KAZAKHSTAN

Hiking in the Left Talgar Gorge

Hiking in the Left Talgar Gorge is a great option for those who want to take a short multi-day hike and get to know the nature of the Almaty Mountains.

Geo-Tech Overview

In two days you will visit different altitude zones, see flowering alpine meadows, crystal clear streams, raging rivers, rocky peaks and glaciers. Gatherings near the campfire, watching the starry sky, listening to the night birds voices and rhythm of the river stream and spending the night in a tent under the fluffy branches of Tien Shan firs on a picturesque glade will help to forget about worries and fully enjoy the connection with the wild nature. The route will start from the Medeo high-mountain skating rink through the Kimasar gorge and the Butakovskiy pass and end at the highest point of the Shymbulak mountain resort – the Talgar pass with elevation 3,163 meters above the sea level.

June – October
2 days
intermediate, advanced
Ile Alatau
1700 — 3163 m.a.s.l.
Almaty

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

MAP AND WEATHER

meteoblue

Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights

Enjoying atmosphere of Tien-Shan wilderness.
Exploring one of the most picturesque gorges close to Almaty.
Watching amazing panorama of Talgar glaciers and rocky mountains.
Experiencing hospitality of traditional Kazakh yurt.
Trying the taste of national cuisine.
Camping in the forest under starry sky.
Taking cable car ride on the mountain resort Shymbulak.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day 1

Almaty – Medeu – Kimasar Gorge – Butakovskiy pass – Left Talgar Gorge – Alpine Rose glade.

Meeting with the guide at your place of staying in Almaty. Equipment check, briefing. Transfer to the Medeu skating rink. Hiking to the Kimasar gorge. We will make the first stop for a short rest near the local site – hanging swing, where you can have some fun and take impressive pictures. Then we continue moving along the ridge to the glade of Enthusiasts at the foothills of peak Furmanov. After the trail will lead us traverse along the slope, which already belongs to the Butakovka Gorge. Hike to the Butakovskiy pass with elevation 2900 meters. Here we will make another stop for rest and admire the gorgeous panoramic view of the Left Talgar and Butakovka Gorges, Bukreev and Talgar peaks. Descent to the Talgar River by winding and steep trail. After about two hours, having passed part of the forest, we will find ourselves in a wide flowering meadow, abundant in dense pink inflorescences of Ivan-tea, famous for its healing properties. We will hike up further to the gorge and after about an hour reach the Alpine Rose Glade, where we will set up our tents. Cooking dinner, making fire, relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere of wilderness.

Distance: 14 km.
Elevation gain/loss: +1200 meters/-800 meters.
Duration: 7-8 hours.
Highest point: Butakovskiy pass 2900 meters.
Camping altitude: 2200 meters.

Day 2

Alpine Rose glade – Small Talgar pass – Big Talgar pass – Shymbulak – Medeu – Almaty.

This day we should wake up early for making radial hike to Sunny Glade, which is 6 km up to the gorge with elevation gain 500 meters. This hike will take 3-4 hours. After return we pack our camping equipment and backpacks and hike to the Small Talgar Pass with elevation 2800 meters. The way to the pass will take about 2 hours by steep and challenging trail. A short rest on the pass and we will continue our hike towards the cable cars of Shymbulak and the Big Talgar Pass, which will be clearly visible from this point. As we move, we will see breathtaking views of the four-thousanders and glaciers: Fizkulturnik, Chkalov, Abai peaks, Til and Ayak glaciers. After reaching the pass we will take rest like real Kazakh Nomads in traditional Yurt with home made national dishes, drinks and hospitality of the Hosts. Descent to Symbulak by cable car. Transfer to Medeu skating rink by eco taxi and then transfer back to Almaty.

Distance: 16 km.
Elevation gain/loss: +1500 meters/-500 meters.
Duration: 7-8 hours.
Highest point: Talgar pass 3163 meters.

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PRICE LIST:

700 EUR per one person
450 EUR per person for the group of 2
350 EUR per person for the group of 3
300 EUR per person for the group of 4-8
250 EUR per person for the group of 9-10

Accommodation:

Camping in the tents. We recommend to bring your own reliable and light tent for comfortable night staying. Rental is also possible upon request.

NECESSARY GEAR AND CLOTHING:

Personal clothing and accessories:

– Light functional trekking long pants or leggings;
– T-shirt or light shirt with long sleeve;
– Cap or panama hat for sun and heat protection;
– Neck tube;
– Trekking waterproof boots or similar with a good protector sole and high lacing;
– Hiking gaiters (for feet protection in case of wet weather);
– Membrane or other water and wind resistant light jacket and pants;
– Raincoat poncho;
– Warm fleece or polartec jacket;
– Light down vest or puff;
– Thermal base layer;
– Two pair of hiking socks;
– Beanie;
– Fleece or polartec gloves;
– Headlamp;
– Sunglasses;
– Sunscreen with high UVA protection;
– Personal dishes: fork, spoon, mug, bowl, knife;
– Personal hygiene items;
– Small towel;
– Swimming suit;
– Water container;
– Thermos for hot tea;
– Trekking poles;
– Personal AID kit (pain and flu medication, adhesive tape, individual medications in case of having chronic diseases);
– Sleeping bag with temperature 0 +5 degrees Celsius in comfort zone;
– Sleeping pad;
– Tent;
– Hiking backpack with volume 50-70 liters;
– Backpack rain cover;
– Remedy for mosquitoes, flies, horseflies and ticks;
– Isothermal foil survival blanket;
– Matches or a lighter in a waterproof package;
– Chargers and cords for your electronic devices (power bank or compact solar panel);
– Energy, protein, muesli bars, dry fruits, chocolate, nuts or other preferred snacks.

Services included in the package:

Return transfer from Almaty.
Eco taxi from Shymbulak to Medeu.
Professional English-speaking trekking guide.
Camping meals: dinner on Day 1, breakfast on Day 2.
Lunch in the Yurt Complex at Talgar pass on Day 2.

Services does not included in the package:

Personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program.
Individual snacks.
Rental of camping equipment (available upon request).
Accommodation in Almaty before or after the tour.
Visa support and registration in the territory of the
Republic of Kazakhstan, if required.
Insurance policy.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Depending on weather, health and physical condition of the participants, guide can make adjustments to the program.

The program can be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions or the real threat to life and health of the participants.

Upon request the services of the porters can be added into the program. The service is paid additionally. One porter can take a load of maximum 15 kg.

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