Origins of Kora River Trekking Tour

Join us on this moderately challenging route through the Dzungarian Mountains in the southeast of Kazakhstan. This 9-day adventure is designed for both seasoned mountain hikers and beginners with adequate training.

  • Starting Point: Hotel Pickup (Almaty)
  • Tour Duration: 9 Days
  • Available: from June to October
  •   Best Period: from August to September
Highly qualified staff
We invest over 300 hours each year in training our staff and guides to ensure top-notch service.
Charity
Our company contributes up to 1% of your service cost to support charitable causes and create a positive impact.
Guarantee
We guarantee the quality of our services. If we do not meet your expectations, we will refund your money.
Experience
With over 26,000 satisfied guests from 67 countries and 10,000+ tours completed, our experience speaks for itself.

Cost Estimate and Online Booking

prices and reservations
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Key Details
Included Features
Booking Procedure
Clothing Recommendations
Tariffs and service levels
Purchase Instructions
Why Choose Us?
Cancellation Policy

9 Days

Distance

822 km

760 km

62 km
Origins of Kora River Trekking Tour
Difficulty: Moderate (includes ice-climbing)
Private Tour
Elevation Gain: 2000-3400 meters above s.l.
Age restriction: 16+
Ensure that you have a current and valid passport with you on the day of travel.
If you have any specific dietary requirements, please inform us at the time of booking so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Local cuisine typically includes lamb or beef, dough, and milk products.
If you do not have personal mountaineering gear, please, let us know in advance.

Group size: 1-8 people

What's Included in the Price?

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off; private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
  • Accommodation in Taubulak Eco-Camp on Days 1 and 8
  • Meals (lunch and dinner on Day 1, three meals on Days 2-8, breakfast and lunch on Day 9)
  • Services of a professional English-speaking guide
  • Environmental and entry fees
  • Border zone pass
  • Camping equipment for common use (tents, tables, chairs, cooking utensils, ropes)

Not Included:

  • Personal expenses of tour participants
  • Accommodation in Almaty before/after the tour
  • Rent of personal camping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, personal utensils, etc.)
  • Any additional transfers
  • Visa services and registration in Kazakhstan (if required)
  • Additional services not specified in the itinerary
  • Insurance

Booking Procedure

  • Select the tour you want to book.
  • On the tour page, use the calendar to choose your desired date and the number of participants. Fill in your personal information and click the Buy Online button.
  • To secure your booking, you need to pay the full cost of the tour. For details on the online payment process, refer to the Purchase Instructions tab.
  • After payment, save your voucher and the electronic receipt containing your order details and payment information.

Alternative booking options:

You can also book a tour by contacting our managers and paying in cash or via bank transfer. To reach our managers, click the round button in the lower right corner of the screen or message us on WhatsApp at +7 (700) 348-00-00 (responses available in English).

Alternatively, you can call us at:

+7 (727) 326-96-16, +7 (702) 006-57-87, or +7 (7172) 76-00-56

Essential items for your tour:

  • Comfortable clothing (such as shorts, pants, leggings, a T-shirt, or a light long-sleeved sweater).
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants, windproof jacket, warm fleece jacket or Polartec jacket.
  • A cap or hat for sun protection.
  • Trekking boots or sneakers with hard soles and high lacing.
  • Snow shoe covers.
  • Change of shoes for camp (lightweight sneakers).
  • Several pairs of socks and a pair of warm socks.
  • Several sets of underwear.
  • Personal backpack.
  • Head torch with adjustable brightness and beam distance.
  • Water container or thermos.
  • Personal utensils.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Trekking poles (optional).
  • A personal first aid kit.
  • Personal hygiene kit.
  • Insect repellent.
  • If possible, personal alpine equipment such as a helmet, crampons, ice axe, and four carabiners.

Tour Pricing Options

The prices for this tour are based on the Standard tariff, which includes reliable tourist transport in good condition, the services of an experienced guide and driver, hotel stays, and meals.

In addition to the Standard tariff, we offer the following options:

  • Economy: We provide lower-class vehicles for transfers, and accommodations consist of more budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. This option is ideal for tourists looking to minimize costs.

