Trekking mountain tour in Zaili Alatau from Medeo to Almarasan
7-day trekking tour of high complexity for experiences mountain tourists along the mountains of Zaili Alatau, Almaty, Kazakhstan
More details about the Almarasan trekking tour
Complexity
VERY DIFFICULT
Experience of difficult one-day hikes and 2-3 day hikes with a heavy backpack is required
Experience of difficult one-day hikes and 2-3 day hikes with a heavy backpack is required
Distance
Transportation: 20 km
Hike: 85 km
Hike: 85 km
Backpack
Heavy (12-15kg)
group eguipment is handed out between all participants
group eguipment is handed out between all participants
OVERNIGHT
tents for 2-3 people
SEASON
July 10th - September 10th
LANGUAGE
English
Timeline of the Almarasan Trekking Tour
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 1
Day 1
Medeo - Gorelnik gorge - Titov lake
Distance: 9 km
Meeting in the city center near your hotel. Before we start, we will distribute food and group equipment (tents, stoves, gas) among all the participants. We will arrive at Medeo, take an eco-taxi to Gorelnik, take a group photo at the start and set off on our trek! It won't be easy at first to get used to the heavy backpack, but by the second day, it will become more familiar and easier. Today's trek consists mainly of climbing through the gorge, but we will be generously rewarded with the beautiful views of the Gorelnik Gorge.
Approximate lunch spot: Eagle's Nest
Overnight spot: by the lake before the Titov Pass
Approximate lunch spot: Eagle's Nest
Overnight spot: by the lake before the Titov Pass
Day 2
Day 2
Titov pass - Mynzhilki Plateau - mountaineering camp
Distance: 8 km
First pass - Titov! Wearing a helmet and armed with trekking poles, we will ascend the pass and be amazed by the breathtaking views! This day will be a mix of ascents and descents, and by the end of the day, we will find ourselves near Tuyuksu mountaineering camp.
Approximate lunch spot: Mynzhilki Plateau
Overnight stay: mountaineering camp
Approximate lunch spot: Mynzhilki Plateau
Overnight stay: mountaineering camp
Day 3
Day 3
Shymbulak resort - Krasnaya Polyana
Distance: 7 km
This will be an easier and more relaxed day. After breakfast, we will go the the Shymbulak mountain resort where by the cable car we will reach a Talgar pass at height of 3200 from which the trail will lead us down the gorge into a beautiful forest and along the banks of the Left Talgar River, where by midday we will stop for the famous overnight stay at Krasnaya Polyana.
Overnight stay: Krasnaya Polyana
Overnight stay: Krasnaya Polyana
Day 4
Day 4
Left Talgar Gorge - riv. Tourist
Distance: 10,5 km
Today promises to be a day of stunning beauty! We will hike through the Left Talgar Gorge, passing its enchanting forests of Tien Shan spruce, cross mudflow deposits, traverse the Sunny Field, and walk through alpine meadows. In the distance, towering peaks and glaciers will appear on the horizon — this day will be filled with breathtaking landscapes.
Overnight stay: by Tourist river
Overnight stay: by Tourist river
Day 5
Day 5
Tourist pass - Kyzylsai riv. - Ozernaya riv.
Distance: 18.5km
Our goal is to climb the Tourist Pass before lunch, one of the highest points of our hike at 4,000 meters! Hard day.
Overnight stay: by Ozernaya river
Overnight stay: by Ozernaya river
Day 6
Day 6
Almaty-Alagir pass - Prokhodnaya river
Distance: 13.5 km
Today we face the final pass - Almaty Alagir. On the descent from the pass, there is another location that will leave you in awe - a small lake hidden in a wild gorge called Scotland.
After passing the upper reaches and alpine meadows, where we will spend the night.
Overnight stay: by Prokhodnaya river
After passing the upper reaches and alpine meadows, where we will spend the night.
