| Duration: | 5 Day(s) - 4 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Trekking Tours |
Route: Almaty Region (Kazakhstan)
Season: June – October
Best Period: August – September
Complexity: Average Complexity Trekking
Height Difference: 2000–3300 m a.s.l.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Almaty - Taldykorgan - Taubulak
Departure from Almaty at 07:00. Arrival in Taldykorgan at 10:00. Visit to the local history museum of the Almaty Region, followed by lunch. Transfer to Taubulak eco-camping (132 km, of which 61 km is mountainous terrain).
During the 6-hour journey, 2–3 stops (10–15 minutes each) are planned near unique locations in the Jungar Alatau. Arrival at Taubulak eco-camping at 17:00. Accommodation and rest. Dinner, free time, and preparation for trekking. Overnight at Taubulak eco-camping.
The Jungar Alatau Mountains 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, originating high in the mountains among ancient glaciers.
In winter and early spring, the river waters are calm and clear, but when the snow on the mountain slopes begins to melt, the river becomes fast and powerful, easily moving huge boulders and breaking ancient trees like matchsticks. The road winding along the river is accessible only to reliable off-road vehicles and offers an exciting journey.
All around, dense forests stretch as far as the eye can see. Spruce and fir trees alternate with delicate birch groves, while meadows are covered with colorful flowers. As the road climbs higher, the landscape becomes harsher: birch trees give way to high mountain plateaus, and numerous waterfalls cascade down rocky peaks.
The remoteness of this border area has helped preserve wildlife, including brown bears, deer, mountain goats, wolves, foxes, and hares, which are often encountered by travelers. Clear mountain streams originating from glaciers are home to Osman fish.
Day 2: Taubulak – Saldyrtas Gorge – Saldyrtas Glacier
Early wake-up and breakfast. Departure from the base and trekking through the Kora Gorge. Crossing the Kora River and ascending toward the Saldyrtas River and further to the Saldyrtas Glacier. Camp setup. Dinner and overnight in a tent camp near the glacier.
Walking distance on this day: approx. 10 km
Day 3: Saldyrtas Glacier – Tyuite Pass – Tekeshbulak Gorge
Early wake-up, breakfast, and camp dismantling. Ascent to Tyuite Pass. The lower part of the slope consists of talus, with a length of no more than 200 meters. Higher up lies a glacier. If the glacier is “open,” small crevasses can be avoided; if it is “closed,” movement must be done in a rope team.
At first, the glacier is relatively flat with a slope of about 10 degrees. Within 30 minutes, the incline increases to approximately 30 degrees, after which the slope flattens, and the pass opens. Tyuite Pass is exceptionally scenic, offering views of tributaries of the Chizh River and beautiful moraine lakes.
Descent into Tekeshbulak Gorge follows. The descent from the pass to the moraine zone is done using crampons and rope on a snow-ice slope, followed by terrain of mixed rocks and snowfields.
Trekking is recommended in a close group or one by one due to loose stones that may shift underfoot. After crossing the Tyuite Glacier, a suitable campsite is selected. Camp setup, dinner, and overnight in tents.
Walking distance on this day: approx. 7 km
Day 4: Tekeshbulak Gorge – Kora Gorge - Taubulak
Early wake-up, breakfast, and camp dismantling. Visit to Moraine Lakes in the upper reaches of Tekeshbulak Gorge. Near the campsite, there are two beautiful lakes, one of which lies directly below the Tyuite Glacier and is known for its extremely cold water.
The cold water contrasts with the picturesque surroundings: bright yellow flowers, green patches around the lake, and icy arms of the glacier. Smooth stones and soft mountain contours reflected in the clear water enhance the beauty of the landscape.
The second lake lies to the north, from where the Tyuite (Tekeshbulak) River originates. Following this river, the descent continues into the Kora Gorge. Return to the Taubulak base. Rest and preparation for departure to Almaty. Overnight at Taubulak eco-camp.
Walking distance on this day: approx. 14 km
Day 5: Taubulak - Taldykorgan - Almaty
Breakfast. Departure from Taubulak at 09:00. Lunch on the way in Taldykorgan. Arrival in Almaty at approximately 20:00.
Total automobile mileage on this day: approx. 380 km
TOUR PRICE: On request
TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:
Transportation, according to the program in comfortable off-road vehicles
Sightseeing according to the program
Accommodation at Taubulak eco-camping
Meals: lunch and dinner on Day 1; full board on Days 2–4; breakfast and lunch on Day 5
Instructor (guide) services during trekking
Environmental and entry fees, including border zone permits
Shared camping equipment (cooking utensils, ropes)
Medical insurance
TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:
Accommodation in Almaty before/after the tour, if required
Meals not indicated in the program and/or not included in the tour price
Rental of personal camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, caremat, personal utensils, etc.)
Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan, if required
Personal expenses and other costs not indicated in the program
RECOMMENDATIONS ON CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT:
Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants
Warm fleece or Polartec jacket, windproof jacket, warm hat, and gloves
Several sets of underwear, thermal underwear, multiple pairs of socks, including warm socks
T-shirts, shorts, and a cap
Suitable hiking boots, snow gaiters, and camp shoes (lightweight sneakers)
Head torch with extra batteries
Thermos (1–1.5 liters) or another water container
Personal hygiene items, first aid kit, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent
Tent, sleeping bag, caremat, personal utensils, backpack (minimum 80L), trekking poles, helmet, crampons, ice axe, descender device, and 4 carabiners
