Big Almaty Peak

Two-day hiking tour to Big Almaty Peak, 3680 m from Big Almaty Gorge to Prokhodnoe Gorge

More details about the Big Almaty Peak

hiking tour in Almaty mountains, Kazakhstan
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
for physically active people
DISTANCE
Day 1: 12 km ↑1476 m, ↓34 m
Day 2: 13.5 km ↑455 m, ↓2061 m
LANGUAGE
English
BACKPACK
Moderate,
about 10 kg - 12 kg
DURATION
2 days

SEASON
Year-round

Timeline of the tour to Big Almaty Peak

07:00 – 07:30
07:00 – 07:30
Meeting point
We will meet in the Big Almaty Gorge (Edelweis checkpoint ) or near your hotel (by request). We will hand over our heavy backpacks to a special vehicle at Edelweis checkpoint that will deliver them to the overnight stay location.
We ourselves will go light with small backpacks to the space observation station, where we will check into our hut or set a tent.
There is a checkpoint between big almaty lake and the pass, so please have your passport with you.
8:00-12:00
8:00-12:00
Big Almaty Lake
A beautifull road to the mountains along Big Almaty Gorge, we will see big almaty lake and come to station for space observation located right on the pass. There also be a document check, so please take your passport.
12:00 - 17:00
12:00 - 17:00
Camping at Jusaly Kezen pass
Reaching the altitude of 3200 at the Jusaly Kezen pass, we will unpack our backpacks and settle in huts (not included in the tour) or in tents. We will watch the sunset and prepare for tomorrow's ascent
Day 2
05:00
Day 2
05:00
Climbing the Big Almaty Peak
In the morning, we wake up very early, have breakfast, and take lunch and tea in a thermos with us as we head to the summit. The path won’t be easy—rocks, steep climbs, possible changes in weather, wind, and the effects of altitude—but every effort will be worth it! Standing at the top, you will feel like a true winner, filled with the beauty of the panoramic view that opens up before you!
12:00 – 13:00
12:00 – 13:00
Back to Jusaly Kezen pass
We will return to our hut at the space observation station, where we will rest a bit and relieve our fatigue with a cup of hot tea and a snack.
13:00 – 19:00
13:00 – 19:00
Back to the city
The return journey offers two route options — either retracing our steps along the road past Big Almaty Lake, or taking a scenic path through neighboring Prokhodnoe Gorge, where the trail winds by crystal-clear springs and lush forests.
Depending on your preference and budget, we can either carry our backpacks ourselves or arrange a vehicle to transport the gear, allowing us to enjoy a lighter hike back.
Filled with joy and accomplishment, we head back to the city by taxi, just as we arrived. The day's breathtaking views will stay with us, a vivid reminder of the freedom and natural beauty of the Almaty mountains.

List of essentials for trekking to Big Almaty Peak

Essentials
  • Headlamp
  • Mug, spoon, bowl, knife, bottle (1-2 l)
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Hygiene supplies
  • Small towel
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Raincoat
Gear
  • Backpack (60 - 90 l)
  • Backpack (25-35 l) + raincover
  • Sleeping bag
  • Seat mats
  • Trekking poles
  • Trekking boots/sneakers
  • Second pair of shoes (light sneakers or sandals)
Clothes
  • Trekking shirt (1-2pcs)
  • Longsleeves
  • Fleece\Hoodie
  • Hardshell jacket (or down jacket)
  • Trekking trousers
  • Fleece pants
  • Underwear
  • Extra socks + warm socks
  • Sun hat and buff
  • Woolen beanie
Additionally
  • Passport (border guard document check)
  • Some cash
❗ Leave some space in your backpack for group equipment and food
What is included in the price of the Big Almaty Peak tour?
Included
Guide service
Basic first aid kit
Photo report
Consultation
4 meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast, lunch)
Ecological fees
Not included
Hotel pickup/drop-off ~ $30 (two way)
Necessary baggage trasportation ~ $60 (one way)
Hut (for 3-4 people) ~ $80 (one room) or tents (included)
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Sleeping bag, mat, backpack and other personal items necessary for a multi-day mountain hike can be rented by request

Price for individual two-day tour

does not include transportaion or other extra-expenses.
1 person
140 000 tenge
$270
2 persons
180 000 tenge
$350
$170/pp
3 persons
207 000 tenge
$415
$139/pp
4 people
248 000 tenge
$496
$124/pp
5 people
292 000 tenge
$584
$116/pp
6 people
333 000 tenge
$667
$112/pp

Request a call

How high is Big Almaty Peak?

The height of the peak is 3,680 meters above sea level.
Big Almaty Lake is at 2,511 meters.
The peak has a pyramid shape and is very clearly visible from the city.
BAP (Big Almaty Peak) is closer than the other peaks and therefore seems very high and inaccessible, but this is a deceptive impression)

How difficult is it to climb Big Almaty Peak?

The climb to the peak takes about 3 hours. Initially, the path follows a dirt road, then continues along a steep trail upwards. Just before the peak, there are many large rocks and boulders, so you need to be cautious to avoid falling. Trekking poles can help you maintain your balance.

What dangers may arise when climbing Big Almaty Peak?

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.
To prevent mountain sickness, you can do the following: go to the mountains a week before the hike, for example, climb to Shymbulak peak, get enough sleep one day before, and have a good breakfast in the morning, take at least 1 liter of water with you, as well as a chocolate bar.
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!

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