01Arrival
Arrival in Almaty
Land, settle in, and meet the group. Early arrivals can catch Kok Tobe Hill before we gather in the evening for a welcome dinner.
Hooves above the clouds,ALMATY HIGHLANDS.
Led by the full trio
On horseback, beneath mountain skies, and along ridge lines you'll remember long after you leave.
This isn't a hiking holiday. It's an eight-day arc designed with intention.
The route matters. The group matters. The pace matters. Not because every moment is planned. Because the right conditions are.
Trip at a glance
Duration8 days7 nights · 5 host-led
Group10 peoplesmall, intentional
DifficultyDeep Wildlevel 3 of 4
Per person$2,100$1,860QAR 6,770 at checkout · 30% deposit30% deposit available
NextMay 142027 · Spring departure
WhereAlmaty, KZTian Shan range
Deep Wildmeans bigger landscapes, fuller days, and a little less comfort, but still guided, planned, and held properly.
Deep Wild means bigger landscapes, fuller days, and a little less comfort, but still guided, planned, and held properly.
Honesty filter
Be honest with yourself.
Not everyone should join this trip. That's intentional.
For you if
- You enjoy spending long days outdoors.
- You like movement, but don't need everything to feel extreme.
- You're open to small-group travel and shared experiences.
- You value stories, landscapes, and conversations more than luxury.
- You're willing to trade a little comfort for a memorable week.
Not for you if
- You want room service, luxury hotels, and everything perfectly predictable.
- You dislike early starts, changing weather, or long days outside.
- You prefer private travel over being part of a small group.
- You're looking for a party trip or a checklist holiday.
- You need every day to go exactly according to plan.
We'd rather have someone decide this trip isn't for them than arrive expecting something else.
SoftBalancedDeepExtreme
DEEP WILD
Camping, horses, mountain trails. Physical, rewarding, and well within reach.
This trip asks something from you, but not more than most people can give. You'll hike 8–14 km per day at altitude (2,400–3,400m), spend two nights camping, and ride horses across the highlands. Expect cold nights, changing weather, tired legs, and a few moments you'll remember for years. Come reasonably active and open to it, and you'll be ready. We'll guide you through the rest.
The 8-day arc
day by day,HOOVES ABOVE THE CLOUDS
Eight days. One journey through mountains, lakes, canyons, horseback trails, and nights under the stars.
02Saddle up
Into the Mountains
We leave the city and ride out across open meadows on horseback to a mountain base. Lunch, yoga, games, and a BBQ before the first night in the yurts.
04Last ride
Back to Almaty
A slow morning and one last ride with the horses before the stables. Then we trade the highlands for Almaty and a night under city lights.
07Stillness
City & Sauna
Yoga and breakfast, then the city is yours, markets, cafes, museums, at your own pace. We reunite for a traditional Kazakh sauna and one last easy evening.
08Departure
Onward
Breakfast together and slow goodbyes, then airport transfers as the group heads home, full of stories and a little changed.
Drag through the journey
The practical part
Most of the logistics are already handled. Here's what's included and what you'll need to bring.
Accommodation
Different roofs, same sky.
Seven nights that shift with the journey: a city hotel in Almaty, traditional yurts in the mountains, a lakeside homestay, and a quiet stay near the city to close. Bedding and warm layers for the yurts are provided.
Food
Slow, local, abundant.
Family-cooked Kazakh meals: slow-roasted lamb, fresh bread, noodles, honey, herbs, and endless tea. Vegetarian and halal options available. Three meals a day, plus snacks when needed.
What's included
Most of it.
- Accommodation (hotels, mountain yurts, and a homestay)
- All meals, tea, and drinking water
- InnerWild hosts throughout the trip
- Local guides, drivers, and cooks
- Horses, riding gear, and safety equipment
- Airport transfers from Almaty
- One tree planted for every booking
Everything you need to pack and prepare comes from your hosts before departure.
Not included
You bring.
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa (if required)
- Personal hiking gear
- Optional activities
- Guide gratuities
Adventure, handled
The freedom comes from the preparation.
Local Mountain Experts
The best adventures are led by people who belong there. We partner with experienced local professionals who know these landscapes by heart.
Thoughtfully Planned
The freedom to be present comes from knowing the details have already been taken care of. We handle the planning so you can focus on the journey.
Curated By The People Who'll Be There
The routes, camps, conversations, and experiences aren't designed from behind a desk. The people who created the journey are part of it.
