| Duration: | 10 Day(s) - 9 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Photography Tours |
Fascinating photo tour to the Kungei Alatau Mountains, exploring remote and lesser-known areas of the ridge that are rarely visited by tourists. This tour allows you not only to enjoy breathtaking natural scenery but also to capture some of your best photographs.
Route: Almaty Region (Kazakhstan)
Season: June - October
Best Period: July - August
Kensu Gorge is located on the eastern slope of the Kungei Alatau Ridge. Starting at an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level, the valley stretches for 45 km, with the Kensu River flowing along its bottom and eventually joining the Charyn River at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level.
There are small spruce forests on the northern slopes of the middle part of the valley. The southern slopes, in the alpine meadow zone, are covered with thickets of Asian juniper species. The Kensu River originates from eight moraine lakes.
These lakes are located within ancient moraines and serve as evidence of the degradation of ancient glaciation in the region. One of the lakes has a heart-like shape. The gorge remains largely unexplored due to the lack of information available in турист literature.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Almaty - Kensu Gorge
Group meeting and departure from Almaty at 08:00. Lunch at a café on Kokpek Pass. Arrival at Kensu Gorge and camp setup. Walking around the area and photographing the sunset. Return to the camp, dinner, and a short briefing on the next day's program. Free time. Overnight in a tent camp in Kensu Gorge at an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level.
Day 2: Kensu Gorge
Early wake-up at 04:30 for sunrise photography. Return to the camp, breakfast, and a walk around the surrounding area. Lunch at the camp. In the afternoon, hike to the lakes and photograph the sunset. Return to the camp, dinner, and preparation for the next day. Overnight in a tent camp in Kensu Gorge.
Day 3: Kensu Gorge
Early wake-up at 03:30. Hike to a mountain summit for sunrise photography. Return to the camp, rest, breakfast, and free time. After lunch, hike to another peak for photography. Return to the camp, dinner, and preparation for the next day. Free time. Optional night sky photography. Overnight in a tent camp in Kensu Gorge.
Days 4-5: Kensu Gorge
Early wake-up at 04:30 for sunrise photography. Return to the camp and rest. Breakfast, free time, and walking around the area. After lunch, hike to the lakes and wait for sunset. Photography and return to the camp. Dinner and preparation for the next day. Overnight in a tent camp in Kensu Gorge.
Day 6: Kensu Gorge - Sary-Tau Mountains
Wake up at 09:00 and have breakfast. Dismantling of the camp. Departure from Kensu Gorge to the Sary-Tau Mountains with lunch along the way. Arrival at approximately 18:00. Camp setup. Walking around the area and photographing the sunset. Dinner and a short briefing on the next day's program. Overnight in a tent camp on the bank of the Asy River at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level.
Day 7: Sary-Tau Mountains
Early wake-up at 04:30 for sunrise photography. Breakfast, free time, and lunch. In the afternoon, walking around the area and photographed the sunset. Return to the camp, dinner, and a short briefing on the next day's program. Overnight in a tent camp on the bank of the Asy River.
Day 8: Sary-Tau Mountains - Asy Plateau - Boikadyn-Tau Mountains
Early wake-up at 04:30 for sunrise photography. Breakfast, dismantling of the camp, and preparation for departure. Transfer to the Boikadyn-Tau Mountains (approximately 2 hours). Camp setup, lunch, walking around the area, and sunset photography. Return to the camp, dinner, and a short briefing on the next day's program. Overnight in a tent camp in the Boikadyn-Tau Mountains.
Day 9: Boikadyn-Tau Mountains
Wake up at 06:00 for sunrise photography. Breakfast and free time. In the afternoon, walking around the area and photographed the sunset. Return to the camp, dinner, and free time. Overnight in a tent camp in the Boikadyn-Tau Mountains.
Day 10: Boikadyn-Tau Mountains - Almaty
Wake up at 06:00 for sunrise photography. Breakfast, dismantling of the camp, and departure to Almaty. Lunch along the way. Arrival in Almaty at approximately 18:00.
TOUR FEATURES:
The tour program is very intensive, and most camp-to-camp transfers will be off-road. You will need to wake up very early and walk extensively to find the best photographic opportunities. All activities take place in mountainous areas, where unacclimatized individuals may experience a lack of oxygen. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to refrain from alcohol consumption.
TOUR PRICE: On request
TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:
Transport services along the entire route
English-speaking guide and photographer services
Shared camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs, cooking utensils)
Personal camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, care mat, personal utensils, etc.)
Food for field cooking
Permits for visiting protected natural areas and all environmental fees
TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:
Accommodation in Almaty before/after the tour (if required)
Airport transfers (if required)
Meals not specified in the program
Medical insurance
Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan (if required)
Personal and other unspecified expenses
RECOMMENDATIONS ON CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT:
Considering that evenings and nights at high altitude can be quite cold, and temperatures may drop to zero, be sure to bring:
Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants
Warm fleece or Polartec jacket
Windproof jacket
Several sets of underwear, several pairs of socks, and a pair of warm socks
T-shirts and shorts
Suitable hiking boots and lightweight camp shoes
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Head torch with adjustable brightness and spare batteries
Thermos (1–1.5 liters) or another water container
Personal hygiene items and a personal first aid kit (essential for chronic conditions)
Camera, waterproof carrying case, neutral density filter, tripod, remote control, wide-angle and telephoto lenses
Anti-tick (acaricidal) repellent
