A wonderful 3-day trekking adventure in the Northern Tien Shan! This route takes you from the famous Big Almaty Lake across the Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,650 m) into the scenic Prokhodnoye Gorge. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular mountain panoramas, alpine meadows, rocky high-altitude landscapes and beautiful river valleys. Two nights of camping in the mountains make this a real trekking experience, while the route's proximity to Almaty allows you to explore the wilderness without travelling far from the city.
For travel trade partners: this tour can also be integrated into longer, tailor-made Kazakhstan itineraries. Explore our B2B services →
Route overview
Almaty – Big Almaty Gorge – Big Almaty Lake – Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,650 m) – Prokhodnoye Gorge – Terra Glade – Almaty
Difficulty: ♦ ♦ ♦ ◊ ◊
Type: trekking / backpacking
Group size: min 1 - max 8
Get inspired
Discover some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Northern Tien Shan in just three days: the turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake, alpine meadows, rocky mountain slopes, high passes and beautiful river valleys. Cross the Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,650 m) and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Prokhodnoye Gorge.
Experience a real mountain adventure with two nights of wilderness camping. Spend your evenings surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, far from the noise and bustle of the city.
Explore the mountains close to Almaty without long transfers. The route starts in Big Almaty Gorge and finishes in Prokhodnoye Gorge, allowing you to discover two different mountain valleys in one trekking trip.
Trek with experienced professional mountain guides from a local team that has been organising mountain adventures since 2005. We provide camping equipment, organise logistics and meals, and follow established safety procedures throughout the tour.
Enjoy a private, personalised trekking experience. This tour is organised exclusively for you and your group. Our guides adapt the pace and daily programme to your fitness, mountain conditions and safety requirements.
What to expect
Trekking in Kazakhstan is very different from trekking in the Himalayas or the Alps. The trekking infrastructure in the Northern Tien Shan mountains - where we are - is still very poorly developed. In most places located within a day's walk from Almaty, there are no trails, no huts or guest houses, no shops or cafes, no signs and no cellular coverage. This is truly undeveloped terrain, with only wild nature around.
When going on a hike in the Zailiysky Alatau (these are the mountains around Almaty, one of the two ridges of the Northern Tien Shan), you should be aware that much of the route takes you away from developed tourist areas, along unprepared paths and sometimes off the trails. The trek starts near Big Almaty Lake, crosses Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,650 m) and continues through Prokhodnoye Gorge.
Since there are no huts or guest houses along the way, both overnight stays will be in tents, which will be carried with the group.
This is a real multi-day trek with backpacks. You will be walking up and down through different mountain terrain each day, carrying your personal belongings. We do not provide porters for personal items such as clothes, boots, sleeping bags or mats. If you need a porter for your personal belongings, please ask us in advance. This service may be arranged for an additional charge, subject to availability. Otherwise, please make sure you can pack all your hiking gear into your backpack and carry it throughout the trek.
The standard service package includes porters for the camping equipment only: tents, food, gas and portable kitchen gear.
How meals are organised: guides cook and serve breakfasts and dinners at the camps. Lunch is always provided along the way in the form of a picnic.
Day 1 · Almaty – Big Almaty Gorge – Big Almaty Lake – Mountain Camp
In the morning, we pick you up in Almaty and drive to Big Almaty Gorge, where our trek begins near the eco-checkpoint at an altitude of approximately 1,900 metres.
From here, we start our ascent towards Big Almaty Lake, one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the Almaty region. Surrounded by forested mountain slopes and towering peaks, the lake is famous for its remarkable turquoise waters.
We continue into the mountains above the lake, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and ridges. Our destination for the day is a campsite at approximately 2,750 metres, overlooking Big Almaty Lake.
Here we set up our tents and spend the evening surrounded by mountain scenery.
Overnight in tents.
Meals · lunch, dinner
Accommodation · tent camping
Walking · 5-6 hours, ↔ 16 km, ↑ 850m (1900 to 2750)
Driving · 1 hour
Day 2 · Mountain Camp – Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,650 m) – Mountain Camp
After breakfast, we leave our campsite and head towards Almaty-Alagir Pass. As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly alpine, with rocky slopes and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
We ascend to the pass at 3,650 metres. From here, impressive panoramas open up across Big Almaty Gorge, the mountain ridge along the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border and Prokhodnoye Gorge on the other side.
After enjoying the views, we begin our descent into the neighbouring valley. The route takes us down to approximately 3,100 metres, where we cross a mountain river and establish our second campsite.
We spend another night in the mountains, surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the Northern Tien Shan.
Overnight in tents.
Meals · breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation · tent camping
Walking · 7-8 hours, ↔ 14 km, ↑ 900m (2750m to 3650m); ↓ 550 (3650m to 3100m)
Day 3 · Mountain Camp – Terra Glade – Prokhodnoye Gorge – Almaty
After breakfast, we pack our camping equipment and begin our descent through the beautiful mountain valley of Prokhodnoye Gorge.
The route follows the valley downhill, offering changing views of the surrounding slopes, mountain streams and alpine scenery. Gradually, the rugged high-altitude landscape gives way to greener terrain.