Your hosts on this trip
the trio,ALWAYS AT LEAST TWO.
The people who designed the trip are the same people who show up for it.
Every journey has a different rhythm, but for Almaty, you'll have the full trio. Ashraf, Valeria, and Lola will all be there, leading hikes, sharing meals, hosting conversations, and creating the moments that rarely make it into the itinerary. The people behind InnerWild aren't working behind the scenes. They're right there in the experience with you.
The Pathfinder
Ashraf
Drawn to mountains, challenge, and the unknown. Leads the longer hikes, the early starts, and the moments that push the group beyond what felt comfortable. Believes the best stories usually begin where the plan ends.
The Connector
Valeria
Naturally curious and endlessly social. The person who turns strangers into friends and a destination into a shared experience. Brings energy, culture, and a sense of play to the journey.
The Grounding Force
Lola
The calm rhythm behind the adventure. Leads the slower mornings, breathwork sessions, and moments of reflection that help everything sink in. Reminds the group that presence is part of the journey too.
The Pathfinder
Ashraf
Drawn to mountains and challenge. Leads the early starts and the longest routes.
The Connector
Valeria
Turns strangers into friends: the energy, culture, and play of every trip.
The Grounding Force
Lola
The calm behind the adventure. Leads slow mornings and moments to breathe.
From the field
Almaty,AS WE FOUND IT.
Shot on the August 2026 departure, by us and the travelers who were there. No stock. No staging. This is what it actually looks like.
High PasturesAug 2026 Departure
Lake KaindyAug 2026 Departure
Kolsai TrailAug 2026 Departure
Charyn CanyonAug 2026 Departure
Kolsai LakeAug 2026 Departure
The StablesAug 2026 Departure
High PasturesAug 2026 Departure
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Upcoming departures
See youIN THE MOUNTAINS.
One spring departure.
Ten places.
Early-bird price until 1 December — the August 2026 group filled up, and this one will too.
From past travelers
what theySAID AFTER.
Real messages.
Shared with permission.
From people who were actually there.
“Riding horses across endless green mountains, hiking along crystal-clear lakes, discovering landscapes that almost don't feel real. Wild, challenging, peaceful — sometimes all at once. For those who like their trips a little wild, this one is worth it.”
“I had only ridden a horse once in my life — now I'm confident on one. The ride along the mountains was breathtaking, and the dip in Kolsai Lake stays with my heart. A journey I'll cherish for the rest of my life.”
“Not just touristic spots — an experience. Horse riding, sleeping over at the camps, living in the local village. If you're looking for adventure, fun, connection and peace in your vacation, I highly recommend it. I've never enjoyed a trip like this before.”
“This adventure was incredible. I felt so much more connected to myself during this trip due to slowing down and living in a more intentional, natural way even for just a short time. From living in nature, connecting with the horses, seeing beautiful landscapes, and pushing myself physically during hikes, I've realized how much I need to live a life more connected to the Earth. The Awaken team is also so naturally skilled at connecting strangers and brought us together in organic and fun ways so that we feel connected beyond this trip. Thank you so much.”
Before you book
theHONEST FAQ.
The questions people usually ask before they join.
Am I fit enough for this?
Probably. You don't need to be an athlete. If you can walk for a few hours and you're willing to be a little uncomfortable, you'll be fine.
I've never touched a horse in my life.
Neither have many of our guests. We start slowly and teach the basics before any longer rides.
What if I come alone?
Most people do. Nobody stays a stranger for long.
Is this a retreat?
No. There are no circles, ice-breakers, or forced vulnerability. It's an adventure, and the connection happens naturally.
Is this a tour?
Also no. The route is planned, but the experience is shared. Small group, slow pace, real people.
What if I don't click with the group?
You won't become best friends with everyone. But we keep groups small and choose people who value curiosity, movement, and nature. That usually takes care of the rest.
Do I need a visa?
For most GCC, EU, UK, US, Australian, and Russian passports, no. We'll send exact guidance after booking.
What is the cancellation policy for this trip?
Cancel 60 days or more before departure: your deposit is kept as credit for a future InnerWild trip, and anything paid above the deposit is refunded. Cancel between 31 and 59 days before departure: 50% of what you have paid is refunded. Cancel 30 days or fewer before departure: no refund. If InnerWild cancels a departure: full refund, or a credit toward a future trip, your choice.
Applications are open for this departure
See you out there.
Not as a As part of something real.
Questions first.Booking second.We're happy with either.
$2,100$1,860per person