Hike to the top of Kumbel (3200m) via Kok-Zhailyau and Three Brothers rocks.
BOOK
More details about the Kumbel Peak
hiking tour in Almaty mountains, Kazakhstan
COMPLEXITY
High for experienced hikers only
DISTANCE
Hike: 19 km total Elevation gain: 1710 m
LANGUAGE
English, Czech, Spanish
BACKPACK
Light, take only basic things and snacks
DURATION
about 10-12 hours
SEASON
May-January
Timeline of the tour to the Kumbel
07:50 – 08:00
07:50 – 08:00
Meeting point
We will meet in the city center or near your hotel to get to the starting point together with a guide
10:00 – 10:30
10:00 – 10:30
Kok-Zhailau
The first stop on the way to Kumbel is the picturesque Kok-Zhailau plateau, where we'll take a break and take some photos. Ahead lies a steep climb to the Three Brothers.
11:30 – 12:00
11:30 – 12:00
Three Brothers rocks
The trail to the Three Brothers viewpoint is quite steep, taking about 80-100 minutes to ascend.
13:00 – 13:30
13:00 – 13:30
Kumbel Peak
Finally, there’s nowhere higher to go! From the summit, we’ll enjoy views of the Gornylnik and Maloalmaty Gorge peaks and valleys. We'll take a lunch break and take photos at the summit.
14:00 – 14:30
14:00 – 14:30
Descent
There are two main descent options from Kumbel:
Gornylnik Gorge: This route is longer but more interesting, passing through new areas, with an option to visit the Gornylnik waterfalls.
Kok-Zhailau: The descent follows the same path as the ascent. This familiar, well-marked trail is preferable if the group starts the descent later than planned. We often use this route during the winter.
18:00 – 19:00
18:00 – 19:00
Back to the city
After such a difficult hike to Kumbel, you'll want a good rest, but the memories of the hike and the mountain landscapes will keep calling you back...
List of essentials for hiking to the Kumbel 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 Kumbel tour?
Included
Hotel pickup/drop-off Guide service Basic first aid kit Photo report Consultation Transportation (Almaty-Akbulak-Almaty) Snacks
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 Kumbel
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
How high is Kumbel peak?
Kumbel Peak stands at an altitude of around 3200 meters, despite the summit sign stating Kumbel Peak at 3600 meters above sea level. This discrepancy is due to the 3600-meter height referring to the Kumbel Tau summit, located much further along the ridge.
How difficult is the route to Kumbel peak?
TIME: The hike from Prosveshchenets to Kumbel takes about 5-5.5 hours, depending on the participants' physical fitness. TERRAIN: The trail to Kumbel, whether from Kok-Zhailau or Gornylnik, mostly follows a well-trodden trail. The most challenging parts are the steep ascents in the latter half of the hike—either from Kok-Zhailau to the Three Brothers or, if coming from Gornylnik, to the Trapezia Pass. PARTICIPANTS: This route is suitable for those with good physical fitness and hiking experience, as it can take a considerable amount of time. We always set a control time for the ascent to Kumbel to ensure all participants can return to the city before dark. However, in winter, all participants must carry a headlamp, as it gets dark earlier in the mountains.
How to prepare for a hike to Kumbel?
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!