Almaty-Alagir trek
4-day trek: Terra glade, Scotland lake, Karnizny peak (4075 m), Alagir pass, Big Almaty lake
More details about the Almaty-Alagir Trek
Complexity
Moderate
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+20 km
Hike: 36 km
Hike: 36 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 - September
LANGUAGE
English
Timeline of the Almaty-Alagir Trek
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 1
Day 1
Almaty - Alma-Arasan springs - Terra Glade
Transportation: 20 km
Distance: 5.3 km ↑914 m ↓48 m
Distance: 5.3 km ↑914 m ↓48 m
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’ll begin our journey in a beautiful gorge and pass by natural hot springs, where you can take a dip if you wish—though it’s usually quite crowded.
Today’s hike will take us along a charming trail through a birch grove, then through a pine forest, and onward to Terra Glade, where a scenic spring called “Witch’s Stream” is located.
From the campsite, there will be stunning night views overlooking the city.
Overnight Location: Terra Glade
Today’s hike will take us along a charming trail through a birch grove, then through a pine forest, and onward to Terra Glade, where a scenic spring called “Witch’s Stream” is located.
From the campsite, there will be stunning night views overlooking the city.
Overnight Location: Terra Glade
Day 2
Day 2
Prokhodnoye gorge - Scotland lake
Distance: 7.9 km ↑837 m ↓15 m
Today our route takes us above the tree line, where we’ll hike through alpine meadows—the air will be noticeably cooler in this zone. If we’re lucky, we might spot marmots, which are common in this area.
Our campsite for the night will be in a very picturesque spot—a small gorge called “Dikoye” near the lake known as “Scotland.”
Our campsite for the night will be in a very picturesque spot—a small gorge called “Dikoye” near the lake known as “Scotland.”
Day 3
Day 3
Karniznyi peak - Almaty-Alagir pass - Big Almaty Lake
Distance: 15.8 km ↑710 m ↓1589 m
Today will be a challenging day. We’ll start with an ascent to the Almaty-Alagir Pass, where we’ll leave our backpacks, and then continue to the summit of Karniznaya Peak at 4075 meters. At the top, there is a glacier and breathtaking panoramic views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains. The ascent is only possible in good weather.
After the climb, we’ll descend into the Big Almaty Gorge and set up camp at a scenic viewpoint near Big Almaty Lake.
After the climb, we’ll descend into the Big Almaty Gorge and set up camp at a scenic viewpoint near Big Almaty Lake.
Day 4
Day 4
Big Almaty Lake - Shukur gorge
Distance: 6.8 km ↑155 m ↓842 m
Transportation: 20 km
Transportation: 20 km
The final day will be an easy one. We’ll follow a beautiful trail through the Tien Shan forest and reach the Shukur Glade. From there, we’ll descend along the road or alongside the water pipeline from the lake to the main road, where a vehicle will pick us up for the return to the city.
Back in the city, we’ll be glad to have a hot shower and a soft bed—but the memories of the incredible beauty of the Almaty mountains will stay with us for a long time.
Back in the city, we’ll be glad to have a hot shower and a soft bed—but the memories of the incredible beauty of the Almaty mountains will stay with us for a long time.
List of essentials for the Almaty-Alagir Trek
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.
scenic tour through an altitude of 4000 meters
Over the course of this 4-day trek, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable hiking experience through the stunning beauty of the Almaty mountains. You'll have the chance to summit a peak and touch a glacier. Just as importantly, the route is of moderate difficulty, allowing you not only to journey each day but also to take time to enjoy the meditative silence of the mountain landscapes.
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
365 000 tg
$690
$690
2 persons
400 000 tg
$760
$760
$380/pp
3 persons
490 000 tg
$930
$930
$310/pp
4 persons
520 000 tg
$985
$985
$247pp
5 persons
580 000 tg
$1100
$1100
$220/pp
over 6 people
calculated individually
✔️ 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
Transportation Almaty-Alma-Arasan(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
Transportation Almaty-Alma-Arasan(start point)
Transportation from Edelweiss (finish point) to the city
❌ Not included
Tickets to Almaty
Travel insurance
Porter service
Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, backpack, trekking boots and other personal items necessary for a multi-day mountain hike - available for rent
Travel insurance
Porter service
Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, backpack, trekking boots and other personal items necessary for a multi-day mountain hike - available for rent
FAQ
Almaty-Alagir Trek
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 10-12 kilograms. But it's worth it))) To ensure an even physical load, we use a 50/10 timing method, which means that every 50 minutes of walking, we take a 10-minute break.
The main challenge will fall on the 3rd and 4th days of the hike, where you will need to ascend moraine hills, and on the last day, we will face a prolonged descent towards Big Almaty Lake and Shukur gorge.
Follow your guide’s instructions and be sure to acquire trekking poles to reduce the load on your back and knee joints.
The main challenge will fall on the 3rd and 4th days of the hike, where you will need to ascend moraine hills, and on the last day, we will face a prolonged descent towards Big Almaty Lake and Shukur gorge.
Follow your guide’s instructions and be sure to acquire trekking poles to reduce the load on your back and knee joints.
Едва ли плохая погода сможет сильно омрачить поход, ведь одно из изюминок горных путешествий это увидеть природу в ее разных проявлениях.
Однако, есть несколько моментов которые стоит учесть:
Однако, есть несколько моментов которые стоит учесть:
- Удача любит подготовку. В списке вещей есть дождевик, хорошие горные ботинки, накидка на рюкзак - все это поможет вам с бОльшим комфортом перенести капризы погоды.
- Экстремальная погода. В случае действительно сильных продолжительных ливней, руководитель похода может принять решение о переносе похода, либо приостановке похода если погода застала уже в пути. Таким образом, если погода помешает преодолеть весь путь, маршрут может быть сокращен на усмотрение руководителя.
- Катаклизмы. В случае если есть предпосылки к каким либо природным катаклизмам, организаторы и гид похода могут перенести либо вовсе отменить поход с возвратом денежных средств.
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 sections, 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 sections, 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.