Origins Of Kora River Trekking Tour (9 Days)

The average-complexity itinerary for a seven-day hike in Jungar Alatau features an elevation range of 1800–3400 meters above sea level. This route will be interesting for advanced mountain hikers as well as beginners with appropriate training.

Route: Jungar Alatau (Almaty Region, Kazakhstan)
Season: June–October
Best Period: August–September
Complexity: Average trekking difficulty
Height Difference: 2000–3400 m above sea level

Region Description:

The mountains of Jungar Alatau serve as a natural border with China and stretch for 400 km. One of the most picturesque gorges of Zhetisu — Kora Gorge — lies in these mountains and extends for 90 km.

At the bottom of the gorge flows the Kora River, which originates high in the mountains in a kingdom of ancient glaciers. In winter and early spring, the river waters are calm and transparent, but when the snow covering the mountain slopes begins to melt, the river becomes turbulent and powerful, easily rolling over huge boulders and breaking age-old trees like matchsticks.

The road winding along the river is accessible only to high-clearance off-road vehicles and offers an adventurous experience to those who travel through it. As far as the eye can see, forests stretch across the landscape. Spruce and fir trees alternate with delicate birch groves, while meadows are covered with vibrant carpets of wildflowers.

As the road climbs higher, nature becomes harsher: graceful birches give way to high mountain plateaus, and dozens of large and small waterfalls cascade down majestic rocky peaks. The inaccessibility of this border zone over decades has helped preserve wildlife such as brown bears, deer, mountain goats, wolves, foxes, and hares, which are frequently spotted by travelers. Crystal-clear mountain streams originating from glaciers are inhabited by Osman fish.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1: Almaty – Taldykorgan – "Taubulak" Eco-Camping

After meeting your guide and boarding the transport at 07:00, you will depart from Almaty to Taldykorgan city. Upon arrival at around 10:00, you will visit the Museum of Local History of the Almaty Region, followed by lunch at a local café.

After lunch, you will be transferred to Taubulak eco-camping (132 km, including 61 km of mountainous terrain). During the 6-hour journey, there will be 2–3 short stops (10–15 minutes each) at scenic locations in Jungar Alatau.

You will arrive at "Taubulak" eco-camping at approximately 17:00. Accommodation and rest. After dinner, you will have free time to prepare for the next day's trek.

Overnight at "Taubulak" eco-camping
Car mileage: approx. 380 km

Day 2: "Taubulak" Eco-Camping – Kaskabulak Gorge – Kaskabulak Glacier

You will wake up early today. After breakfast, you will ascend from the Taubulak base, crossing the left bank of the Kora River and continuing toward Kaskabulak Gorge. The ascent follows the Kaskabulak River, which is fast-flowing in some sections, making crossings challenging.

As you approach the glacier, the terrain becomes more difficult, with moraine ridges making the climb more demanding. A lake on the right marks the source of the Kaskabulak River.

This location offers stunning views of Kaskabulak Glacier, Edelweiss Pass, Tentek Pass, and Kokchetav Pass. Camp will be set up at a suitable location. Dinner and rest follow.

Overnight in a tent camp
Walking distance: approx. 16 km

Day 3: Kaskabulak Glacier – Tektensai Gorge – Tronov Glacier

An early start is required today. After breakfast and packing camp, you will climb toward Kokchetav Pass. The glacier route is relatively gentle, with a gradual incline and alternating sections of ice and rock.

You will descend into Tenteksai Gorge for a short rest, then ascend to Tronov Pass before descending to Tronov Glacier — one of the largest and most beautiful glaciers in central Jungaria.

The terrain includes rocky sections mixed with icy patches, and crevasses may be present, some hidden under snow. Trekking is done roped together without crampons, following the left edge of the glacier.

Camp will be set up at the end of the day. Dinner and rest follow.

Overnight in a tent camp on the moraine of Tronov Glacier
Walking distance: approx. 8 km

Day 4: Tronov Glacier – Olga Pass – Bezsonov Glacier

After an early breakfast and packing camp, you will ascend the eastern moraine of Tronov Glacier toward Olga Pass.

Olga Pass is notable because the classic descent routes to Tronov and Bezsonov glaciers are quite separated. To reach the slope of Bezsonov Glacier, you must either climb moderately difficult rocky terrain or cross a steep snowfield.

For safety, a rope may be fixed on the snow section. Alternatively, a rocky bypass can be taken. After descending to the Bezsonov Glacier moraine, camp will be set up. Dinner and rest follow.

