4-Day Almaty Mountain Trek with Camping and Tourist Pass Crossing

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Experience a four-day trekking journey through alpine valleys, glaciers, and remote mountain landscapes near Almaty
• 02 Camp under star-filled skies in tents and enjoy a complete digital detox away from phone connectivity
• 03 Cross Tourist Pass at 3950 metres, the highest point of the trek, with breathtaking panoramic views
• 04 Trek through diverse terrain including rivers, valleys, and high mountain passes with expert guidance

Set out on a four-day trekking adventure through the breathtaking mountains near Almaty, exploring alpine valleys, glaciers, and high mountain passes. Camp in remote wilderness under star-filled skies and enjoy a complete digital detox with no phone connectivity. Cross Tourist Pass at 3950 metres and follow scenic trails with expert guidance. This immersive journey combines challenging hikes, raw natural beauty, and authentic camping experiences in the heart of the Tien Shan mountains.

Set out on a four-day trekking adventure through the breathtaking mountains near Almaty, exploring alpine valleys, glaciers, and high mountain passes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Almaty

Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Almaty and Descent into the Left Talgar Valley

• Meet in Almaty and transfer to the Medeu ski lift station.
• Ascend to Talgar Pass at 3200 metres by gondola lift.
• Enjoy lunch in a traditional yurt at high altitude.
• Descend into the valley of the Left Talgar River.
• Complete a trekking distance of 6 km with a descent of 1000 metres.

2

Day 02

Trek Deeper into the Valley to the Tourist Stream Confluence

• Continue trekking deeper into the mountain valley.
• Reach the confluence of the Left Talgar River and Tourist Stream.
• Set up camp and stay overnight in tents under the open sky.
• Cover a distance of 9 km with an elevation gain of 600 metres.

3

Day 03

Ascent to Tourist Pass and Descent into Kyzylsay Valley

• Ascend to Tourist Pass at 3890 metres above sea level.
• Descend into the Kyzylsay Valley.
• Stay overnight in tents at an altitude of 3600 metres.
• Cover a trekking distance of 10 km with 1000 metres of ascent and 300 metres of descent.

4

Day 04

Descent to Big Almaty Lake and Return to the City

• Descend to Big Almaty Lake.
• Continue trekking to the designated transfer point.
• Return to Almaty city after completing the route.
• Cover a distance of 20 km with a total descent of 1700 metres.
• The schedule may change due to safety, weather, and group conditions.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All planning and organisation
• Guidance and training by a qualified mountain guide
• Transfer by car from Big Almaty Lake
• Ecological fees and permits
• Full-board meals cooked on portable stoves
• Lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast on the last day
• Group camping and cooking equipment

What's Not Included

• Personal insurance and emergency evacuation service
• Personal expenses such as drinks or snacks at the ski resort
• Equipment rental
• Hotel accommodation in Almaty
• Transfer from the hotel to Medeu station

What to bring

• Backpack
• Trekking boots
• Layered warm clothing
• Rain jacket with hood
• Gloves (2 pairs)
• Rain trousers
• Hat or headband
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Emergency blanket
• Telescopic hiking poles
• Headlamp
• Toiletries
• Sleeping bag (comfort 0 to -5°C)
• Sleeping mat
• Shared tent
• Spare clothes
• Earplugs (optional)
• Blister plasters
• Personal medication
• Camera (optional)
• Cash for personal expenses such as drinks at ski resort areas
• Thermos and water bottle
• Pocket knife, mug, soup plate, and spoon
• Anti-slip shoe spikes
• Please note: bring only essential items, as all equipment, including part of the group food, must be carried during the trek.

Know before you go

• Please inform us in advance of any food allergies or dietary preferences, such as vegan or vegetarian options.
• The programme requires good physical fitness.
• The minimum age is 15 years.
• Participants under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent who is also part of the group.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Медеу, Каток Медео, Алматы, Казахстан

Tour start

Алматы, Казахстан

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.