Trekking in the Tien Shan is more than just an adventure. It is a meaningful outdoor experience, guided by professionals and designed to be both accessible and well-organised.

In this section, you will find a selection of day hikes and multi-day trekking and backpacking tours in the Zailiysky Alatau (North Tien Shan) mountain region.

One of the key features of the Northern Tien Shan is its remarkable diversity: within short distances you can encounter steppes and glaciers, fruit groves and dense coniferous forests of the foothills, as well as snow-covered peaks. This remains a largely unexplored region, where it is still possible to experience untouched nature and wildlife.

At the same time, the wilderness of the area directly affects trekking conditions. Routes and logistics here differ significantly from the Himalayas or the Alps. Trekking infrastructure in the Northern Tien Shan is limited: in most areas within a day’s walk from Almaty there are no marked trails, mountain huts or guest houses, shops or cafés, trail signs or mobile phone coverage. Careful planning, local knowledge and a strong focus on safety are therefore essential.

All our trekking tours are private and organised on request on a full-board basis. Services include transfers, national park arrangements, professional mountain guiding, meals and camping equipment. For longer itineraries, porters for group equipment are alsoarranged.

 

    Difficulty scale

♦ easy hiking / sightseeing tour with short walking distances at lower height. Does not require any specific skills or good physical shape ♦♦ easy tour, which can although include walking for up to 3–5 hours on good trails up to 3000 meters above sea level; short activities or camping in nature ♦♦♦ moderate level tour with long walks (4–6 hours), sometimes without trails, up to 3500 meters. May include long drives and camping in nature. No specific skills, but normal or good physical state is required ♦♦♦♦ advanced level tour. May include long hikes (5-7 hours a day) in different weather conditions, on different terrain - sometimes without trails and at an altitude above 3500 meters above sea level. The route may contain some technical difficulties like climbing, altitude hiking, river crossing, multi-night camping etc. Good physical state and possibly some specific trekking/climbing skills are required ♦♦♦♦♦ hard level tour, which includes long hikes (5-7 hours a day) in different weather conditions, on different terrain without trails and at an altitude above 3500 meters above sea level. The route contains technical difficulties like climbing, altitude hiking, river crossing, multi-night camping etc. Good physical state and some specific trekking/climbing skills are required

 

     Related destinations

Explore our trekking tours: choose from 1–5 day routes. All tours are private, guided and fully organised — we prioritise safety, local expertise, and unforgettable mountain experiences.