Note: Be cautious of companies that misrepresent their Economy tariff as Standard. These companies may offer lower-priced tours with poor service quality, such as outdated vehicles and inexperienced guides. They might also operate illegally and neglect essential safety standards.

  • Comfort: This option features high-comfort vehicles in excellent condition, with the most experienced guides accompanying tourists. Tourists stay in high-class hotels.
  • VIP: Luxury transport is provided, and guests stay in upscale hotels. Premium services are offered throughout the entire trip.

If you wish to adjust your tariff, please inform your manager before booking the tour.

For more information about our rates and transport options, refer to this section.

Purchase Instructions

  • Choose your desired date and fill in all required information. The total order amount will be displayed based on your selections.
  • Click the Buy Online button to be redirected to a secure payment page. Here, enter your bank card details to complete your payment.

We accept payments via Visa, MasterCard, and other electronic payment systems. The total amount will be charged in the national currency of Kazakhstan – tenge. The conversion to Kazakhstani tenge will occur at the official exchange rate set by the National Bank of Kazakhstan on the day of payment. You can view the current exchange rates for the Kazakhstani tenge against other currencies on this page.

  • Once your payment is successful, an electronic receipt with your order details and payment information will be sent to the email address you provided. Additionally, you can download and print a voucher for the paid service during your browser session. Please ensure you save this voucher.

For details about the payment service and the security measures for electronic transactions, refer to this page.

Why Choose Us?

Highly Qualified Staff
We invest over 300 hours each year in training our staff and guides to ensure top-notch service.

Charity
Our company contributes up to 1% of your service cost to support charitable causes and create a positive impact. 

Guarantee
We guarantee the quality of our services. If we do not meet your expectations, we will refund your money.

Experience
With over 26,000 satisfied guests from 67 countries and 10,000+ tours completed, our experience speaks for itself. 

Cancellation Policy:

  • If you cancel the tour less than 3 days* before its start, 50% of the total cost will be retained.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours* before the tour or do not show up, 100% of the total cost will be retained.

*Please note that if a cancellation notice is received outside of our working hours (evening, night, or weekends) and our managers have not confirmed receipt of your cancellation or change request in writing, the company reserves the right to consider the request when business hours resume. Therefore, we encourage you to notify us of any changes or cancellations as early as possible.

During non-working hours, you can try to reach us through our duty phone, corporate email, or corporate messengers. Duty managers monitor these channels and can respond promptly. If you have the contact information for your guide, driver, or other responsible parties (often listed in your voucher), we recommend reaching out to them directly as well.

Tour Schedule

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

After meeting your guide at your hotel at 7:00 AM, you'll depart from Almaty to Taldykorgan. Upon reaching the city at approximately 10:00 AM, we will visit the Museum of Local History. After lunch, we'll proceed to Taubulak Eco-Camp, covering a distance of 132 km (82 mi), with 61 km (38 mi) passing through mountainous terrain. Throughout the 6-hour journey, there will be 2-3 stops of 10-15 minutes each at picturesque locations in the Dzungarian Alatau. Upon arrival at Taubulak Eco-Camp by 5:00 PM, you'll be accommodated for some rest. After dinner, you'll have free time to prepare for the start of your route.

Overnight stay at Taubulak Eco-Camp
The distance covered on this day
 380 km (236 mi)

Today begins with an early rise, followed by breakfast, and a hike along the Kora River towards the Kaskabulak Gorge. We will then ascend the gorge, tracing the path of the Kaskabulak River until we reach the Kaskabulak Glacier. As we approach the glacier, the terrain becomes challenging, with moraine ridges requiring careful navigation.

To the right, a picturesque lake marks the origin of the Kaskabulak River, providing a stunning vantage point overlooking the Kaskabulak Glacier, Edelweiss Pass, Tentek Pass, and Kokchetav Pass. Once a suitable location is chosen, we'll establish our camp. The day concludes with a dinner and rest.

Overnight stay in the tent camp
The distance covered on this day  16 km (10 mi)

Today we will ascend the Kaskabulak Glacier to reach Kokchetav Pass. The journey is relatively straightforward, with a gradual incline. Following this ascent, we descend into Tenteksai Gorge for a well-deserved rest. Our route then takes us up to Tronov Pass, followed by a descent to the expansive Tronov Glacier.

