Alma Arasan Hot Springs Tour from Almaty
A mountain walk and a soak in natural mineral pools 30 km from the city: forest trail along the Prokhodnaya river, warm springs with snow peaks in view, and a guide who speaks English, Russian or Turkish. Hotel pickup included.
- Duration: 5–7 hours
- Start: 10:00 from your hotel in Almaty
- Distance: 25–30 km from the city centre
- Walking: about 4 km each way on a forest trail, easy gradient
- Season: all year round
- Group tour: daily, minimum 2 people
- Private tour: any day, any group size
- Guide languages: English · Russian · Turkish
- Rated 5.0 on Google (38 reviews)
- Hotel pickup and park entrance fees included
- Change or cancel up to 72 hours before departure
- Reply within 24 hours, usually much faster
Alma Arasan tour itinerary
- 10:00 Pickup at your hotel or apartment in Almaty.
- 10:45 Arrive at the Ayusai visitor centre in the Big Almaty gorge, part of Ile-Alatau National Park. Short briefing, toilets and coffee.
- 11:00 Walk up the Alma Arasan gorge along the river: spruce forest, small bridges, views of the ridge. About 4 km with a gentle climb, 1–1.5 hours at an easy pace.
- 12:30 Hot springs. Change in the cabins and soak in the warm mineral pools; the water is pleasantly warm, not scalding, and the view is of snow peaks and forest.
- 14:00 Snack by the river (bring your own or buy from the seasonal stalls), then walk back down.
- 15:30 Return drive to Almaty.
- 16:00–17:00 Drop-off at your hotel.
Times are approximate. On a private tour we can add the Big Almaty Lake viewpoints in the same valley; see the Big Almaty Lake tour.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Almaty
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle: VIP car, minivan or 4x4
- Local guide (English, Russian or Turkish)
- National park entrance fees
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch, snacks and personal expenses
- Towel and swimwear rental (bring your own)
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)
Group or private
Shared group tour
Runs daily with a minimum of 2 travellers. Easy walking pace, good for solo travellers and couples.
- Fixed 10:00 departure
- Small groups in a minivan
- No deposit required in most cases
Private tour
Your own vehicle and guide, any day. Start early to have the pools almost to yourself, or combine with Big Almaty Lake.
- Flexible start time and pace
- VIP car, minivan or 4x4, your choice
- Longer soak or extra hiking on request
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.
Alma Arasan in photos
About the Alma Arasan hot springs
Alma Arasan is a side gorge of the Big Almaty valley, known since Soviet times for its mineral springs. The old sanatorium closed decades ago, but the springs still flow, and simple pools now let visitors soak in naturally warm mineral water surrounded by spruce forest and 4,000-metre peaks. The water is rich in minerals and slightly radon-bearing, which is why locals visit for joint and skin complaints; most guests simply come for the combination of a forest walk and a warm bath in the mountains.
This is not a luxury spa: expect basic changing cabins, natural surroundings and a real feeling of being in the mountains. The trail is one of the prettiest easy walks near Almaty, following the river the whole way.
Best time to visit and what to bring
May to October is the easiest season, with a dry trail and long days. Winter is a favourite for many visitors: steam rising from the pools into cold air, snow on the trees. The path can be icy, so we walk at a slower pace and recommend non-slip footwear; on some winter days we use a 4x4 to reach the trailhead.
Weekdays are quieter; on summer weekends the pools are popular with locals.
Bring with you
- Swimwear, towel and flip-flops
- Closed hiking shoes for the trail
- A warm layer for after the soak, even in summer
- Small waterproof bag for phone and valuables; lockers are limited
- Snacks and a second bottle of water
Fitness level: easy to moderate; about 8 km of walking in total with a gentle climb. Not recommended during pregnancy or with serious heart conditions because of the hot water and altitude.
Frequently asked questions
Are the hot springs natural or man-made?
The water is natural mineral water from geothermal springs; the pools themselves are built for safety and comfort. Water temperature is warm rather than hot and varies a little by pool and season.
Are there changing rooms or lockers?
Basic changing cabins are available, but lockers are limited. Bring a small waterproof bag for your phone and valuables and keep it with you.
Can I visit Alma Arasan in winter?
Yes, winter visits are popular. Dress warmly, wear non-slip footwear for the icy sections of the trail, and bring a warm layer for after the soak.
Is food available at the springs?
In warmer months there may be small stalls near the pools, but not always. We recommend bringing snacks; the visitor centre at the trailhead has a café and toilets.
Is the walk difficult?
No. The trail is about 4 km each way on a forest path with a gentle climb. Most guests walk it in 1–1.5 hours with photo stops. It is suitable for children who are used to walking.
Can I go independently?
Yes, by taxi to the Ayusai visitor centre and on foot from there. The tour adds door-to-door transport, park tickets, a guide who knows the trail and the springs, and flexibility if the weather changes.
How do I book and pay?
Send your dates and group size 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 of the tour.
Combine Alma Arasan with these tours
- Big Almaty Lake tourSame valley, turquoise lake at 2,500 m
- Ile-Alatau National Park tourFull day in the mountains above Almaty
- Shymbulak tourCable car and glacier views
- Turgen Gorge tourWaterfalls and forest walks
Book your Alma Arasan hot springs trip
Tell us your date and number of travellers. 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
Alma Arasan · mountain hot springs See the gorge and the springs before you book
Filmed on one of our own departures — the drive up the gorge, the forest trail and the pools themselves. 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
