Paragliding in Almaty: Tandem Flight with Hotel Pickup
Fly with a certified tandem pilot over the foothills of the Tian Shan, 30 km from the city. No experience needed: we collect you from your hotel, drive you to the launch site and bring you back after the flight.
- Duration: 4–6 hours including transfers and wind checks
- Flight time: about 10–20 minutes in the air
- Start: 10:00 from your hotel in Almaty
- Season: all year, weather permitting
- Group tour: daily, minimum 2 people
- Private tour: any day, any group size
- Languages: English · Russian · Turkish
- Passenger limits: 12–60 years, 40–100 kg
- Rated 5.0 on Google (38 reviews)
- Certified tandem pilots, all equipment included
- Free rescheduling if the weather is not safe
- Reply within 24 hours, usually much faster
How the paragliding day works
- 10:00 Pickup at your hotel or apartment in Almaty.
- 10:45 Arrive at the launch area near Ushkonyr, about 30 km west of the city. Meet your pilot, safety briefing, harness and helmet fitting.
- 11:00–13:00 Flights. Passengers take off one after another; while you wait you watch the others fly and enjoy the plateau views. Each tandem flight lasts about 10–20 minutes depending on the wind.
- 13:00 Photos and video from the flight (optional GoPro package), snack break.
- 14:00–16:00 Return to Almaty and drop-off at your hotel.
Timing depends on the wind: pilots fly only in safe conditions, so the start can move earlier or later on the day. On a private tour we can combine the flight with Big Almaty Lake or Kok Tobe in the afternoon.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Almaty
- Transfer in a comfortable vehicle (VIP car, minivan or 4x4)
- Tandem flight with a certified pilot
- Harness, helmet and all flight equipment
- Safety briefing in English, Russian or Turkish
- Bottled water
Not included
- GoPro photo and video package (optional, paid on site)
- Lunch and personal expenses
Group or private
Shared group tour
Runs daily with a minimum of 2 passengers. You share the transfer with other travellers; each person flies individually with their own pilot.
- Fixed 10:00 departure
- Lower price per person
- No deposit required in most cases
Private tour
Your own vehicle and guide, any day. Choose a sunrise or late-afternoon slot for the calmest air and the best light.
- Flexible start time
- Add Big Almaty Lake, Kok Tobe or a city tour after the flight
- Ideal for families and small groups
Prices depend on the date, group size and vehicle. Send us your dates on WhatsApp and we will reply with a quote the same day.
What the flight is like
The launch site sits on a wide grassy plateau above the Almaty plain, with the snow peaks of the Zailiysky Alatau behind you. Take-off is simple: the pilot lays out the wing, you take a few running steps together, and the ground drops away. From the air you see the city, the foothills and, on clear days, the mountains all the way to the Kyrgyz border.
The pilot controls the glider the whole time. Your only jobs are to run at take-off, sit back in the harness and stand up for landing. Most passengers describe the flight as calm rather than extreme; it is closer to floating than to falling. If you like, the pilot can add a few gentle turns for a bit more excitement.
Best time to fly and what to wear
Spring and autumn give the most reliable conditions and clear air. Summer mornings are smooth; midday thermals are stronger, so pilots may schedule flights early. Winter flights are possible on calm, sunny days with beautiful snow views, dressed warmly.
Wind decides everything. If gusts are too strong on your date, we move the flight to another day or refund in full.
Wear and bring
- Closed-toe shoes with good grip (trainers or hiking shoes)
- Long trousers and a windproof jacket, even in summer
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Thin gloves in spring, autumn and winter
- Phone or camera only with a strap; loose items cannot be taken into the air
Not suitable for pregnant travellers or for people with serious heart, back or joint conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience to go paragliding in Almaty?
No. All flights are tandem, with a certified professional pilot who controls the glider. You only follow simple take-off and landing instructions given at the briefing.
Are there age or weight limits?
Passengers are typically accepted from 12 to 60 years old and between 40 and 100 kg. Children fly with parental consent. If you are outside these limits, write to us and we will check with the pilots.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Pilots fly only in safe wind conditions. If the flight cannot take place on your date, we reschedule free of charge or refund the full amount.
How long is the flight?
A tandem flight usually lasts 10–20 minutes depending on the wind and thermals. The whole tour with transfers, briefing and waiting for your turn takes 4–6 hours.
Can I take photos or video during the flight?
Yes, with a phone or camera secured by a strap. Pilots also offer a GoPro package with photos and video from the flight, paid on site.
Where is the launch site?
Flights take off from the Ushkonyr plateau, about 30 km west of Almaty, one of the best-known paragliding sites in Kazakhstan. The drive from the city centre takes about 45 minutes.
How do I book and pay?
Send your dates and number of passengers on WhatsApp or through the contact form. We confirm within 24 hours. Group tours usually need no deposit; private tours are confirmed with a deposit, and the balance is paid on the day.
Popular combinations
- Big Almaty Lake tourMountain lake at 2,500 m, half day
- Kok Tobe tourCable car and city views
- Shymbulak tourCable car to 3,200 m
- Almaty city tourThe city in one day
Book your tandem flight in Almaty
Tell us your date and number of passengers. We reply with availability and a price the same day.
WhatsApp +7 707 717 71 01 info@almatytourkz.comAlmaty Tour KZ · 22 Zenkov Street, Medeu District, Almaty · Local tour operator
Tandem paragliding above Almaty See the flight before you book
Filmed on one of our own flights — the take-off run, the view over the valley and the landing. This is exactly what you will experience. No stock footage.
Get your price for this tour today
Tell us your dates and group size. We come back with availability and an exact price — usually within a couple of hours.
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- Answer within 24 hours
- Free cancellation up to 72 hours
- English · Russian · Turkish
