A spectacular 5-day trekking adventure through the Northern Tien Shan. This classic Almaty Circuit takes you from the Talgar Pass (3,200 m) through the wild Left Talgar Valley, across the Touristov Pass (3,980 m) and into Big Almaty Gorge. The route then crosses the Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,655 m) before descending through the scenic Prokhodnoye Gorge to Alma-Arasan. Along the way, you will discover an extraordinary variety of mountain landscapes: dense coniferous forests, alpine meadows, rushing rivers, rocky moraines, glaciers and snow-covered peaks. Four nights of wilderness camping make this a true high-altitude trekking experience, all within easy reach of Almaty.
For travel trade partners: this tour can also be integrated into longer, tailor-made Kazakhstan itineraries. Explore our B2B services →
Route overview
Almaty – Medeo – Shymbulak – Big Talgar Pass (3,200 m) – Left Talgar Valley – Touristov Pass (3,980 m) – Big Almaty Gorge – Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,655 m) – Prokhodnoye Gorge – Terra Glade – Alma-Arasan – Almaty
Difficulty: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ◊
Type: trekking / backpacking
Group size: min 1 - max 8
Get inspired
Discover the incredible diversity of the Northern Tien Shan in one trekking adventure. Travel through the wild Left Talgar Valley, dense coniferous forests, alpine meadows, rocky moraines and glacial landscapes. Cross two spectacular mountain passes — Touristov Pass (3,980 m) and Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,655 m) — with breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and remote mountain valleys.
Experience five days of real wilderness trekking. Spend four nights camping in remote mountain locations, surrounded by pristine nature, rushing rivers and magnificent mountain scenery, far from roads, crowds and developed tourist infrastructure.
Complete the classic Almaty Circuit without long transfers. Start your adventure at 3,200 m, reached by cable car from Medeo via Shymbulak, and finish in the beautiful Prokhodnoye Gorge near Almaty. Explore several distinct mountain valleys on one continuous trekking route.
Trek with experienced professional mountain guides. Our local team has been organising mountain adventures since 2005. We provide camping equipment, arrange logistics and meals, and follow established safety procedures throughout the trek, including the challenging high-altitude sections.
Enjoy a private, personalised trekking experience. This tour is organised exclusively for you and your group. Our guides manage the pace and daily programme according 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 is still very poorly developed. Away from the main tourist areas, there are no mountain huts, guest houses, shops or cafes, and mobile coverage is generally unavailable. This is truly wild mountain terrain, with very limited infrastructure.
This 5-day trek crosses several remote mountain valleys and two high passes: Touristov Pass (3,980 m) and Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,655 m). The terrain varies considerably, from forest trails and alpine meadows to rocky moraines, steep slopes and snow-covered sections. Crossing Touristov Pass involves walking on snow and ice, depending on current conditions.
This is a demanding multi-day trek requiring good physical fitness and previous mountain hiking experience. Expect approximately 5–8 hours of walking each day, with significant ascents and descents over varied mountain terrain. You will be carrying your personal belongings throughout the route.
There are no huts or guest houses along the route, so all four overnight stays will be in tents. Camping equipment is transported with the group, and camps are established at designated locations along the trek.
The standard service package includes porters for group camping equipment only: tents, food, gas and portable kitchen gear. Porters do not carry personal belongings such as clothing, boots, sleeping bags or sleeping mats. If you need a porter for your personal belongings, please request this in advance. This service may be arranged for an additional charge, subject to availability. Otherwise, you must be able to carry all your personal trekking gear in your backpack.
Our guides prepare and serve breakfasts and dinners at the campsites. Lunch is provided along the route in the form of a picnic.
Day 1 · Almaty – Big Talgar Pass – Left Talgar Valley – Sunny Glade
Our adventure begins with a transfer from Almaty to Medeo, where we take the cable car via Shymbulak to Big Talgar Pass (3,200 m).
From the pass, we start descending into the beautiful Left Talgar Valley along a mountain trail with rocky sections, losing approximately 1,000 m in elevation. After a short rest, we begin climbing up the valley through coniferous forests and rocky terrain.
Our first campsite is at Sunny Glade, a picturesque mountain meadow beside a crystal-clear stream.
Meals · lunch, dinner
Accommodation · tent camping
Walking · 5-6 hours, ↔ 7 km, ↓ 1000m (3200m to 2200m),↑ 460m (2200m to 2660m)
Driving · 1 hour
Day 2 · Left Talgar Valley – Touristov Gorge
After breakfast, we continue trekking up the Left Talgar Valley towards Touristov Gorge.
The trail initially follows a forested section before reaching a challenging rocky stretch of approximately 300 m, which we cross carefully. Beyond this section, the route continues along a good mountain trail, gradually gaining altitude as we approach the upper part of the valley.
We establish our second campsite at 3,350 m, surrounded by impressive high-altitude mountain scenery.