We continue towards Terra Glade, a well-known landmark in Prokhodnoye Gorge, and then follow the gorge down to the end of our trekking route.
From here, we return to Almaty, completing our three-day mountain adventure.
Meals · breakfast, lunch
Walking · 5-6 hours, ↔ 15 km, ↓ 1200 (3100m to 1900m)
Driving · 1 hour
Service and prices
Transfers
transfers Almaty - Big Almaty Gorge, Almarasan - Almaty city
Accommodation
tent camping for 2 nights: we provide double/triple living tents, portable kitchen gear, gas and trekking utensils
Meals
3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts. Guides are cooking.
Guiding / safety
Professional mountain guides
A comprehensive group first-aid kit is carried on every tour and is always easily accessible — with the guide at all times, whether in the vehicle or in the field
All trekking groups are monitored using GPS Spot (tracking devices). This allows us to follow the group’s movement and location even in remote areas without mobile coverage
Clear communication is a core part of our safety system. For larger groups, radio communication is used between guides, vehicles or sub-groups to ensure smooth coordination at all times. For remote areas group can be provided with a satellite phone for emergency connection.
We use only our own certified technical equipment (when/if it is applicable for this tour). All gear is regularly inspected, maintained and replaced when necessary to meet safety standards and operational requirements.
Supporting services
Porters for the group's gear (tents, food, gas, portable kitchen equipment/stoves)
Ile-Alatau National Park's fees and entry permissions
Prices:
$420 per person per tour - if there are 4-8 people in group
$540 per person per tour - if there are 3 people in group
$790 per person per tour - if there are 2 people in group
$1270 - 1 person (individual service)
Price does
not include
rent of personal trekking clothes, boots and gear (sleeping bag/mat, backpack, poles etc.)
porters for personal belongings including clothes, shoes, sleeping bag and mat
trekking menu does not include soft/alcohol drinks, beverages
international flights to/out Almaty
any visa/migration issues, fees and support, if applicable
accommodation (hotel), meals and any entertainment in Almaty before/after a tour
airport/train/bus station meetings/transfers
personal traveller’s and trekker’s insurance
personal expenses like souvenirs, calls etc.
Important notes
We are responsible for your safety on this particular route, provided that you strictly follow all instructions given by the guide. The guide cannot be held responsible for your safety if you leave the route without permission, fail to follow the agreed schedule or disregard the established safety requirements.
The tour price is based on shared tent accommodation. A single tent can be provided for an additional fee upon advance request.
This route passes through a border zone near the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border. No special border permits are required, but every participant must carry their original passport. You may encounter border guards along the way, particularly in the Big Almaty Lake area, who may ask to check your documents.
The route crosses Almaty-Alagir Pass at 3,650 m. Mountain weather can change quickly, even in summer, and conditions at the pass may differ considerably from those in Almaty. The guide may adjust the programme if weather or route conditions require it.
On the second day, the route includes crossing a mountain river. The guide will choose a suitable crossing point according to the current water level and conditions.
Please let us know in advance if you have any specific dietary requirements, such as a vegetarian menu or food allergies.
We do not provide bottled drinking water for the tour. Please bring a filled water bottle or flask with you on the first morning. You will be able to refill it from suitable mountain water sources along the route.
Summer temperatures in the Almaty region depend on altitude, location and current weather conditions. The figures below are indicative only: – Foothills, 1,000–1,600 m ASL: +20 to +35°C during the day, +10 to +25°C at night. – Mountains, 1,700–2,700 m ASL: +15 to +25°C during the day, +5 to +15°C at night. Temperatures may be lower during rain. – Mountains, 2,700–3,600 m ASL: +10 to +20°C during the day, 0 to +10°C at night. Temperatures may be lower during rain or snow. – Above 3,600 m, temperatures may be considerably lower, especially in strong winds or before sunrise.
Recommended equipment for this trek: high-cut trekking boots, trekking socks, long trekking trousers, long- and short-sleeved T-shirts, thermal underwear (top and bottom), a warm mid-layer (such as thick fleece), waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers, down jacket, peaked cap, buff, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm hat, gloves, headlamp, water bottle or flask, 45–60 litre backpack, personal hygiene kit, personal first-aid kit, trekking poles, sleeping bag (comfort rating of −10°C) and sleeping mat.
The standard tour package includes porters for group equipment only. Porters do not carry personal belongings such as clothing, footwear, sleeping bags or sleeping mats. You may request a porter for your personal belongings at an additional cost, subject to availability. Please let us know in advance if you require this service. Otherwise, make sure all your trekking gear fits into your backpack and that you can carry it throughout the route.
There may be no cellular reception along the route, and there are no facilities for charging electronic devices.
In early June, ticks may be present in forested areas and bushes. If you travel in June, we recommend bringing tick repellent or treating your hiking clothing and boots in advance.
Meals · lunch, dinner
Accommodation · tent camping
Walking · 5-6 hours, ↔ 16 km, ↑ 850m (1900 to 2750)
Driving · 1 hour
Guiding / safety
Prices:
