Interesting one-day mountain hiking in the mountains of Almaty -
Leisure activities in the mountains of Almaty region and Trans-Ili Alatau -
The Little Almaty Circumnavigation is one of the most exciting mountain routes in the vicinity of Almaty. This circular route combines picturesque landscapes, diverse nature and exciting adventures, making it an ideal choice for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The route is approximately 14 kilometers long, and the hike will take you from 7 to 11 hours, depending on your physical fitness. The route starts in the Kimasar gorge, which can be accessed from the Medeo tract, which is located in the Small Almaty Gorge. Next, you need to move up the trail to a place called "Swings in the mountains of Almaty, Kimasar Gorge", here you can relax and take atmospheric photos swinging on a swing against the background of the mountains. It seems that you are flying on a swing over the mountains. Going up, you will reach Furmanov Peak, then passing the peak you will reach the next location called Panorama Peak, which offers a dizzying circular panorama of the city of Almaty and the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau. After resting on the peak, you will move further up the trail and reach the peak of Bashuta, there is also a small stop and then the last throw to the peak of Shimbulak (Mount Zimbulachka). From the peak you will descend to the Big Talgar pass, which connects the Small Almaty Gorge and the valley of the Left Talgar River, and the Left Talgar gorge. You can descend from the pass on foot, but they usually do not do this and use the services of the Medeo-Cimbulak cable car, on which you can descend to the Medeo tract from where you started your route, bypassing the high-altitude base of Chimbulak along the way. If desired, you can relax at the base, sit in a cafe or restaurant.
This route, the "Malaya Almaty Circumnavigation", is accessible in the opposite direction from the Bolshoy Talgarsky pass, it is easier, since you will overcome the main ascent to the pass by cable car. This route is also very popular and interesting, we recommend both options.
This route can also be taken from the Butakov gorge through the famous Butakov waterfalls, and also in the opposite direction from the Bolshoy Talgarsky pass and then down into the Butakovsky gorge, but they usually go from the Kimasar gorge as this is the most optimal route.
How to get there and visit -
The Malaya Almaty Circumnavigation mountain route passes through the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau and the Tien Shan Mountains, Ile-Alatau National Park, Almaty Nature Reserve, Medeu district, Almaty region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°07'54"N 77°07'02"E
Safety -
When making a mountain hike along the route "Malaya Almaty Circumnavigation", be sure to use the services of certified mountain guides. Mountain guides will prepare you for the hike, instruct you and guide you safely along the route, as well as they will tell you the best route option according to your physical fitness. Do not go to the mountains alone, do not leave the trail, do not go close to rocky cliffs and snow ledges, keep an eye on the weather and choose clear sunny days for your trip. During the hike, always stay in a group so that everyone is always in sight of each other, always wait for stragglers. Do not walk in the mountains at night or in the dark. Calculate your time in the mountains correctly, try to return in the afternoon before dusk and nightfall, be sure to consult with mountain guides about this. For hiking in the mountains, use special sports clothes and equipment, do not go to the mountains in slates, slippers and light soft shoes, take care of your feet. The soles of the feet should be protected by reliable mountain trekking and hiking shoes with ankle fixation. Also, do not forget about altitude sickness and the need for acclimatization in the mountainous area, for a further comfortable stay in the mountains.
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