Overnight in a tent camp on the moraine of Bezsonov Glacier
Walking distance: approx. 7 km

Day 5: Bezsonov Glacier – Kora Gorge – Yuzhnaya River

After breakfast and packing camp, you will descend the Bezsonov Glacier. This section can be challenging, as feet may sink into hidden snow gullies, sometimes up to knee depth.

Closer to the moraine, the terrain becomes easier. After descending into Kora Gorge and reaching the confluence with the Yuzhnaya River, a campsite will be selected. Dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight in a tent camp
Walking distance: approx. 7 km

Day 6: Yuzhnaya River – Sapozhnikov Glacier – Yuzhnaya River

Today starts later than usual. You will take a radial trek to Sapozhnikov Glacier, the second-largest glacier in Jungar Alatau, named after explorer Sapozhnikov.

His 1902 expedition covered 2000 miles and lasted five months. He approached Jungar Alatau from the south and later crossed the ridge via two challenging routes. His team included three medical students, a geologist, and a teacher from Verny.

A second expedition in 1904 resulted in valuable research and mapping, followed by the publication of his book in 1906.

After returning to camp, dinner and rest.

Overnight in a tent camp
Walking distance: approx. 10 km

Day 7: Yuzhnaya River – Kora Gorge

After breakfast and packing, you will descend along Kora Gorge, a popular yet pristine destination. The gorge features dense forests on the northern slopes and meadow-steppe vegetation on southern slopes.

Climbers are drawn to the dramatic rock formations. A section called "White Yar" is known for high-difficulty rafting routes.

The gorge is narrow and deep (1000–1200 m), with the Kora River occupying most of the valley floor. Camps will be set up near a river crossing point.

Overnight in a tent camp
Walking distance: approx. 14 km

Day 8: Kora Gorge – "Taubulak" Eco-Camping

After breakfast, you will pack camp and cross to the opposite side of the river before descending back to Taubulak Base.

Until 2010, two summer camps operated here, but currently only Taubulak Base remains active. Upon arrival, you will rest and prepare for departure.

Overnight at "Taubulak" eco-camping
Walking distance: approx. 7 km

Day 9: "Taubulak" Eco-Camping – Taldykorgan – Almaty

After breakfast and packing, you will depart at 09:00. A lunch stop will be made in Taldykorgan. Arrival in Almaty is expected around 20:00.

Car mileage: approx. 380 km

Tour Price: Please contact us for a price in USD per person provided 2 people traveling together.

Group discounts are available. A child participates in the tour at the price of an adult.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND BOOKING TERMS:

Tour Rates Include:

-Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle,

-Professional English-speaking trekking guide services,

-Accommodation in Taubulak Resort on Days 1 and 8,

-All admission and environmental fees, admission to the border zone,

-Meals (lunch and dinner on Day 1, three times meals during trekking, breakfast, and lunch on Day 9), drinking water. Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking (traditional local cuisine includes mostly lamb or beef, dough, and milk products).

-General equipment (dishes for cooking, rope).

Tour Rates Exclude:

-Personal equipment (tent, karemat, sleeping bag),

-Meals not indicated in the program and/or not included in the program price,

-Accommodation in Almaty before or after the tour,

-Visa support and registration in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan (if required),

-Personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program, insurance policy.

Booking Terms: Full payment is required for tour reservations. Accepted methods of payment: cash in local currency, wire transfer, bank card.

Cancellation Terms: 50% of the tour price is not refundable in case of tour cancellation less than 72 hours before the tour departure time, 100% of the tour price is not refundable in case of tour cancellation less than 24 hours before the tour departure time, as well as in case of no-show.

Group size: Minimum 1 person, maximum — 8 people.

Age restriction: 16+

Required Equipment and Clothing:

Waterproof membrane jacket/storm, trousers made of gortex material, windproof jacket, warm fleece jacket or jacket of Polartec material, warm hat, and gloves, several sets of underwear, a set of thermal underwear, several pairs of socks, one warm sock, several T-shirts with short and long sleeves, shorts, a cap, good high-altitude trekking boots, shoe covers from snow, exchange shoes for camp, best light sneakers, a headlamp with adjustable brightness and beam range, several sets of batteries, thermos for 1-1.5 liters, or another water tank, personal hygiene items, personal first-aid kit, sunglasses, sunblock, ticks, utensils for personal use, a backpack volume of at least 80 liters, trekking sticks, personal alp equipment is better to have your own - helmet, gazebo, cat, ice pick, trigger, 4 carabiners.

NOTE: A current valid passport is required on the days of travel. Part of the route passes in the border area with Kyrgyzstan Republic.