Big Almaty Circuit in 3 days
3-day backpacking tour to 4 Mountain Wonders: Tian Shan Forest, Alpine Meadows, Tourist Glacier, and Big Almaty Lake. The route starts at Big Almaty Lake and finishes at Shymbulak.
This version of the Big Almaty Circuit is more demanding and requires a high level of endurance, as well as extensive experience in backpacking and multi-day hikes.
This version of the Big Almaty Circuit is more demanding and requires a high level of endurance, as well as extensive experience in backpacking and multi-day hikes.
More details about the Big Almaty Circuit (3 days)
Complexity
VERY DIFFICULT
This version of the Big Almaty Circuit is more demanding and requires a high level of endurance, as well as extensive experience in backpacking and multi-day hikes.
This version of the Big Almaty Circuit is more demanding and requires a high level of endurance, as well as extensive experience in backpacking and multi-day hikes.
Distance
Transportation: 25 km + 15 km
Hike: 36.5 km
Hike: 36.5 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 20th
LANGUAGE
English
Timeline of the Big Almaty Circuit (3 days)
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 1
Day 1
Almaty - Big Almaty Lake - Kyzylsai riv. - moraine under Tourist pass
Transportation: 25 km ~1h
Hike: 14,1 km ↑1343 m ↓63 m
Hike: 14,1 km ↑1343 m ↓63 m
Meeting in the city center near your hotel. Before we start, we will distribute the food and group equipment, including tents, stoves, and gas canisters, among all participants.
A vehicle will take us to the gorge, where we will transfer to a specially permitted vehicle that will take us up to Big Almaty Lake.
Day 1 begins with a challenging ascent and a significant elevation gain. We will set off from Big Almaty Lake, hike along its shore, and see the confluence of the Ozernaya and Kyzylsay rivers.
From there, we will turn into the Kyzylsay Gorge and steadily gain altitude as we approach Tourist Pass. We will set up our tents at a remote campsite on the moraine near the Mutny Glacier.
The first day will not be easy, but the spectacular mountain views will make the effort worthwhile.
Overnight location: a moraine campsite below Tourist Pass at 3800 meters
A vehicle will take us to the gorge, where we will transfer to a specially permitted vehicle that will take us up to Big Almaty Lake.
Day 1 begins with a challenging ascent and a significant elevation gain. We will set off from Big Almaty Lake, hike along its shore, and see the confluence of the Ozernaya and Kyzylsay rivers.
From there, we will turn into the Kyzylsay Gorge and steadily gain altitude as we approach Tourist Pass. We will set up our tents at a remote campsite on the moraine near the Mutny Glacier.
The first day will not be easy, but the spectacular mountain views will make the effort worthwhile.
Overnight location: a moraine campsite below Tourist Pass at 3800 meters
Day 2
Day 2
Tourist pass - "Rhinoceros" Rock - Sunny Glade
Hike: 12,9 km ↑192 m ↓1328 m
This morning, we should feel well rested and make a relatively easy ascent to Tourist Pass at 4,000 metres.
From the pass, we will enjoy spectacular views of the vast Tourist Glacier, as well as the snow-covered peaks of SGU and Soviet Alpinists rising to our right.
We will cross a short, crevasse-free section of the glacier and continue across seemingly endless moraines, gradually losing altitude. Eventually, we will enter the green and exceptionally beautiful Left Talgar Gorge.
Here, the Tourist River meets the Constitution River, and together they form the Left Talgar River. A wide panorama of alpine meadows will open up in front of us.
We will continue a little farther, enjoying the scenery as we descend toward the forest zone. Just beyond the first section of forest lies Sunny Glade, where we will spend the night.
The campsite has a clean spring, access to the river, and an established camping area.
Overnight location: Sunny Glade
From the pass, we will enjoy spectacular views of the vast Tourist Glacier, as well as the snow-covered peaks of SGU and Soviet Alpinists rising to our right.
We will cross a short, crevasse-free section of the glacier and continue across seemingly endless moraines, gradually losing altitude. Eventually, we will enter the green and exceptionally beautiful Left Talgar Gorge.
Here, the Tourist River meets the Constitution River, and together they form the Left Talgar River. A wide panorama of alpine meadows will open up in front of us.
We will continue a little farther, enjoying the scenery as we descend toward the forest zone. Just beyond the first section of forest lies Sunny Glade, where we will spend the night.
The campsite has a clean spring, access to the river, and an established camping area.
Overnight location: Sunny Glade
Day 3
Day 3
Red Glade - Talgar pass - Shymbulak - Medeo - Almaty
Hike: 9,2 km ↑907 m ↓430 m
Cable Car: ~30 min
Transportation: 15 km
Cable Car: ~30 min
Transportation: 15 km
Today, we will need to keep a steady pace, as we must reach Talgar Pass by 4:00 p.m. before the cable car closes.
