage drying after the soak
• Solid footwear with grip for uneven paths
• Layers for changing mountain temps
• Cash for lunch at the café and any souvenirs at the visitor center

Even though the hikes are described as short and suitable for beginners, gorges are still gorges. Smooth-looking stones can be slick, and mountain weather can shift faster than you expect.

Price and value: is $30 a fair deal for this mix?

At $30 per person, this tour is trying to win on value rather than luxury. And for what you get, that logic makes sense.

You’re paying for:

• Transport by comfortable minibus with pickup offered
• An English-speaking guide for the entire day’s flow
• National park admission
• Admission for the hot springs area
• Admission for the falconry bird show
• Practical inclusions that reduce hassle: bottled water plus shampoo and shower gel

The biggest “not included” item is lunch. But even with lunch added, you’re still likely in a reasonable budget zone compared to hiring separate transport + paying for attractions one by one.

The group size cap (max 15) also matters for value. Smaller groups often mean less waiting and fewer bottlenecks, which is exactly what you want on a day where the best moments are tied to timing—waterfalls, soak time, and the show start.

Who this tour fits best

This is a strong match if you want:

• A nature reset near Almaty without a multi-day plan
• Short hikes and scenic photo stops, not long trail marathons
• A day that includes both outdoors time and a cultural show
• Something you can enjoy even if you’re not a hardcore hiker

If you’re traveling with limited time, or you want to do a “mountains first” day before settling into the city, this hits the goal. It’s also ideal if you like the idea of an optional hot spring soak without being forced into it.

Should you book this Alma-Arasan & Ayusai Hot Springs day?

Book it if your top goal is a mountain escape that mixes hot springs + waterfall walks + a falconry show in one smooth day. The included park and attraction admissions, plus shower essentials, make it feel like more than a simple sightseeing drive.

Skip or rethink it if you’re traveling outside April–October and the falconry show is a must-have for you. Also, be honest about food: since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to budget for the café stop so the day doesn’t feel like it’s squeezing your wallet at the wrong time.

If you want mountains that feel close, scenic that’s easy to access, and a unique ending at the bird-of-prey show, this one is worth your time.

FAQ

How long is the Alma-Arasan & Ayusai Mountain Gorges with Hot Springs tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

It’s based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and visits the Alma-Arasan and Ayusai gorges near the city.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered.

What’s included in the price?

You get a comfortable minibus, an English-speaking tour guide, bottled water, national park admission, shampoo and shower gel, and admission for the birds of prey show.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but there is a café stop at the Ayusai Visitor Center.

Are the hot springs optional?

Yes. Bathing in the Alma-Arasan hot springs is optional.

What is the falconry show schedule?

The Falcon Farm Sunkar bird of prey show is only from April to October.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

It’s described as an easy hike for beginners, and most travelers can participate.

What if the 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.

You Might Also Enjoy

Almaty: Private custom tour with a local guideAlmaty: Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyon 2-Day TourAstana City Tour: Certified Guide+Winetasting+All InclusivePrivate Full-Day Amritsar Tour: The Golden Temple & Wagah Border