Widely regarded as one of the largest and most stunning glaciers in central Dzungaria, the climb to Tronov Glacier begins from the origins of the Shegirbulak River. The glacier's surface is marked by numerous crevasses, some filled with snow while others remain open, producing a resonant sound of flowing water. This trek is conducted in groups without the need for crampons, and the slope is approximately 15 degrees. As the day concludes, we'll establish our camp, providing a comfortable space for dinner and a rest.

Overnight stay in the tent camp on the moraine of Tronov Glacier
The distance covered on this day  8 km (5 mi)

Today demands an early start. Following breakfast and the dismantling of the camp, we will begin our ascent along the eastern moraine of Tronov Glacier towards Olga Pass. To descend to the Bezsonov Glacier, you have the option of navigating medium-difficulty rocks on the western side of the ridge or traversing a small steep snowfield on the east side.

Once we descend to the moraine of Bezsonov Glacier, we'll establish our camp, offering a comfortable space for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Overnight stay in the tent camp on the moraine of Bezsonov Glacier
The distance covered on this day  7 km (4 mi)

Today's journey involves descending Bezsonov Glacier, which may prove difficult as your legs may frequently sink into small gullies in the snow, sometimes reaching knee depth. As we approach the moraine, the terrain becomes considerably easier. Upon descending into Kora Gorge and reaching the Yuzhnaya River, we'll select a suitable spot to establish our camp. After setting up camp, dinner awaits, followed by an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in the tent camp
The distance covered on this day – 7 km (4 mi)

Today, there is no need to get up early. We'll undertake a circular hike to explore Sapozhnikov Glacier, the second-largest glacier in the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains. Following our return to the camp, there will be dinner and an opportunity to rest.

Overnight stay in the tent camp 
The distance covered on this day  10 km (6 mi)

The day starts with a descent through the scenic Kora Gorge. Despite its widespread popularity, the gorge has managed to preserve its pristine beauty. Picture-perfect landscapes unfold: dense mixed forests grace the northern slopes, while the southern slopes are adorned with meadow-steppe vegetation. The grey and pink rocks make it an enticing destination for climbers.

Kora Gorge is quite deep and narrow, with the Kora River flowing at its base. Towards the lower stretch, ten apiaries are located. Our camp for the night will be established on the riverbank near the crossing point.

Overnight stay in the tent camp 
The distance covered on this day  14 km (9 mi)

Our journey today kicks off with a crossing over the Kora River, followed by a descent through the Kora Gorge. We will visit the Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Kazakhstan. After lunch, we will head to Taubulak Eco-Camp. Once we arrive at the camp, you'll have the opportunity to rest and get ready for our departure to Almaty.

Overnight stay at Taubulak Eco-Camp
The distance covered on this day  7 km (4 mi)

Our departure from Taubulak Eco-Camp is scheduled for 9:00 AM. During the journey, we'll stop in Taldykorgan for lunch at one of the local cafes. Anticipate reaching Almaty at approximately 8:00 PM.

The distance covered on this day  380 km (236 mi)

Copy
Day 1

After meeting your guide at your hotel at 7:00 AM, you'll depart from Almaty to Taldykorgan. Upon reaching the city at approximately 10:00 AM, we will visit the Museum of Local History. After lunch, we'll proceed to Taubulak Eco-Camp, covering a distance of 132 km (82 mi), with 61 km (38 mi) passing through mountainous terrain. Throughout the 6-hour journey, there will be 2-3 stops of 10-15 minutes each at picturesque locations in the Dzungarian Alatau. Upon arrival at Taubulak Eco-Camp by 5:00 PM, you'll be accommodated for some rest. After dinner, you'll have free time to prepare for the start of your route.

Overnight stay at Taubulak Eco-Camp
The distance covered on this day
 380 km (236 mi)

Day 2

Today begins with an early rise, followed by breakfast, and a hike along the Kora River towards the Kaskabulak Gorge. We will then ascend the gorge, tracing the path of the Kaskabulak River until we reach the Kaskabulak Glacier. As we approach the glacier, the terrain becomes challenging, with moraine ridges requiring careful navigation.

