Hike to Bukreyev Peak

Climb to the top of Bukreyev peak and take in the stunning landscapes of Left Talgar and Kimasar Gorge.

BOOK

More details about the Bukreyev peak

hiking tour in Almaty mountains, Kazakhstan

COMPLEXITY

Very difficult
for experienced hikers

DISTANCE

Hike: 12.2 km one way
Elevation gain: 1820 m

LANGUAGE

English, Czech, Spanish

BACKPACK

Light,
take only basic things and snacks

DURATION

about 10-12 hours

SEASON

May-February

Timeline of the tour to the Bukreyev Peak

08:00 – 08:15

Meeting point

We will meet in the city center or near your hotel to get to the starting point together with a guide.

08:15 – 08:35

Kimasar Gorge or Butakovskiy Gorge

There are several ways to go the the Bukreyev Peak, here is described the trail through Kimassar gorge, the swing and the glade of enthusiasts. But there is a bit shorter way via Butakovskiy gorge.
From Medeo, we immediately turn into Kimasar Gorge, and the road gradually leads us upward. As we climb the ridge , the slopes become steeper, as do the surrounding landscapes.

08:35 – 10:00

Swing

We maintain a good pace. We will take a short break to rest and snack at the famous mountain swings. We won't have much time for a photo session, but a few shots can be taken. A long journey still lies ahead.

10:30 – 12:00

Glade of Enthusiasts

We will reach a glade below Furmanov Peak and take another break. Ahead is a long traverse first to Butakov Pass and then to Bukreev Peak.

12:30 – 13:15

We are at Bukreyev Peak!

Finally, we have reached the summit! We will admire the beauty of the mountains and take incredible photos! We will bring out our snacks and enjoy delicious tea while marveling at the mountain scenery.

14:30 – 19:00

Back to the city

After lunch, we return to the city. From Bukreev Peak, you can descend into Butakov Gorge, which makes the route longer but more interesting. Alternatively, you can descend the way you came up. By the end of the day, you'll feel the fatigue from the long hike, but you'll be very satisfied with yourself and the journey!

List of essentials for hiking to the Bukreyev peak

Essentials

Passport (border guard document check)
Some cash
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Personal first aid kit
Trekking poles
Seat mats (optional)

Food

Water 0.5l-1l
Thermos with tea
Lunch (sandwiches, pancakes, pies, etc.)

Clothes (summer)

Trekking shirt
Fleece jacket\Hoodie
Raincoat\Hardshell jacket
Trekking trousers
Sun hat and buff
Trekking shoes\boots

Clothes
(winter)

Long sleeve (thermal)
Fleece jacket\hoodie
Snow pants
Demi-season/winter boots
Jacket
Woolen beanie and gloves
Warm socks
Headlamp
Gaiters
Crampons

What is included in the price of the Bukreyev peak tour?

Included

Hotel pickup/drop-off
Guide service
Basic first aid kit
Photo report
Consultation
Transportation (Almaty-Medeo-Almaty)
Snacks
Ecological fees

Not included

Porter service
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Lunch (sandwiches, pancakes, pies, etc.)
Trekking poles (available for rent)

Price for a day hiking tour to Bukreyev peak

1 person

$180

2 persons

$200

$100/pp

3 persons

$250

$84/pp

4 persons

$280

$70/pp

5 persons

$300

$60/pp

over 5 people

calculated individually

Contact us

Request a call

Who was Anatoliy Bukreyev?

A. Bukreyev was an outstanding Kazakhstani mountaineer, having summited 8,000-meter peaks 18 times. Of the 14 peaks over 8,000 meters, he climbed 11 and would have conquered the rest had his life not been taken by an avalanche on Annapurna in 1997. Many of his ascents were done without the use of supplemental oxygen.
"Mountains are not stadiums where I satisfy my ambition; they are the temples where I practice my religion," said Anatoliy Bukreyev.
In 1996, during a tragic Everest expedition, Bukreev, being one of the guides, rescued three Americans in severe weather conditions, for which he was awarded honors in the USA. You can read about the events of this tragedy in Bukreyev's book "The Climb," as well as in John Krakauer's "Into Thin Air," one of the expedition participants. Each winter, Almaty mountaineers and skyrunners hold the Bukreyev Run to Amangeldy Peak. Anatoliy Bukreyev was one of the strongest high-altitude climbers of his time.

Altitude of Bukreev Peak?

Bukreev Peak stands at 3,010 meters, while the neighboring Furmanov Peak is 3,053 meters above sea level.

How difficult is the trail to Bukreev Peak?

TIME: The trek from Medeo to Bukreev Peak takes about 4-5 hours, depending on the participants' physical condition.
TERRAIN: Initially, the route follows a paved road from the Medeo sports complex (approximately 20 minutes), then a dirt road (about 30 minutes), followed by a well-trodden path up the ridge with fairly steep climbs.
PARTICIPANTS: The trail is accessible to people with average physical fitness but may take quite a long time, especially if the return to the city is via Butakovskiy gorge.

How to prepare for a hike to Bukreev Peak?

First of all, refer to the information block with a list of essentials for this hike.
If you have any questions, write to us on WhatsApp. If you have any diseases that require regular medication, you shall take the medications with you, and also warn the guide in advance about any medical contraindications (especially heart disease, pressure drops).
It is forbidden to take alcohol and drugs on the hike.
Before hiking in the mountains, have a enough sleep, have a good breakfast in the morning and take at least 1 liter of water.
The sun is more intense in the mountains, so take a Panama hat, sunscreen and glasses.
Always take a raincoat or waterproof wind jacket - the weather in the mountains is unpredictable!
Remember that you are solely responsible for your health - be careful!
At altitudes above 2500 meters above sea level, mountain sickness may begin with the following symptoms: headache, weakness, and nausea. If these symptoms appear, you should immediately inform the guide, take a break, take out your water bottle, and drink as much water as possible in small sips.