Meals · breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation · tent camping
Walking · 6 hours, ↔ 11 km, ↑ 690m (2660m to 3350m)
Day 3 · Touristov Pass (3,980 m) – Big Almaty Gorge
Today is the most challenging and adventurous day of the trek. We leave our campsite and climb towards Touristov Pass (3,980 m), the highest point of the entire route.
The ascent takes us across the rocky moraine of Touristov Glacier and onto the glacier itself. We continue up a snow-covered slope with icy sections to reach the pass, where spectacular views of the surrounding mountains await.
From the pass, we descend into Big Almaty Gorge. The terrain changes from steep rocky scree to glacial moraines, eventually giving way to a good gravel trail leading to our campsite.
Meals · breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation · tent camping
Walking · 7-8 hours, ↔ 8 km, ↑ 630m (3350m to 3980m) ↓ 980m (3980m to 3000m)
Day 4 · Big Almaty Gorge – Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,655 m) – Prokhodnoye Gorge
After the rocky landscapes of the previous day, today's route brings a welcome change of scenery. We trek through alpine meadows and grassy mountain slopes, with occasional rocky sections, towards Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,655 m).
After crossing the pass, we descend into the beautiful Prokhodnoye Gorge, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Along the way, we ford the Prokhodnaya River. The crossing is generally straightforward under suitable conditions, although the water may reach approximately 50–70 cm in depth.
We set up our final campsite in the upper part of the valley.
Meals · breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation · tent camping
Walking · 7 hours, ↔ 12 km, ↑ 650m (3000m to 3650m); ↓ 550 (3650m to 3100m)
Day 5 · Prokhodnoye Gorge – Terra Glade – Alma-Arasan – Almaty
On the final day, we begin our descent through the scenic Prokhodnoye Gorge.
A good mountain trail leads us across alpine meadows to Terra Glade, a beautiful clearing known for its natural spring. After a short rest, we continue downhill through coniferous forests and green mountain meadows.
Our trek finishes at Alma-Arasan, at approximately 1,900 m above sea level, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Almaty and drop us off at the hotel.
Meals · breakfast, lunch
Walking · 5-6 hours, ↔ 15 km, ↓ 1200 (3100m to 1900m)
Driving · 1 hour
Service and prices
Transfers
transfer Almaty city – Medeo, Alma-Arasan – Almaty city
cable car tickets Medeo – Talgarsky Pass for all group members
Accommodation
tent camping for 4 nights: we provide double/triple living tents, portable kitchen gear, gas and trekking utensils
Meals
5 lunches, 4 dinners, 4 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:
$690 per person per tour - if there are 4-8 people in group
$890 per person per tour - if there are 3 people in group
$1290 per person per tour - if there are 2 people in group
$1980 - 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
Safety and guide instructions. For your safety, you must strictly follow all instructions given by the mountain guide. Do not leave the agreed route, change the schedule independently or disregard safety requirements. The guide may adjust the itinerary or turn the group back if weather, terrain or other conditions make it unsafe to continue.
Physical fitness and mountain experience. This is a demanding 5-day high-altitude trek requiring good physical fitness, previous mountain hiking experience and the ability to walk for 5–8 hours a day over varied and sometimes difficult terrain while carrying a backpack.
High mountain passes and glacier terrain. The route crosses Touristov Pass (3,980 m) and Almaty-Alagir Pass (3,655 m). The ascent to Touristov Pass includes rocky moraines, snow-covered slopes and sections of glacier ice. Conditions may change considerably depending on weather and snow cover.
Tent accommodation. The tour price is based on shared tent accommodation for four nights. A single tent can be provided for an additional fee upon advance request.
Border zone. Parts of the route pass through a border zone near the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border. Every participant must carry their original passport, as border guards may request identification along the way. No special border permits are normally required for this route.
River crossing. On Day 4, the route includes fording a mountain river in Prokhodnoye Gorge. Water levels and current strength depend on weather and seasonal conditions. The guide will assess the situation and select a suitable crossing point.
Dietary requirements. Please let us know in advance if you have any specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarian meals or food allergies.
Drinking water. We do not provide bottled drinking water for the tour. Please bring a filled water bottle or flask on the first morning. You will be able to refill it from suitable mountain water sources along the route.
Mountain temperatures. Summer temperatures in the Almaty region depend on altitude, location and weather conditions. The figures below are indicative only: o Foothills, 1,000–1,600 m ASL: +20 to +35°C during the day, +10 to +25°C at night. o 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. o 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. o Above 3,600 m: temperatures may be considerably lower, especially in strong winds or before sunrise.
Recommended personal equipment. 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.
Porters and personal belongings. The standard tour package includes porters for group equipment only: tents, food, gas and portable kitchen gear. 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.
Mobile coverage and electricity. There may be no cellular reception along the route, and there are no facilities for charging electronic devices.
Ticks. 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, ↔ 7 km, ↓ 1000m (3200m to 2200m),↑ 460m (2200m to 2660m)
Driving · 1 hour
Guiding / safety
Prices:
