THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride and hike through the Kungey-Alatau to three high mountain lakes over three days, combining horse travel, tent camping and nights in a mountain hut. This private trip avoids crowded routes and includes local food stops, river crossings and alpine passes.
Ride and hike through the Kungey-Alatau to three high mountain lakes over three days, combining horse travel, tent camping and nights in a mountain hut. This private trip avoids crowded routes and includes local food stops, river crossings and alpine passes.
You step out of the minibus into thin, fragrant mountain air and the Kungey-Alatau folds rise like a challenge ahead. Horses twitch and stamp; spruce and birch shade a stony track that climbs toward Besmoinak Pass. The first day mixes long saddle stretches and short hikes to observation points that frame Middle and Lower Kolsay lakes, each mirror-flat surface daring you closer.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Powder Nomads Freeride and Backcountry Trips in Kazakhstan · Saty, Almaty Region
You step out of the minibus into thin, fragrant mountain air and the Kungey-Alatau folds rise like a challenge ahead. Horses twitch and stamp; spruce and birch shade a stony track that climbs toward Besmoinak Pass. The first day mixes long saddle stretches and short hikes to observation points that frame Middle and Lower Kolsay lakes, each mirror-flat surface daring you closer.
This route threads Tien Shan forests, water-carved valleys and alpine meadows that were traditional summer pastures for Kazakh and Uyghur herders. Geologically the Kungey-Alatau is young and steep—glacially carved basins hold the three Kolsay lakes—and river terraces and moraines show recent sculpting by ice and water. Village markets at Baiseit and Kurmety offer local breads, lagman and shashlyk, a useful cultural stop before overnight huts and tent camping in thin-air silence.
Expect 4–9 hours of daily movement combining horseback approach and on-foot sections across mixed terrain: packed dirt trails, stream fords, steep switchbacks and forest paths. Elevation changes are steady—prepare for several hundred meters of gain on pass approaches and river crossings that can be slippery.
Practical guidance: pack layered clothing for cold nights and sunny days, sturdy hiking boots or riding boots with ankle support, a compact sleeping system (sleeping pad provided), and enough water treatment or a filter; guides provide horses, tents and most meals. Start early to avoid afternoon weather, and communicate any riding or medical limits when booking. This is a hands-on, rural mountain trip—bring patience, curiosity, and a readiness to travel by horse and foot through wild alpine country.
Expect full days of horseback travel interspersed with hikes; moderate fitness and some riding experience make the trip more comfortable.
Nights alternate between a mountain hut and tent camping; sleeping pads are included, but bring a warm sleeping bag for mountain nights.
Horses and guides are experienced with varying rider levels, but guests should disclose riding ability and any medical limitations when booking.
Meals listed (breakfast, lunches, dinners) are provided; bring snacks and a water treatment method for refills from natural sources.
Powder Nomads Freeride and Backcountry Trips in Kazakhstan operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step out of the minibus into thin, fragrant mountain air and the Kungey-Alatau folds rise like a challenge ahead. Horses twitch and stamp; spruce and birch shade a stony track that climbs toward Besmoinak Pass. The first day mixes long saddle stretches and short hikes to observation points that frame Middle and Lower Kolsay lakes, each mirror-flat surface daring you closer.
You step out of the minibus into thin, fragrant mountain air and the Kungey-Alatau folds rise like a challenge ahead. Horses twitch and stamp; spruce and birch shade a stony track that climbs toward Besmoinak Pass. The first day mixes long saddle stretches and short hikes to observation points that frame Middle and Lower Kolsay lakes, each mirror-flat surface daring you closer.
This route threads Tien Shan forests, water-carved valleys and alpine meadows that were traditional summer pastures for Kazakh and Uyghur herders. Geologically the Kungey-Alatau is young and steep—glacially carved basins hold the three Kolsay lakes—and river terraces and moraines show recent sculpting by ice and water. Village markets at Baiseit and Kurmety offer local breads, lagman and shashlyk, a useful cultural stop before overnight huts and tent camping in thin-air silence.
Expect 4–9 hours of daily movement combining horseback approach and on-foot sections across mixed terrain: packed dirt trails, stream fords, steep switchbacks and forest paths. Elevation changes are steady—prepare for several hundred meters of gain on pass approaches and river crossings that can be slippery.
Practical guidance: pack layered clothing for cold nights and sunny days, sturdy hiking boots or riding boots with ankle support, a compact sleeping system (sleeping pad provided), and enough water treatment or a filter; guides provide horses, tents and most meals. Start early to avoid afternoon weather, and communicate any riding or medical limits when booking. This is a hands-on, rural mountain trip—bring patience, curiosity, and a readiness to travel by horse and foot through wild alpine country.