Left Talgar
Gorge
Left Talgar Gorge Expedition: 2-Day Alpine Trek, Wilderness Camping & Talgar Pass (3,163 m)
A gentle multi-day escape into the heart of wild nature, where time slows down and every moment brings a sense of peace. Over two days, you’ll walk through changing mountain landscapes — from the famous Medeu skating rink through fragrant pine forests and the high Butakovskiy Pass down to wild riverbanks filled with pink Ivan-tea blossoms.
In the evening, gather around a warm campfire, listen to the river's steady rhythm and mountain birds, and watch the Milky Way light up the night sky above. After sleeping under the branches of ancient Tien-Shan firs, wake up refreshed for an ascension to Talgar Pass, where a warm welcome and home-cooked meal in a traditional Kazakh yurt await before your descent on the Shymbulak cable car.
Spend two unforgettable days trekking through alpine meadows, pine forests, and high mountain passes before camping under a star-filled sky. Finish your expedition with a traditional yurt lunch at Talgar Pass (3,163 m) and a scenic cable car ride down Shymbulak.
Trek Overview & Alpine Environment
- Short multi-day hike in the Almaty Mountains traversing diverse altitude zones from 1,700 m to 3,163 m over two days.
- Trail begins at the iconic Medeo high-mountain skating rink, leads up Kimasar Gorge and over Butakovskiy Pass into the pristine Left Talgar Gorge.
- Hike past flowering alpine meadows, crystal-clear streams, and rushing mountain rivers beneath towering rocky peaks and glaciated cirques.
- Atmospheric tent overnight camping under ancient Tien Shan fir trees in a picturesque forest glade with campfire, starry night sky, night mountain birds, and the soothing sound of the river.
- The route culminates at Talgar Pass (3,163 m), the high point of Shymbulak mountain resort, offering sweeping panoramas of glaciers and four-thousand-meter peaks before a scenic cable car descent.
Wilderness Camping & Tent Rental
Overnight accommodation is wilderness camping in tents in Alpine Rose Glade. We recommend bringing your own reliable lightweight tent for a comfortable stay. Tent and camping gear rental is available upon request and paid additionally (not included in base package).
Optional Porter Service
Porter service can be added upon request and is paid additionally. Maximum load carried by one porter is 15 kg.
Program Flexibility & Route Adjustments
Depending on weather conditions, health, and physical condition of participants, the guide can make adjustments to the program.
Weather & Safety Policy
The tour program can be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions or real threat to the life and health of participants.
Logistics & Transfer: Round-trip private transfer included to Medeu Skating Rink & Shymbulak / Talgar Pass (16 km one-way from Almaty).
Meeting point: Your hotel / accommodation in Almaty. Morning pickup from your hotel in Almaty. Equipment check, briefing, and transfer to Medeu skating rink.
