Kazakhstan balloon festival returns with 30 hot air balloons near Almaty

Held at the Equestrian Club and Racetrack along the Upper Kaskelen Highway, east of the city, the event featured 29 hot air balloons flown by participants from 12 countries.

Daily flights took place from early morning, offering visitors the chance to watch colourful balloons rise above the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains. Among the highlights was a giant owl-shaped balloon, alongside a variety of traditional and specially designed aircraft. Tethered rides and passenger flights allowed visitors of all ages to experience ballooning first-hand.

The festival extended beyond aviation, combining aerial displays with concerts, family activities and cultural attractions. Spectators also enjoyed giant kites reaching up to 15 metres in height and demonstrations by motorised hang gliders, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Organisers said more than 700 people, including pilots, technicians, volunteers and security staff, were involved in preparations that began up to a year before the event. Participants travelled from countries including Kazakhstan, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia and Uzbekistan.

One of the festival's most distinctive attractions was the opportunity for couples to propose during flights over the surrounding mountains. Camping facilities, shuttle services and dedicated visitor areas were also provided to accommodate growing crowds.

The event marked a significant return after its cancellation in 2024 due to severe flooding in Kazakhstan. Building on previous editions that attracted tens of thousands of visitors, organisers hope the festival will further strengthen Kazakhstan's reputation as a destination for adventure tourism and help promote year-round balloon flights in cities including Almaty, Astana, Karaganda and Oskemen.