To the right, a picturesque lake marks the origin of the Kaskabulak River, providing a stunning vantage point overlooking the Kaskabulak Glacier, Edelweiss Pass, Tentek Pass, and Kokchetav Pass. Once a suitable location is chosen, we'll establish our camp. The day concludes with a dinner and rest.

Overnight stay in the tent camp
The distance covered on this day  16 km (10 mi)

Day 3

Today we will ascend the Kaskabulak Glacier to reach Kokchetav Pass. The journey is relatively straightforward, with a gradual incline. Following this ascent, we descend into Tenteksai Gorge for a well-deserved rest. Our route then takes us up to Tronov Pass, followed by a descent to the expansive Tronov Glacier.

Widely regarded as one of the largest and most stunning glaciers in central Dzungaria, the climb to Tronov Glacier begins from the origins of the Shegirbulak River. The glacier's surface is marked by numerous crevasses, some filled with snow while others remain open, producing a resonant sound of flowing water. This trek is conducted in groups without the need for crampons, and the slope is approximately 15 degrees. As the day concludes, we'll establish our camp, providing a comfortable space for dinner and a rest.

Overnight stay in the tent camp on the moraine of Tronov Glacier
The distance covered on this day  8 km (5 mi)

Day 4

Today demands an early start. Following breakfast and the dismantling of the camp, we will begin our ascent along the eastern moraine of Tronov Glacier towards Olga Pass. To descend to the Bezsonov Glacier, you have the option of navigating medium-difficulty rocks on the western side of the ridge or traversing a small steep snowfield on the east side.

Once we descend to the moraine of Bezsonov Glacier, we'll establish our camp, offering a comfortable space for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Overnight stay in the tent camp on the moraine of Bezsonov Glacier
The distance covered on this day  7 km (4 mi)

Day 5

Today's journey involves descending Bezsonov Glacier, which may prove difficult as your legs may frequently sink into small gullies in the snow, sometimes reaching knee depth. As we approach the moraine, the terrain becomes considerably easier. Upon descending into Kora Gorge and reaching the Yuzhnaya River, we'll select a suitable spot to establish our camp. After setting up camp, dinner awaits, followed by an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in the tent camp
The distance covered on this day – 7 km (4 mi)

Day 6

Today, there is no need to get up early. We'll undertake a circular hike to explore Sapozhnikov Glacier, the second-largest glacier in the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains. Following our return to the camp, there will be dinner and an opportunity to rest.

Overnight stay in the tent camp 
The distance covered on this day  10 km (6 mi)

Day 7

The day starts with a descent through the scenic Kora Gorge. Despite its widespread popularity, the gorge has managed to preserve its pristine beauty. Picture-perfect landscapes unfold: dense mixed forests grace the northern slopes, while the southern slopes are adorned with meadow-steppe vegetation. The grey and pink rocks make it an enticing destination for climbers.

Kora Gorge is quite deep and narrow, with the Kora River flowing at its base. Towards the lower stretch, ten apiaries are located. Our camp for the night will be established on the riverbank near the crossing point.

Overnight stay in the tent camp 
The distance covered on this day  14 km (9 mi)

Day 8

Our journey today kicks off with a crossing over the Kora River, followed by a descent through the Kora Gorge. We will visit the Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Kazakhstan. After lunch, we will head to Taubulak Eco-Camp. Once we arrive at the camp, you'll have the opportunity to rest and get ready for our departure to Almaty.

Overnight stay at Taubulak Eco-Camp
The distance covered on this day  7 km (4 mi)

Day 9

Our departure from Taubulak Eco-Camp is scheduled for 9:00 AM. During the journey, we'll stop in Taldykorgan for lunch at one of the local cafes. Anticipate reaching Almaty at approximately 8:00 PM.

The distance covered on this day  380 km (236 mi)

Taubulak Eco-Camp
Kaskabulak Gorge
Tronov Glacier
Bezsonov Glacier
Kora Gorge
Sapozhnikov Glacier
Lower Kora Gorge
Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall
Taldykorgan
Taubulak Eco-Camp
Kaskabulak Gorge
Tronov Glacier
Bezsonov Glacier
Kora Gorge
Sapozhnikov Glacier
Lower Kora Gorge
Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall
Taldykorgan

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