Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort

Gornyy Sadovod 43.22915600, 77.15047500 , Oi-qaragai Gorge, Ile Alatau, Almaty Region (Show on Map)
8.6
Very Good


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Summary of reviewsOi-Qaragai Mountain Resort, nestled in a picturesque mountain valley, is a sought-after destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Surrounded by lush forests and majestic peaks, the resort offers an extraordinary location just a short drive from Almaty. Guests revel in the stunning views, clean air, and serene atmosphere, all while enjoying a myriad of activities from hiking and cable car rides to thrilling ski adventures. The resort's strategic layout integrates seamlessly into its natural surroundings, enhancing the authentic mountain experience with cozy yurts and wooden cottages.

The breakfast at the resort receives praise for its diversity and taste, particularly the traditional Kazakh dishes served in a scenic yurt setting. Despite occasional criticisms of variety, many guests find the breakfast delightful and fulfilling, adding to the charm of starting a day in the mountains. Dinner options, though noted for flavorful Georgian and Italian offerings, face some criticism for high prices and inconsistent service. Some guests desire more budget-friendly and varied dining options.

Accommodations at Oi-Qaragai, ranging from cabins and yurts to novel treehouses, are often commended for their cleanliness and warmth. However, a few limitations such as space and accessibility are noted, especially in treehouses. The pristine condition of the rooms and property overall contributes to a welcoming stay, while the friendly staff generally enhance the guest experience despite occasional service inconsistencies.

The resort offers reliable yet variable Wi-Fi service and a spa experience that leaves many guests impressed. The Ethno-spa center and banya provide unique wellness programs in a tranquil environment, though some services come with higher price tags.

For families, the resort shines with a vibrant array of activities, well-organized children’s programs, and adventurous lodging options like treehouses. With direct ski-in and ski-out access to well-maintained slopes, the resort caters to both skiing enthusiasts and those looking for diverse outdoor activities. Overall, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort’s blend of natural beauty, recreational options, and cozy accommodations make it an appealing destination for those seeking a memorable mountain retreat.
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Resort with Spa
Offers spa facilities.

Family Friendly Resort
A mountain resort that provides a combination of holidays in a mountain setting, making it great for families that enjoy winter activities and mountain scenery.

Romantic Resort
Located in a scenic mountain area, this resort offers a tranquil and romantic setting for couples. The natural beauty and recreational activities enhance the experience.

Resort with Parking
Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort offers free parking, including dedicated free parking lots for room guests, ensuring convenient access for those arriving by car.

Resort with Ski To Door Access

Resort near Ski Resorts

Resort for Honeymoon

Business Resort

Accessible Resort

4-Star Resort

Room Types
Comfort Double or Twin Room in Cottage This room offers a mountain-view, satellite TV, and a minibar. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Junior Suite in Cottage This room offers a satellite TV and a minibar. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. It is located in the cottage and offers a mountain view.

Suite in Cottage Spacious suite with a satellite TV and a minibar. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. It is located in the cottage.

Chalet This chalet offers a mountain-view balcony, satellite TV, and a minibar. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Standard Tree House (accessible by a tall ladder) This room is located in a treehouse and offers a mountain-view balcony and satellite TV. Only two standard-sized suitcases are allowed per cabin. Additional luggage is charged separately.

Superior Tree House (accessible by a tall ladder) Providing free toiletries and bathrobes, this family room includes a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. Featuring a terrace with mountain views, this family room also provides a private entrance and a flat-screen TV.

Standard Double or Twin Room with Balcony Providing free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. Featuring a balcony with mountain views, this twin/double room also provides a seating area and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.

Luxury Traditional Kazakh Tent (Yurt ) Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. The spacious double room features a flat-screen TV, a private entrance, a dining area, a wardrobe as well as an inner courtyard view. The unit has 1 bed.

Luxury Tree House (accessible by a tall ladder) This suite has a electric kettle, bathrobe, minibar and TV with satellite channels. Only two standard-sized suitcases are allowed per cabin. Additional luggage is charged separately.

Standard Double or Twin Room Providing free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. The twin/double room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box as well as mountain views. The unit offers 2 beds.

Deluxe Twin Room Offering free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. The twin room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle as well as an inner courtyard view. The unit has 2 beds.

Five-Bedroom House Featuring a private entrance, this holiday home also consists of 5 bedrooms, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Among the room amenities are a dining area, a wardrobe, an electric kettle as well as an outdoor dining area and an inner courtyard view. The unit offers 19 beds.

Holiday Home Boasting a private entrance, this holiday home also comes with 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Among the room amenities are a dining area, a wardrobe, an electric kettle as well as an outdoor dining area and an inner courtyard view. The unit has 8 beds.

One-Bedroom House The holiday home features a private entrance, a seating area, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer.

Two-Bedroom House Offering free toiletries and bathrobes, this holiday home includes a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. Guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave in the well-fitted kitchen. The holiday home also features a barbecue. Among the room amenities are a private entrance, a dining area, a wardrobe as well as an outdoor dining area and an inner courtyard view.

Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Location
Nestled in a picturesque mountain valley, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort boasts an extraordinary location surrounded by the tranquil embrace of lush forests and majestic peaks. This serene haven is conveniently accessible from Almaty and offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The resort is renowned for its stunning views and clean air, providing a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, from hiking in the idyllic landscapes to thrilling ski adventures, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking beauty. The resort's layout integrates seamlessly into its natural surroundings, creating a sense of being at one with the landscape. The charming yurts and wooden cottages enhance the authentic and cozy mountain experience.

Beyond its natural allure, the resort also offers excellent facilities and amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests. Well-maintained grounds and a luxurious spa add to the allure, while the friendly staff and quality service make for a welcoming atmosphere. The location promises both tranquility and a host of outdoor adventures, making Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

Breakfast
At Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort, guests have varied impressions of the breakfast offerings. Many guests praise the breakfast for its diversity, noting a range of options including traditional Kazakh dishes served in a large yurt. The buffet features sandwiches, breads, porridge, fruits, omelettes, and an array of juices, making it suitable for families and youths alike. The breakfast is often described as delicious, filling, and with a selection that pleasantly surprises some visitors, particularly with its inclusion of items like cauliflower and white fish.

Though some reviews highlight that breakfasts can be magnificent and excellent, others mention that the variety can be hit or miss, with certain days offering fewer options than desired. The setting contributes to the experience, with the breakfast venue providing picturesque views, adding to the enjoyment of starting the day amid the mountains.

While many guests find the breakfast satisfying, there are mentions of meager selection and occasional shortages of food. Some reviews express a desire for more variety, suggesting the addition of pancakes or fritters and more consideration for international tastes. This inconsistency means that the breakfast experience can vary from average to fabulous depending on the day.

Overall, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort's breakfast is frequently enjoyed for its taste and variety, even if not every aspect meets expectations consistently. For travelers, the combination of local flavors and hearty options paired with the scenic environment makes it a noteworthy aspect of the resort.

Dinner
Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort offers a culinary experience with a mix of feedback from guests regarding its on-site dining options. Visitors consistently rave about the Georgian restaurant, praising its flavorful dishes and attentive staff, making it a standout choice for dinner, even though prices are noted to be on the higher side. The resort’s Italian restaurant also receives recognition for its pizza and pasta, though some find its offerings sparse and the service lacking. Meanwhile, the Kazakh restaurant in the yurt is favored for its service and overall dining experience.

Despite the attractions of the upscale restaurants, many guests express concerns about the high cost of meals, suggesting a need for more budget-friendly options. While breakfast is described as varied and delicious, other meals face criticism for being expensive, with reports of inconsistent food quality and slow service in some cases.

Beyond the dining aspect, the scenic beauty of the resort, along with opportunities for various hikes, provides guests with a delightful backdrop. Although the resort’s culinary offerings have their highs, the dining experience is marred occasionally by service issues, slow meal preparation, and the perception of inflated prices. Visitors seeking luxury and flavor might find satisfaction, but those on a budget might look for alternative dining solutions within or outside the hotel.

Rooms
Located amidst picturesque surroundings, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort offers a unique blend of accommodations for those seeking a serene escape. Many guests appreciated the clean property and well-maintained rooms, often noting the cozy and warm atmosphere. Accommodations like the cabins and yurts are lauded for their cleanliness and provision of necessary amenities such as bathroom toiletries, kettles, and refreshments. The resort's layout is well thought out, providing guests with engaging experiences amidst beautiful mountain views.

The resort's accommodations provide a variety of experiences; guests often favor the standard rooms and cottages for their comfort and warmth, though some reviewers mentioned these living spaces as slightly cramped. Treehouses offer a novel experience, praised for their unique concept and outdoor nature vibes, despite being noted for their limited room size and challenging stair access. Similarly, yurts are celebrated for their incredible warmth and cleanliness, making them an appealing choice even during colder periods.

However, some aspects might require attention, such as occasional issues with room age, primitive styles, or comfort features like mattresses. Certain treehouses and standard rooms can feel cramped, and the lack of air conditioning in some areas might contribute to a stuffy ambiance during warmer weather. Accessibility could be improved, as visitors noted difficulties with stair climbs, particularly for elderly guests or those carrying luggage.

Overall, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort offers a visually stunning location with cozy, clean accommodations that promise a restful atmosphere. The resort caters well to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering picturesque views and proximity to ski slopes that accentuate the mountain retreat experience.

Beds
Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort offers a diverse experience when it comes to bed comfort, with a noticeable mix of opinions from guests. There are positive mentions of beds being very comfortable, featuring soft bedding that's appreciated by many. Snow-white linen and robes add a touch of luxury to the sleeping experience, and some rooms and cottages are noted for their coziness.

However, there are frequent comments highlighting discomfort, as several guests mention beds made up of two single beds joined together, which can be inconvenient and lead to discomfort. The softness of the mattresses and pillows seems to be a point of contention, with some guests finding them overly soft, thus causing back pain. Beds sagging in the middle and small, narrow dimensions are also mentioned as concerns, especially for shared accommodations. Unfortunately, unmade beds and occasional unpleasant smells have been noted, affecting the overall room atmosphere.

In conclusion, while the resort does have offerings of comfortable beds, the prevalence of joined beds and inconsistent mattress quality are areas for improvement that could enhance the guest experience.

Cleanliness
Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort receives consistent praise for its cleanliness, contributing to a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. The rooms and property are generally well-maintained, offering clean and cozy accommodations that are perfect for relaxation. The friendly staff ensures top-notch cleanliness throughout the resort, with daily cleaning service and clean amenities. Guests often highlight the beautiful and clean setting, which complements the resort’s focus on relaxation and entertainment amidst picturesque nature.

The area around the resort is notably clean and well-kept, providing fresh air and a comfortable environment. The rooms are equipped with everything necessary for comfort, including clean sheets and towels. The positive remarks are occasionally tempered by a few comments about minor cleanliness issues in certain areas, such as dirty carpets and unwashed tea cups, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm. Overall, the resort is well-regarded for its cleanliness and the care taken in maintaining both the accommodations and the surrounding environment, making it a delightful option for a restful getaway.

Staff
At Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort, guest experiences with the staff appear to be a mixed bag, highlighting a spectrum of service quality. On the positive side, many visitors found the staff to be extremely polite, courteous, and attentive, with specific mentions of friendly and supportive service at the reception and restaurants. Exceptional individuals such as Mrs. Katrina and Aida have been praised for their professionalism and helpfulness. The staff's ability to anticipate and fulfill guest needs has significantly improved compared to previous years, contributing to some guests' plans to return.

However, the resort faces challenges with consistency and language barriers, as some guests encountered uncooperative or unhelpful staff, with specific instances of rudeness and lack of responsiveness noted. English proficiency seems limited mainly to reception staff, which can pose difficulties for non-native speakers. While some staff exude warmth and create a welcoming atmosphere, others come across as inexperienced or poorly trained, affecting the overall guest experience.

In essence, while the resort benefits from a generally friendly and professional staff team, there are areas for improvement in training and consistent service delivery to enhance guest satisfaction.

Wi-Fi
At Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort, the availability of Wi-Fi is a mixed bag. While the internet is accessible across the entire resort, guests often report that the signal strength indoors leaves much to be desired. Specifically, those staying in tree houses, yurts, and cabins frequently experience weak or non-existent connections. Some guests have even encountered issues with internet access in their rooms, describing the situation as problematic for maintaining connectivity necessary for work or staying in touch.

However, positive experiences reveal that in some areas within the resort, the internet is strong enough to support work needs, showing pockets of reliable connectivity throughout the venue. These reports indicate that while Wi-Fi at the resort is omnipresent, its consistency and reliability might vary significantly depending on the location within the resort. Therefore, if staying connected is crucial during a visit, guests might need to explore the resort to find the best spots for surfing the web.

Spa
Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort offers a diverse array of spa services and wellness programs that have left many guests impressed. The Ethno-spa center and Umai Spa have received particular praise for their unique offerings, such as a four-hand program with commendable masseuses like Maria and Dinara. The banya or local sauna experience is highlighted as a must-visit, enhancing the overall spa experience. Guests appreciated the professional and relaxing full-body massages, with some treatments, like the fire and relaxation massages in a yurt, being described as unique.

