Almaty: Falconry show and Big Almaty Gorge

Exploring Kazakhstan’s most scenic landscapes combined with a captivating falconry display makes this tour a unique outing from Almaty. While it offers stunning mountain views and the thrill of watching birds of prey in action, it’s also a well-organized experience that balances nature and excitement.

What makes this tour stand out for us is the opportunity to witness the skill of hunting birds of prey, the chance to hike in the dramatic Big Almaty Gorge, and the company of knowledgeable guides who bring the landscape to life. Plus, the inclusion of round-trip transport helps make the day seamless.

However, one point to consider is that the tour isn’t suitable for very young children or those with certain health issues, given the physical activity and altitude involved. It’s best suited for active travelers eager to combine mountain scenery with a touch of Kazakh culture and wildlife.

If you’re looking for an authentic outdoor adventure that mixes nature, culture, and wildlife, this tour offers great value and memorable moments.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: The Big Almaty Gorge features lush forests, waterfalls, and high mountain views.
• Wild Birds Show: A spectacular demonstration of eagles, falcons, and hawks showcasing their hunting skills.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Ilyas and Murat receive praise for their knowledge, patience, and helpfulness.
• Hiking and Waterfalls: Mini-hikes to Aysai Waterfall allow for close-up encounters with nature’s beauty.
• All-Inclusive: The tour includes entrance tickets, transfers, and refreshments, providing good value.
• Weather Caution: The tour may be canceled in heavy rain or bad weather for safety reasons.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

From the moment you meet your guide at the parking lot in front of Almaty Circus, you realize this tour is thoughtfully arranged. The meeting point is conveniently located, and guides are easy to recognize thanks to their distinctive shirts. The day begins with a comfortable round-trip transfer from central Almaty, which means you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation.

Exploring Big Almaty Gorge

The main highlight is the Big Almaty Gorge, a natural playground of dense forests, mountain streams, and waterfalls. Once you arrive, the guide will lead you on a mini-hike to Aysai Waterfall, an impressive cascade that spills down a rugged cliff. Reviewers appreciated the guide’s patience and enthusiasm—Yasemin noted how “Lyas helped me and guided me all the way to the top, being patient and helpful, a true gentleman.”

This hike is manageable for most, but it’s worth noting that it involves walking on uneven terrain. The waterfall’s spray is refreshing, and capturing photos of its turbulent flow makes for great memories. The area also offers the chance to simply enjoy the peacefulness of the mountains and lush surroundings—something we often crave after city life.

The Waterfall and Scenic Stops

Along the hike, you’ll pass through forests and potentially spot local wildlife, making the experience both scenic and educational. The waterfall itself provides a perfect backdrop for photos and a moment to pause and soak in the mountain air. Expect to spend around 1-2 hours exploring the gorge, with opportunities to take in sweeping views of the peaks around you.

Wild Hunting Birds Show

The centerpiece of the tour is the Wild Birds of Prey Show, where eagles, falcons, and hawks perform breathtaking aerial maneuvers. The birds’ natural hunting instincts are on full display, swooping and diving with agility that leaves you in awe. The show lasts roughly 30-45 minutes and is a highlight, especially for animal lovers or those interested in Kazakh traditions.

Reviewers like Vijaya praised the display, calling Murat an “excellent guide,” and describing how “the falcon show was amazing.” It’s an authentic experience that offers a glimpse into Kazakhstan’s centuries-old falconry culture, with knowledgeable handlers explaining each bird’s skills and background.

More Great Tours Nearby

Additional Mountain Highlights

Later in the day, the tour typically includes visits to Medeo and Shymbulak, two iconic sites offering panoramic mountain views and excellent photo opportunities. While these stops aren’t detailed in the provided info, they’re common on similar Almaty mountain excursions. Expect crisp mountain air, stunning vistas, and perhaps a chance to see skiers or snowboarders if you visit during winter or early spring.

What’s Included & What to Keep in Mind

The tour package provides excellent value considering what’s included: entrance tickets to Ile-Alatau National Park, the Wild Birds of Prey Show, round-trip transfers, and a mini-hike to the waterfall. You’ll also get a bottle of water and lemonade, which is appreciated during warm days or after hiking.

A key factor is the guidance—reviewers consistently praised guides like Ilyas and Murat for their friendliness, knowledge, and patience. The guides’ local insights and language skills (English, Russian, Kazakh, German) enrich the experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.

Considerations

• Lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase food nearby.
• The tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 or those with certain health conditions, including heart problems or altitude sickness.
• Weather can affect the schedule; heavy rain or bad weather may lead to cancellation for safety reasons.
• If you desire a more private experience, private tours are available at an extra cost.

Price and Value

At $116 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded day out into nature with cultural insight. The inclusion of guides, transportation, and entrance fees makes it a good deal, especially for travelers who want a hassle-free way to see the highlights without renting a car or planning logistics themselves.

Authenticity and Experience Quality

Beyond the scenery, what makes this tour memorable is the authentic falconry display and the chance to witness local Kazakh traditions firsthand. Multiple reviews mention the guides’ helpfulness—Yasemin described Lyas as “a real gentleman,” which hints at genuine hospitality.

The stunning mountain views and waterfalls give a sense of peace and space, offering a break from urban life. The birds of prey show adds a sense of excitement and connection with Kazakh hunting customs, making the experience both fun and culturally significant.

The Sum Up

This tour combines natural beauty, wildlife demonstration, and cultural insight into a well-balanced day trip from Almaty. It’s ideal for active travelers who enjoy hiking, stunning vistas, and learning about traditional Kazakh skills like falconry. The knowledgeable guides and scenic stops provide real value, especially considering all logistics are handled for you.

While not a leisurely sightseeing tour—given some walking and the weather dependence—it offers a genuine taste of Kazakhstan’s majestic outdoors and ancient hunting traditions. Perfect for those wanting an immersive outdoor adventure, with the comfort of round-trip transportation and expert guidance.

If you’re after a fun, authentic experience that’s both scenic and educational, this tour deserves a place on your Almaty itinerary.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from Almaty city center are part of the package, making logistics straightforward.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience typically spans a full day, with time allocated for hiking, the bird show, and scenic stops.

Can I get a private tour?
Yes, private options are available for an additional fee if you prefer a more personalized experience.

Is it suitable for children?
The tour isn’t recommended for children under 7 due to the physical activity and altitude considerations.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for hiking, weather-appropriate clothing, and snacks since lunch isn’t included.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour may be canceled in case of heavy rain or dangerous weather conditions for safety reasons.

Are guides available in other languages?
Yes, guides speak English, German, Russian, and Kazakh.

What is included in the price?
Entrance tickets, bird show tickets, transfers, a mini-hike, and refreshments are part of the package.

Can I photograph the birds?
Yes, but additional payment is required if you want a photo shoot with the birds of prey.

This experience offers a satisfying mix of mountain scenery, wildlife spectacle, and cultural insight—perfect for travelers wanting to see the best of Almaty’s natural wonders while enjoying the thrill of Kazakh falconry traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: