Almaty Circular Trek Tour (4 Days)

This route showcases all the contrasts and natural beauty of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. You will visit the high-mountain Shymbulak Resort, enjoy lunch in a traditional Kazakh yurt, cross a glacier, admire the stunning Big Almaty Lake, and relieve fatigue after trekking by swimming in the Shukur Waterfall.

Season: June – October
Best Period: July – September
Distance: 50 km
Duration: 4 days

Height Difference: Total elevation gain: 2220 meters. Highest point: Tourist Pass (3980 m above sea level). Total descent: 3184 meters. Lowest point: Left Talgar Gorge (2200 m above sea level).

Route Complexity: Moderate trekking, suitable for physically fit individuals with experience in hiking on rugged terrain. Symptoms of altitude sickness (such as general malaise, nausea, headache, and weakness) may occur.

Route: Almaty – Medeo – Shymbulak – Left Talgar Gorge – Tourist Pass – Big Almaty Lake – Shukur Waterfall – Alpine Rose Mountain Resort

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1: Almaty – Medeo Sports Complex – Shymbulak Mountain Resort – Talgar Pass – Small Talgar Pass – Left Talgar Gorge – Alpine Rose Glade

After meeting your guide and boarding the transport at 09:00, you will be transferred by comfortable vehicle to the Medeo mountain sports complex. From there, you will take a cable car to Talgar Pass.

After lunch in a traditional Kazakh yurt on the pass, you will begin the trekking route. First, you will descend along the chairlift trail toward Small Talgar Pass. Here, you will enjoy panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, including the Til and Ayak glaciers, as well as Chkalov and Athlete peaks.

The descent continues toward the river in Left Talgar Gorge. Upon reaching the river, you will take a short rest and have a snack. Then you will continue along the gorge, gradually gaining elevation.

The camp will be set up in Alpine Rose Glade, a wide meadow near a spring. After dinner, you can relax by the campfire.

Overnight in a tent camp at an altitude of 2450 m above sea level
Walking distance: approx. 8 km
Elevation change: -915 m / +200 m
Hiking time: approx. 4 hours

Day 2: Alpine Rose Glade – Left Talgar Valley – Solar Glade – Tourist Gorge – Tourist Glacier Moraine

Early wake-up at around 07:00, followed by breakfast and packing the camp. At 09:00, you will begin trekking further up the gorge. Most of the route follows a well-defined trail, except for one section where you will need to cross a small debris flow.

After this section, you will reach a small, picturesque lake formed after a mudflow in 2003. Continuing onward, you will arrive at Solar Glade, where you can admire stunning views of snow-capped peaks such as Pushkin and Constitution peaks.

Lunch will be taken near the confluence of the Tourist and Left Talgar rivers. After a rest, you will continue the ascent along Tourist Gorge.

The camp will be set up on a glade near the foothills of SGU Peak, a massive and beautiful mountain that provides an excellent backdrop for photography. After setting up camp, dinner will be prepared, followed by rest.

Overnight in a tent camp at an altitude of 3550 m above sea level
Walking distance: approx. 12 km
Elevation change: +1150 m / -50 m
Hiking time: approx. 7–8 hours

Day 3: Tourist Glacier Moraine – Tourist Pass – Upper Kyzylsai River – Lake Gorge

Early wake-up at around 07:00. This is the most challenging day of the trek. After breakfast and packing, you will begin ascending toward Tourist Pass, the highest point of the route.

The trail becomes less visible as you approach the moraine lakes. Along the way, you will see the impressive Peak of Soviet Mountaineers (4380 m).

Next, you will cross the Tourist Glacier. In summer, it is usually possible to cross it on foot without technical difficulty, as there is minimal snow.

At the pass, you will take a short break to rest, have snacks, and enjoy views of peaks such as Soviet, Lake, and Young Guard, all exceeding 4000 meters. On clear days, you may also see Talgar Peak (5017 m), the highest point in the Northern Tien Shan.

After the break, you will descend into the Kyzylsai River valley via a rocky trail. The descent involves losing nearly 900 meters in elevation.

The camp will be set up at the confluence of the Kyzylsai and Ozyornaya (Lake) rivers. After rest, you will have free time to explore the surroundings before dinner.

Overnight in a tent camp at an altitude of 3110 m above sea level
Walking distance: approx. 11 km
Elevation change: +430 m / -880 m
Hiking time: approx. 6–7 hours

Day 4: Lake Gorge – Big Almaty Lake – Shukur Gorge – Shukur Waterfall – Alpine Rose Mountain Resort – Almaty

Wake up at 07:00 and have breakfast. After packing, you will descend through Lake Gorge toward Big Almaty Lake. Before reaching the dam, you will turn right and ascend toward the ridge separating Lake Gorge and Shukur Gorge.

Along the way, there are equipped rest areas with gazebos and benches where you can stop for a snack.

The trail then descends toward Moon Glade. The Shukur Waterfall is located nearby, about a 20-minute walk away. You will pass through a small forest with open glades suitable for picnics before reaching the narrow rocky gorge of the Shukur River.

Here, you will see the waterfall and feel its refreshing spray. You may swim in the waterfall if you wish. After resting and regaining your strength, you will return to Moon Glade and continue along a wide road used by ATVs.

In about 20 minutes, you will reach the Alpine Rose Mountain Resort (2275 m), where transport will be waiting to take you back to Almaty.

Walking distance: approx. 14 km
Elevation change: +533 m / -1380 m
Hiking time: approx. 7–8 hours

Tour Price:

Available on request per person (based on two people traveling together).

Group discounts are available. Children are charged at the adult rate.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND BOOKING TERMS:

Tour Rates Include:

Hotel pick-up and drop-off (private tours) and transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle

Professional English-speaking guide services

All entrance and environmental fees, including cable car tickets (Medeo – Shymbulak – Talgar Pass)

Meals (dinner in a yurt on Day 1, full board on Days 2–3, breakfast and lunch on Day 4)

Drinking water

Tent accommodation

Tour Rates Exclude:

Hotel pick-up and drop-off (for group tours)

Meals not specified in the program

Accommodation in Almaty before or after the tour

Visa support and registration (if required)

Personal expenses

Insurance policy

Booking Terms:

Full payment is required to confirm the reservation. Accepted methods include cash (local currency), bank transfer, and bank card.

Cancellation Terms:

50% of the tour price is non-refundable if canceled less than 48 hours before departure

100% of the tour price is non-refundable if canceled less than 24 hours before departure or in case of no-show

Group Size:

Minimum 1 person, maximum 8 people

Age Restriction:

16+

Required Equipment and Clothing:

Waterproof jacket and windproof outerwear

Trousers made of Gore-Tex or similar material

Warm fleece or insulated jacket

Hat and gloves

Thermal underwear and multiple layers

Several pairs of socks (including warm ones)

Trekking boots suitable for high-altitude conditions

Camp shoes or lightweight sneakers

Headlamp with spare batteries

Thermos (1–1.5 liters) or water container

Personal hygiene items and a first-aid kit

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Eating utensils

Backpack (minimum 80 liters)

Trekking poles

Personal climbing equipment (recommended): helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, belay device, and carabiners

NOTE:

A valid passport is required during travel. Part of the route passes through a border area near the Kyrgyz Republic.