Tours
Big Almaty Trekking Loop – 3-Day Mountain Adventure
Explore alpine meadows, ancient glaciers, coniferous forests, and pristine valleys — all in one unforgettable loop trek through the heart of the Zailiyskiy Alatau.
This 3-day journey offers a condensed version of the classic 4-day route without sacrificing the region’s most scenic highlights.
Overview
The Big Almaty Trekking Loop is a high-altitude adventure designed for seasoned hikers and nature lovers eager to experience Kazakhstan’s wild mountain beauty in a short but intense format. This route winds through diverse landscapes, climbing from the famous Shymbulak ski resort up to the Talgar Pass, across dramatic valleys, and descending via the majestic Big Almaty Lake (BAO). It’s a true alpine escape — just a stone’s throw from the city.
Daily trekking distance: 8–15 km
Daily hiking duration: 8–10 hours
Total distance: ~40 km
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Best time to go: June – September
Difficulty: 8/10
Why Choose This Trek?
Guided by certified mountain experts
All equipment & logistics fully handled
Ideal for active travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path routes
Perfect mix of challenge, immersion in nature, and panoramic views
What’s Included
Professional mountain guide
Roundtrip transportation Almaty – trailhead – Almaty
Overnight camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, mat)
All meals during the trek (3x daily)
Cable car tickets
Entry permits and fees
Price: $600 per person
Group size: 4–8 participants (private treks available)
Book your Big Almaty Trekking Loop tour today and enjoy the trek through the heart of the Zailiyskiy Alatau!
Itinerary
Day 1: Talgar Pass – Sunny Meadow
08:00 – Pickup from your hotel in Almaty
09:00 - Arrive at the Medeu cable car station
11:00 – Cable car ride to Talgar Pass (3200 m)
14:00 - Trek down into Left Talgar Valley, picnic lunch
18:30 – Set up camp at Sunny Meadow (2700 m)
19:00 - Dinner and rest under the stars
Day 2: Valley of Tourists
07:00 – Breakfast & pack up
09:00 - Continue the trail through lush alpine terrain
14:00 – Lunch by the confluence of rivers
17:00 - Camp in the Valley of Tourists (3400 m)
Day 3: Tourists’ Pass – Big Almaty Lake
05:30 – Early breakfast
07:30 - Begin the steep ascent to Tourists’ Pass (4000 m)
11:00 – Reach the pass and enjoy 360° panoramic views
13:00 - Rest & lunch near Kyzylsay emergency hut
19:00 – Final descent to Big Almaty Lake and transfer back to Almaty