Despite some guests noting high prices and limited spa availability, the spa generally earns high marks for its quality and atmosphere, with the spa itself being described as amazing and cool. Minor issues, such as insects in the spa area and occasional maintenance closures, were mentioned. However, many visitors still regard the spa facilities as standout features of their stay, along with the beautiful natural surroundings and additional resort activities like horseback riding.

Family
Nestled in the serene beauty of the mountains, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort is a delightful haven for families seeking a memorable vacation. The resort offers an array of activities that keep both children and adults entertained throughout the day, enchanting guests with its cable car rides, zip lines, and mountain sledding. Visitors praise the well-organized children's programs and the vibrant assortment of activities suitable for all age groups.

Families highlight the unique lodgings, particularly the treehouses, which add an adventurous charm to their stay. While the rooms may be compact, they provide a cozy retreat after a day of exploration and fun. The resort's layout encourages guests to enjoy hiking and other outdoor adventures while the on-site restaurant caters to diverse palates with European and Kazakh cuisine.

However, it’s advisable to plan ahead and bring some snacks for your stay, as options may be limited. Additionally, the resort’s natural setting, with facilities spread across varying terrains, can pose challenges for those carrying heavy luggage or using strollers.

Despite minor inconveniences, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort consistently garners positive feedback as an ideal spot for family vacations, promising delightful experiences amidst vibrant landscapes and fresh mountain air.

Ski
Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort offers an outstanding skiing experience, making it a top choice for families and adventure seekers. The resort provides convenient ski-in and ski-out access, placing guests right at the doorstep of well-maintained ski slopes suited for all skill levels, from beginners to intermediate skiers. The infrastructure is commendable, with smooth-operating lifts and a variety of rental options for both skis and snowboards. Guests have praised the quality of equipment and the affordability of rental prices. The resort's location within the ski area is ideal, offering direct access to a range of slopes.

Besides skiing, the resort boasts an array of outdoor activities perfect for soaking in the surrounding natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy cable car rides, hiking, biking, and a variety of winter sports. The resort also offers unique experiences such as staying in a yurt and exploring adventure trails, making it a great destination for diverse tastes and ages. Facilities include several restaurants, a children's center, and playgrounds, adding to the resort's family-friendly appeal.

While the overall skiing and experiential options receive high marks, some guests expressed concerns about misleading ski pass options and limited assistance with ski gear. A suggestion for improvement includes enhancing the availability of services such as supermarkets and electric vehicles for easier transportation. Despite these minor drawbacks, the combination of excellent skiing facilities and abundant activities presents a well-rounded destination for both relaxation and adventure.

4 Star
Nestled among the pristine landscapes, the Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort holds a certain charm with its esteemed 4-star rating, which suggests a promising experience for guests. The infrastructure is notably high-quality and well-maintained, with modern amenities and facilities that stand out, and many consider the resort to provide an international level venue. The beauty of the location is enhanced by thoughtful design and planning, making it a picturesque destination for nature lovers seeking a tranquil escape.

The resort does have room for improvement, particularly in terms of language proficiency and customer service, which have not met the expectations set by its 4-star rating. While the hospitality holds potential, the language barrier can present challenges for international guests.

Some concerns were noted about pricing, where the accommodation costs are deemed slightly high for the standard of service provided. While the infrastructure and amenities are excellent, certain organizational aspects and housekeeping details require attention, including issues like room cleanliness and ease of access to accommodations.

Despite these areas for improvement, many guests have expressed a desire to return, drawn by the resort's overall charm and the allure of its natural setting. With enhancements in service quality and management, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort could readily elevate its standing to match its scenic beauty.

Romantic
Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort is praised for its calm and pleasant atmosphere, making it an ideal getaway for couples seeking tranquility and relaxation. The tree house accommodations are particularly noted for their privacy and beautiful views, offering a romantic escape that feels like living alone in the forest. This unique setting enhances the sense of romance, making it a memorable experience. The resort features a charming small terrace nestled in the forest, ideal for enjoying a glass of wine in the evening, further adding to the romantic appeal. Despite the mention of early morning noise from slope preparations, the resort is celebrated by families and couples alike for its magnificent setting and the peaceful retreat it offers.


No, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort doesn't have any pool.

Yes, a spa is available at Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort.

No, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort.

No, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort doesn't have a gym.

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