Overnight stay: by Prokhodnaya river
Day 7
Day 7
Terra Glade- Almarasan - Almaty
Distance: 10 km
Transportation: 20 km
Transportation: 20 km
And here we are, anticipating a home shower and a soft bed, walking down the gorge past the purest springs and Terra glade, past waterfalls and hot springs to the former Alma-Arasan rest house, from where a car will take us back to the city.
Overnight stay: home, though it will be hard to part with the soothing mountain landscapes, the sound of the river, and the cool, fresh air.
Overnight stay: home, though it will be hard to part with the soothing mountain landscapes, the sound of the river, and the cool, fresh air.
List of essentials for the Almarasan Tour
All gear is mandatory! Without the proper equipment, the guide reserves the right to refuse your participation in the hike.
Essentials
- Headlamp
- Mug, spoon, bowl, knife, bottle (1-2 l)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen 50spf
- Hygiene supplies
- Small towel
- Personal first aid kit
- Raincoat
Gear
- Backpack (60 - 90 l) + raincover
- Sleeping bag (comfort 0...-5°C)
- Camping mat
- Seat mats (optional)
- Trekking poles
- Trekking boots/sneakers
- Second pair of shoes (light sneakers or sandals)
- Waterproof gaiters
Clothes
- Trekking shirt (1-2pcs)
- Termal underware
- Fleece\Hoodie
- Down jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Trekking trousers
- Underwear (2-3pcs)
- Extra socks (2pair)+ warm socks
- Sun hat and buff
- Woolen beanie
- Gloves (1-2 pair)
Additionally
- Passport (border guard document check)
- Some cash
- Earplugs, in case noise or snoring keeps you from sleeping.
Why Monte tours are best choice in Almaty
Interesting locations
Constantly changing locations: gorges, forests, and mountain rivers, alpine meadows transitioning into moraines and majestic glaciers surrounded by peaks and passes—we will explore all the beauty the mountains have to offer!
Preparation
We are 100% ready, and we’ll prepare you too! From our side – detailed consultation on gear; from yours – just don’t forget anything 😉
Safety First
All Monte guides are sports professionals with at least a Level III qualification in sports tourism or in mountaineering, skyrunning. They have completed guide training and first aid courses.
Off the beaten tourist path
Every Monte tour has a special twist. We choose unique and less-traveled locations where tourists can't reach by
Price for individual tour
1 person
$1300
2 persons
$1400
$700/pp
3 persons
$1530
$510/pp
4 persons
$1670
$418/pp
5 persons
$1750
$350/pp
over 6 people
calculated individually
1
✔️ Included
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Guide service
Insurance (mountain tourism)
Basic first-aid kit
Repair kit
Group photos
Consultation on personal items and appropriate clothing
Hot meals (dinner and breakfast) and snacks for lunch
Light snacks at rest stops (candied fruits, nuts, dried fruits)
Tents (for 2-3 people)
Camping equipment
Protective helmet for pass crossings
Transportation Almaty-Medeo-Gorelnik (start point)
Guide service
Insurance (mountain tourism)
Basic first-aid kit
Repair kit
Group photos
Consultation on personal items and appropriate clothing
Hot meals (dinner and breakfast) and snacks for lunch
Light snacks at rest stops (candied fruits, nuts, dried fruits)
Tents (for 2-3 people)
Camping equipment
Protective helmet for pass crossings
Transportation Almaty-Medeo-Gorelnik (start point)
Transportation from Almarasan (finish point) to the city
Cable car at Shymbulak Mountain Resort
2
❌ Not included
Tickets to Almaty
Travel insurance
Porter service
Individual photo session
Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, backpack, and other personal items necessary for a multi-day mountain hike
Travel insurance
Porter service
Individual photo session
Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, backpack, and other personal items necessary for a multi-day mountain hike
FAQ
Almarasan Trekking Tour
Before booking, carefully study the tour program and then click the "BOOK" button. Our Coordinator will contact you via WhatsApp and ask you a few questions to understand your hiking experience and whether you are prepared for such a journey.
Since the hike is multi-day and requires thorough preparation, we recommend contacting us in advance (2-3 months before the trip) to discuss the details. To book the tour, we require a 10% deposit, with the remaining amount to be paid 30 days before the tour. Refund conditions are outlined below.
Since the hike is multi-day and requires thorough preparation, we recommend contacting us in advance (2-3 months before the trip) to discuss the details. To book the tour, we require a 10% deposit, with the remaining amount to be paid 30 days before the tour. Refund conditions are outlined below.
1-2 day tours: If the cancellation is made at least 72 hours in advance, a full refund (100%) will be provided. If the cancellation is made less than 72 hours in advance, a 70% refund will be provided. If the cancellation is made less than 48 hours in advance, a 50% refund will be provided. No refund will be given for cancellations made on the day of the service.
Multiday tours: If the cancellation is made at least 15 calendar days in advance, a full refund (100%) will be provided. If the cancellation is made less than 15 calendar days in advance, the refund will be issued minus actual expenses incurred (such as advance payments for transfers, hotel reservations, food purchases, tickets, etc.), but not exceeding 70% of the tour price. If the cancellation is made less than 7 calendar days in advance, a 50% refund of the tour price will be provided.
Multiday tours: If the cancellation is made at least 15 calendar days in advance, a full refund (100%) will be provided. If the cancellation is made less than 15 calendar days in advance, the refund will be issued minus actual expenses incurred (such as advance payments for transfers, hotel reservations, food purchases, tickets, etc.), but not exceeding 70% of the tour price. If the cancellation is made less than 7 calendar days in advance, a 50% refund of the tour price will be provided.
This hike is not for beginners. If you have been to the mountains before, you already know what to expect. Add to that a backpack weighing 12-15 kilograms. But it's worth it!))) To ensure an even workload, we use a 50/10 timing method, which means that every 50 minutes of walking, we take a 10-minute break. You can expect:
- Steep Ascents and Descents: Shoulders will ache under the weight of the backpack, especially in the first few days.
- Tiring Legs: Possible blisters and calluses.
- Challenging Terrain: Climbing over rocks, snowfields, crossing mountain rivers.
- Early Mornings: Getting up before dawn and hiking every day—this is what a sports hike of category 1 looks like. Be prepared!
- Start with a two-day hike to Terra Glade or through Titova Pass or another nearby 2-3 day hike.
- Follow your guide’s instructions and be sure to acquire trekking poles to reduce the load on your back and knees.
- If you have any health concerns, consult a doctor before embarking on the hike.
- The hike also has a sporting component and is classified as a category 1 difficulty hike in sports tourism.
Bad weather is unlikely to significantly dampen the hike since one of the highlights of mountain travel is experiencing nature in its various forms. However, there are a few points to consider:
- Preparation is Key: Our packing list includes a raincoat, good mountain boots, and a backpack cover—all of which will help you comfortably handle weather changes.
- Extreme Weather:
- In the event of severe, prolonged rain, a guide may decide to postpone or suspend the hike if the weather becomes too challenging.
- If the weather prevents completing the entire route, a guide may shorten the route at their discretion.
- Natural Disasters:
- If there are signs of potential natural disasters, organizers and the hike guide may postpone or cancel the hike entirely.
When climbing to a height above 2500 m.a.s.l., mountain sickness may occur with the following symptoms: headache, weakness and sickness. If such symptoms appear, you shall immediately inform your guide, make a stop, take out your bottle of water and drink as much water as possible in small sips.
However, the ascent will be gradual, and the risk of experiencing altitude sickness is extremely low. But if you have contraindications for ascending to high altitudes, it is better to decline the hike.
When crossing scree passes (Shkolnik and Titova), there is a danger of spraining an ankle or tripping and getting injured from a fall, so be sure to use trekking poles to maintain balance and do not remove your safety helmet. If you accidentally dislodge a stone, you should immediately shout the command "Stone" so that your fellow hikers below can avoid and prevent injury.
This hike is not suitable for people who have never been to the mountains before. This approach is suitable for experienced hikers who have participated in 2-3 day mountain hikes.
Another danger is getting sunstroke when staying in the sun without a hat. It's simple - take a Panama hat with you!
And sunscreen and glasses will also save you from the harmful effects of the sun.
Always take a raincoat or waterproof hardshell jacket - mountain weather is unpredictable!
Remember that you are solely responsible for your health - be careful!
However, the ascent will be gradual, and the risk of experiencing altitude sickness is extremely low. But if you have contraindications for ascending to high altitudes, it is better to decline the hike.
When crossing scree passes (Shkolnik and Titova), there is a danger of spraining an ankle or tripping and getting injured from a fall, so be sure to use trekking poles to maintain balance and do not remove your safety helmet. If you accidentally dislodge a stone, you should immediately shout the command "Stone" so that your fellow hikers below can avoid and prevent injury.
This hike is not suitable for people who have never been to the mountains before. This approach is suitable for experienced hikers who have participated in 2-3 day mountain hikes.
Another danger is getting sunstroke when staying in the sun without a hat. It's simple - take a Panama hat with you!
And sunscreen and glasses will also save you from the harmful effects of the sun.
Always take a raincoat or waterproof hardshell jacket - mountain weather is unpredictable!
Remember that you are solely responsible for your health - be careful!
Before the Hike:
- Trim your hair, shave, and trim your nails on hands and feet.
- Dental Check-Up: Schedule a visit to the dentist—dental pain can force you to abandon the route, so take care of it in advance.
- A small bar of soap in a plastic bag (do not take liquid soap).
- A small, quick-drying (sports) towel.
- Toothbrush.
- Toothpaste (a very small amount).
- A roll of toilet paper.
- Lip balm.
- You can take one small pack of wet wipes. Do not leave them in the mountains as they harm the environment.
- Do not take a large pack as its weight will add to the burden on your backpack.
- You can take a small sponge for easier washing with cold spring water.
- It's better not to take deodorant—it's like using deodorant before a heavy workout in the gym.
- Disposable razor (optional).
- For Women: It's advisable to bring a set of hygiene products for periods.
- Sometimes you need to quickly get ready in the morning, and by evening, you might be too tired for any bathing procedures.
- Recommendation: Perform hygiene during lunch while the guide is preparing food. Often, it's hottest at lunchtime, providing time to dry off and dry small clothing items (like socks).
- In the evening, you can also set aside time for hygiene, provided you warm up in your sleeping bag or by the campfire.
- Basic Items (sweaters/pants): It is not customary to wash them during a hike lasting no more than a week.
- Weather Considerations: Weather is unpredictable, and based on experience, it's better to have non-fresh but dry clothes than clean and wet ones. The main priority is to maintain your health.
- If Clean Socks or Underwear Run Out: To wash, you need to go downstream along the river so that the staff do not collect soapy water for cooking.
- It's incorrect to contaminate water with toothpaste, so to brush your teeth, simply fill a cup with water and step aside.
- If there are no special toilets at the campsite, find a secluded spot.
- After completing all necessary business, try to conceal the traces of your activities as much as possible.
- Do not wash your head during the hike due to the high risk of getting sick or catching a chill.
- Advice for Women: Wash your hair in the morning on the day the tour starts and braid it into a plait or ponytail to keep it tidy longer.
- Do not take shampoos and conditioners—they will be an unnecessary load on your shoulders.
- Hot water for washing is not provided during the hike.
- If cooking with gas stoves, the gas voume is not provided for heating additional water for washing or brushing.
- If cooking over a campfire, only after finishing dinner can you use free pots to heat extra water for yourself.