After breakfast, we will continue along the gorge, crossing several mudflow deposits—large piles of rocks and debris left behind by past mudflows. At times, the route will take us along peaceful forest trails surrounded by Schrenk’s spruce, a tree native to the Tian Shan region.
After approximately five kilometres, we will begin a steep and rather demanding ascent to Small Talgar Pass. The climb may be challenging, but as we gain altitude, wide panoramic views will open up behind us over the entire route we have covered through this beautiful gorge.
From Small Talgar Pass, we will continue to Big Talgar Pass, where we will take the cable car down to the Shymbulak mountain resort and then to Medeo by car or cable car.
A vehicle will meet us at Medeu and take you back to your hotel. By late evening, you will be back in the city, resting and looking back on three remarkable days in the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau.
After breakfast, we will continue along the gorge, crossing several mudflow deposits—large piles of rocks and debris left behind by past mudflows. At times, the route will take us along peaceful forest trails surrounded by Schrenk’s spruce, a tree native to the Tian Shan region.
After approximately five kilometres, we will begin a steep and rather demanding ascent to Small Talgar Pass. The climb may be challenging, but as we gain altitude, wide panoramic views will open up behind us over the entire route we have covered through this beautiful gorge.
From Small Talgar Pass, we will continue to Big Talgar Pass, where we will take the cable car down to the Shymbulak mountain resort and then to Medeo by car or cable car.
A vehicle will meet us at Medeu and take you back to your hotel. By late evening, you will be back in the city, resting and looking back on three remarkable days in the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau.
List of essentials for the Big Almaty Circuit
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
- Sitting pad (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.
3 Days = 4 Mountain Wonders
Over these three days, you will truly fall in love with the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau. You will experience the tranquillity of its forests, the cold and rugged beauty of its glaciers, and the vast open landscapes of its alpine meadows.
At the same time, the condensed and demanding format of this trek will test both your physical endurance and your mental resilience.
At the same time, the condensed and demanding format of this trek will test both your physical endurance and your mental resilience.
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
360 000 tg
$765
$765
2 persons
415 000 tg
$880
$880
$440/pp
3 persons
510 000 tg
$1050
$1050
$350/pp
4 persons
540 000 tg
$1140
$1140
$285pp
5 persons
590 000 tg
$1250
$1250
$250/pp
over 6 people
calculated individually
✔️ Included
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Guide service
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-Big Almaty Gorge
Transportation by special vehicle to Big ALmaty Lake (starting point)
Guide service
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-Big Almaty Gorge
Transportation by special vehicle to Big ALmaty Lake (starting point)
Transportation from Medeo (finish point) to the city
Cable car at Shymbulak Mountain Resort
❌ 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
Big Almaty Circuit
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 three-day version of the trek is considerably more demanding than the standard four-day itinerary. It is suitable only for highly experienced, physically fit hikers with solid backpacking experience and good endurance.
This is not a route for beginners. You will be hiking with a backpack weighing approximately 10–12 kilograms, covering long distances, gaining and losing significant elevation, and moving through high-altitude terrain, moraines, and glacier sections. The compressed itinerary means that each day will require sustained effort and a steady pace.
To manage the physical load, we normally follow a 50/10 schedule: 50 minutes of hiking followed by a 10-minute rest.
The main challenges include the steep ascent towards Tourist Pass, crossing extensive moraine terrain, the long descent into the Left Talgar Gorge, and the demanding final climb to Talgar Pass, which must be completed in time for the cable car.
Follow your guide’s instructions carefully. Trekking poles are essential, as they help reduce strain on your knees, back, and leg muscles during long ascents and descents.
This is not a route for beginners. You will be hiking with a backpack weighing approximately 10–12 kilograms, covering long distances, gaining and losing significant elevation, and moving through high-altitude terrain, moraines, and glacier sections. The compressed itinerary means that each day will require sustained effort and a steady pace.
To manage the physical load, we normally follow a 50/10 schedule: 50 minutes of hiking followed by a 10-minute rest.
The main challenges include the steep ascent towards Tourist Pass, crossing extensive moraine terrain, the long descent into the Left Talgar Gorge, and the demanding final climb to Talgar Pass, which must be completed in time for the cable car.
Follow your guide’s instructions carefully. Trekking poles are essential, as they help reduce strain on your knees, back, and leg muscles during long ascents and descents.
Bad weather is unlikely to ruin the hike completely, as one of the highlights of mountain travel is seeing nature in its many different moods.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Preparation matters. The packing list includes a rain jacket, proper hiking boots, and a rain cover for your backpack. These items will help you deal with changing weather conditions more comfortably.
- Extreme weather. In case of heavy and prolonged rain, the trip leader may decide to postpone the hike or pause it if the group is already on the route. If the weather prevents the group from completing the full itinerary, the route may be shortened at the trip leader’s discretion.
- Natural hazards. If there are signs of potential natural hazards, the organizers and the hiking guide may postpone or cancel the hike entirely, with a refund issued to participants.
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.