Big Almaty Peak + Tourist Peak

Two summits in one trip with an overnight stay at the space observation station

More details about the tour to Big Almaty Peak+Tourist Peak

trekking tour in Almaty mountains, Kazakhstan
COMPLEXITY
High
for experienced hikers only
DISTANCE
Transportation: 35 km one way
Day 1: 17 km, ↑1862 m
Day 2: 14 km, ↑669 m 2276 m
LANGUAGE
English
BACKPACK
Light,
heavy backpacks will be left in tents/huts
DURATION
2 days
OVERNIGHT
1 night in huts/tents

Timeline of the tour to Big Almaty Peak and Tourist Peak

Day 1
7:00
Day 1
7:00
Meeting point
We will meet in the Big Almaty Gorge (Edelweis checkpoint ) or near your hotel. we are going to meet at the Edelweiss checkpoint, and we will hand over our heavy backpacks to a special vehicle 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.
Leaving our large backpacks behind and taking only the essentials for the hike, we will start hiking !
8:00-11:00
8:00-11:00
Big Almaty Lake
In about 3-3.5 hours we will reach the Big Almaty Lake, where we will take amazing photos and rest for lunch. Then the road will lead us to the Jusaly Kezen pass, where we will set up camp in the evening. Alternatively, at your discretion, we will stay in the hut at the station. The conditions in the hut are modest, but it provides the opportunity to hike peaks even in winter.
11:30-15:00
11:30-15:00
Climbing Big Almaty Peak, 3680 m
The trail to the summit of Big Almaty Peak will be challenging in some places. Although it is considered one of the most accessible peaks, the distance is not long, but loose rocks and some dangerous sections will require heightened attention to safety. However, standing on the summit with the entire city below you is an unforgettable feeling! On a clear summer day without smog, you can see the blue strip of the Kapchagay reservoir.
17:00
17:00
Jusany Kezen pass
The descent will be as difficult as the ascent, but by 5:00 PM we will be back in the hut, sharing our impressions of the climb and preparing a delicious dinner while watching the sunset in one of the most beautiful places in Almaty.
Day 2
05:00
Day 2
05:00
Breakfast
We will prepare a quick breakfast and go for adventures again! A challenging path awaits us. The route is less technical—no rocks, boulders, or cliffs—but the distance increases, and the height of the peak may cause altitude sickness.
06:00
06:00
Climbing to the summit of Tourist, 3954 m
We will begin our journey up a trail among scree, through various types of medium scree or snow. Reaching a certain step, we will be on a pre-summit. Tourist Peak is not revealing itself until almost the very end, but it is worth it! It feels like you can see everything from this peak... the surroundings are endless and boundless.
14:00
14:00
Descent from the peak
After a snack at the summit, 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.
18:00 - 20:00
18:00 - 20:00
Back to the city
The way back can go through two different routes – either back along the road through the Big Almaty Lake, or through the neighboring Prokhodnoe Gorge, where the trail passes by clear springs and beautiful forests.
Depending on your budget, we can either carry our backpacks and gear down ourselves, or hire a vehicle to have our things brought down while we walk light.
The descent after the ascent will be tough, but it is important to maintain concentration as we go down.

List of essentials for trekking to Big Almaty Peak and Tourist 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 a trip to Big Almaty Peak and Tourist Peak?
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

Refund policy for trekking tours

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.

Meals during trekking tour in Almaty mountains

Food prepared during a hike is different from food in the city. We usually bring grains to cook on gas stoves. Typically, in the morning we prepare porridge: oatmeal, grain porridge, rice porridge, and we add cookies and tea.
Lunch depends on where we are eating and how much free time we have. In trekking tours, lunch often takes place on the go, so we usually make sandwiches with bread, cheese, and sausage, along with tea and a piece of candy.
For dinner, we usually have enough time to cook, so we typically prepare a side dish of buckwheat or pasta along with sliced beef. Tea and sweets are always included. We only bring vegetables on two-day hikes because they are perishable.
If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform your guide, and we will make sure to consider them when planning the menu.

Altitude of the Big Almaty Peak and Tourist Peak

The altitude of Tourist Peak is 3954 meters above sea level, just shy of a four-thousander. The peak is located right behind the pyramidal summit of Big Almaty Peak, and despite Tourist Peak being higher than BAP, from the city, BAP appears taller because it is simply closer. The height of Big Almaty Peak is 3680 meters above sea level. Big Almaty Lake is at an altitude of 2511 meters.

How difficult climbing Big Almaty Peak and Tourist Peak?

This is a difficult hike, suitable for people with mountain hiking experience. The main danger on the route is loose rocks, which require good mountain shoes and some skill in moving on scree.
Additionally, due to the sharp change in altitude, altitude sickness may occur. If you feel unwell, rest more, drink more water, and eat some chocolate. In case of severe discomfort, you will have to abandon the ascent and descend to the camp. In such a situation, the decision is made on the spot after discussing it with the guides.

Overnight in huts of station

We may rent accommodation at the space observation station. The conditions are not hotel-like; typically, it is a small trailer or hut with wooden sleeping places and mattresses for several people, including: outdoor facilities, small but well-heated spaces, and it is warm even in the cold winter. We will need to walk a bit to a spring for water. For hikers experienced in tent camping, staying in the huts at the station will not be a shock or surprise.

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