Overview
Zailiyskiy Alatau stretches 360 km along Almaty's southern edge — a wall of peaks from 3000 to 4979 m (Talghar Peak, the highest point of the Northern Tien Shan). The range holds 446 glaciers with a total area of about 287 km², alpine meadows at 2500–3500 m, and ski slopes that hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games. From the city center to the Shymbulak gondola it's 25 minutes by car; to Tuyuk-Su glacier — a 3-hour hike from the top station.
The theme covers everything from cable-car rides to technical alpine ascents. Our operator selects a route matching your fitness: family walk to Butakovka waterfall, day trek to Big Almaty Peak, or a multi-day mountaineering expedition with guides and gear.
Who This Is For
Mountains and glaciers for all levels — from 30-minute cable car rides to week-long expeditions. The theme structures the mountain world by difficulty: easy (Medeu–Shymbulak, Butakovka, Kok-Zhailau trail), medium (Big Almaty Peak, Furmanov Peak, Panorama Ridge), hard (Talghar, Amangeldy, Tuyuk-Su glacier crossing). For active tourists looking for physical challenge with views.
For trekkers wanting multi-day hut-to-hut routes. For skiers and snowboarders (November–April season).
Best months for trekking: June–September. Ski season: November–April. Glaciers are retreating at 0.5–1% per year, making some routes more accessible but others more dangerous — always go with a certified guide above 3500 m.
Locations, Tours & Routes
Key points: Shymbulak (3200 m top station), Medeu (1691 m, world's highest skating rink, opened 1972), Tuyuk-Su glacier (3400 m), Big Almaty Peak (3681 m), Furmanov Peak (3053 m), Talghar Peak (4979 m), Kok-Zhailau plateau (2500 m), Panorama Ridge. Tour types: day trek, multi-day trek, ski touring, mountaineering expedition, heli-ski.
Sample routes: 1 day — Shymbulak gondola + Talghar Pass viewpoint. 2 days — Almaty Peak with overnight at alpine camp. 3–5 days — Traverse from Shymbulak to Big Almaty Lake via Panorama Ridge. Winter: Shymbulak resort skiing + backcountry options with avalanche training.
Plan Your Trip
We organize mountain trips for any level: from a gentle Kok-Zhailau day walk with packed lunch to a full expedition on Talghar with certified mountain guides, ropes and gear. Transfers from your hotel, permits for protected zones, emergency communication — all included. Tell us your fitness level and dates, and we'll match you with the right route and guide team.
