Almaty circuit trek
A route that has absorbed all the contrasts and beauties of Ile Alatau mountains and will introduce you with the most interesting nature sites of Small and Big Almaty Gorges.
Atmosphere
Almaty is the cultural and outdoor capital of Kazakhstan — a city where modern life meets majestic mountains. Within 30-60 minutes from the center, you’ll find yourself surrounded by glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and alpine meadows. It’s the perfect base for both soft and serious adventures.
Mountain Ranges & Peaks
This region sits at the northern edge of the Zailiysky Alatau, part of the Northern Tien Shan range.
- Peak Talgar – 4,979 m (highest in the range)
- Peak Nursultan (formerly Komsomol) – 4,376 m
- Pik Sovetov (Satpayev) – 4,317 m
- Tuyuk-Su Glacier area – a hub for mountaineering & glacier trekking
Altitudes & Landscapes
Ranging from 800 m (city level) to nearly 5,000 m, this region includes steep valleys, pine-covered slopes, high-altitude lakes like Big Almaty Lake, and glacier-fed rivers.
Activities
- City & culture: Soviet architecture, green parks, bustling food scene.
- Trekking & hiking: Big Almaty Gorge, Shymbulak–Tuyuk-Su area, Butakovka.
- Horseback riding: Kargaly, Butakovka foothills.
- Winter sports: Ski touring, freeride, and snowshoeing from December to March.
- Resorts: Shymbulak, Ak-Bulak, Oi-Qaragai.
Best For
Those who want to combine city comfort with quick escapes into the wild. Great for short trips, beginners in mountain sports, and ski touring enthusiasts.
Seasonality
Those who want to combine city comfort with quick escapes into the wild. Great for short trips, beginners in mountain sports, and ski touring enthusiasts.
Tours in the Region
Kargaly Gorge Horseback Riding Tour
Horseback tour through the apple orchards in the foothills of Ile Alatau mountains with stunning panoramic views to the Almaty city and Kargaly Gorge and snowcapped peaks.
Bukreyev peak
Rising at the northern edge of the Maloalmatinsky ridge, Bukreev Peak (3,010 m) stands above the Butakovka Gorge, marking the final summit of this mountain chain.
Shymbulak Off-piste & Sidecountry Tour
Shymbulak (also known as “Chimbulak”) is Kazakhstan’s flagship mountain resort, set high in the dramatic peaks of the Ile Alatau range in the Tien Shan.