Hiking near Almaty 19-20 July

Hi everyone!

I'll be visiting Almaty for a work meeting toward the end of next week (I work for the OSCE) and I've decided to stay a few days as I'm a big fan of mountains. I'm looking to go hiking Protected content (Monday to Tuesday, as my work meeting is on the preceding weekend) and am looking into hiring a guide from Trekking Club Kazakhstan (or if you have better suggestions, please let me know. The famous Karla will be out of town.)

Does anyone want to join?

The prices I've been quoted is "USD Protected content 1 day per 1 person, for individual treks. If you are in the group the price would be about USD Protected content day." (Guiding, equipment, food, transport included).

If you want to join or have any advise, please let me know! Also, does anyone know of a good guesthouse or similar in Almaty? (Where I could stay a night or two and also leave all my business luggage.)

All the best from Vienna,

Susanna