Mountain Peaks Around Almaty City and Almaty Region -
Mountain Routes and Mountain Trails in the Ile-Altau and Almaty Nature Reserves -
The Almaty Mountains, located in the southern part of Kazakhstan, are part of the majestic Zailiyskiy Alatau Range, which is part of the Tien Shan Mountains. These mountains are considered a real natural treasure of the country, attracting tourists, climbers and nature lovers from all over the world. The Almaty Mountains begin just 15-20 kilometers from the center of the southern capital, which makes them easily accessible for recreation and travel. They reach a height of more than 4,000 meters, where glaciers, alpine meadows, coniferous forests and breathtaking views are concentrated. These mountains have become a symbol of Almaty and Kazakhstan, as well as these mountains are a calling card of the entire region. The mountains decorate the city skyline, inspiring the discovery of natural wonders. The mountains are visible from any part of Almaty.
The main mountain peaks of the Zailiysky Alatau:
Talgar Peak (4973 m) is the highest peak of the range.
Abay Peak (4010 m) is a popular place for climbing.
Nursultan (Komsomola) Peak (4330 m) is known for its difficulty and beauty.
History and Culture -
The history of the Almaty mountains is inextricably linked with the culture of the Kazakh people. The Zailiysky Alatau was part of the ancient trade routes of the Great Silk Road. Caravans passed through here, and on the slopes of the mountains there were hidden Saka burial mounds, which still hide many historical artifacts. In Soviet times, the mountains became a place for the active development of mountaineering and tourism. Mountain shelters, cable cars and observatories were built, which made them accessible to mass visits. Since ancient times, the Almaty mountains have played a key role in the lives of nomadic peoples. The routes of the Great Silk Road, connecting the East and the West, passed along their slopes. Caravans loaded with silk, spices and other goods stopped here to collect water from the purest mountain springs and take refuge from the summer heat. Local residents, who have lived at the foot of the Almaty Mountains for centuries, have preserved a rich tradition of worshiping nature. In the mountainous areas, you can still find ancient sacred places such as nomad camps, stone structures and sanctuaries. The mountains are also associated with important rituals and traditions of the Kazakhs. To this day, locals perform ceremonies of gratitude to the spirits of nature on the peaks and near water sources.
How to get there and visit -
The Almaty Mountains are located 15 kilometers from the center of Almaty, in the Big Almaty Gorge and in the Small Almaty Gorge, Mudeu district, Bostandyk district, Almaty region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°03'19"N 77°03'26"E
Nature and main attractions -
The Almaty Mountains amaze with their diversity of flora and fauna. Here you can find coniferous forests, alpine meadows, crystal clear mountain rivers and glaciers. The Almaty Mountains are not just a place for active recreation, but also a source of inspiration and strength. Their majestic peaks, clean air and stunning views make them an ideal place for solitude, adventure and harmony with nature. Regardless of whether you are planning a short walk or a difficult climb, the Almaty Mountains will always give you an unforgettable experience.
Popular places -
Big Almaty Lake is one of the most beautiful high-mountain lakes in the region, located at an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level, surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks such as Peak Skalisty, Peak Sovetov and Peak Ozerny. There are mountain routes to all these peaks.
Medeo is a high-mountain skating rink surrounded by picturesque mountains. In winter, it is open for ice skating, and in summer, music festivals and various sports and entertainment events are held here.
Shymbulak (Chimbulak) is a popular ski resort, open all year round. In winter, you can ski here, and in summer, you can hike to the peaks from the Big Talgar Pass. You can take the Medeo-Chimbulak cable car to the pass from the Medeo tract.
Small Almaty Gorge is a gorge for hiking and camping, in the upper reaches of which is the Mynzhylki tract and the picturesque mountain river Malaya Almatinka flows through it.
The Big Almaty Gorge is a place for hiking, in its upper reaches there is the Dzhusaly Kezen Pass from which you can climb the Big Almaty Peak, the Tourist Peak and walk to the small picturesque Dikoye Lake (Scotland). You can also go down from the pass to the Prokhodnoye Gorge, where the famous Terra mountain glade is located, a place where mountain lovers always live in the summer.
Ile-Alatau National Nature Park is a protected area with rich nature and hiking trails.
Gorelnik Gorge - here are the famous Gorelnik mountain waterfalls, which are located on an easy mountain route, at the beginning of the gorge there is a hot water spring Gorelnik, where you can take a hot bath for free. The gorge begins just above the Medeu dam on the road to Chimbulak.
Kimasar Gorge is a picturesque mountain gorge within the city of Almaty near Medeo, along which you can climb the famous swing in Almaty mountains where people go to take photos and climb Bukreev Peak and Panorama Peak, which offers a gorgeous panorama of the city of Almaty.
Turgen Gorge - here is the Medvezhiy waterfall and the famous high-mountain plateau Asy (Assy), on which the Assy-Turgen Astronomical Observatory is located. Through the plateau along the mountain road you can get to the Bartogay reservoir through the Zhaman-Uy tract where the beautiful red mountains are located.
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