Saldyrtas Glacier Hiking Tour

Embark on a five-day trek through the mesmerizing Dzungarian Alatau Mountains, traversing Kora Gorge, the ancient Saldyrtas Glacier, and the breathtaking Tyuite Pass.
  • Available: from June to October
  • Best Period: from August to September
  • Tour Duration: 5 Days
  • Complexity: Moderate
  • Height Difference: 2000-3300 m. above s.l.
  • Starting Point: Almaty
  • Private Tour
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.

The price of the private tour will vary based on the number of people in the group, including children aged 16 and over. Please note that the cost for a child's participation in the tour will be the same as an adult. The price per person shown below is based on a group of two individuals.

On request
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General information and booking terms

5 Days

Distance

791 km

760 km

31 km
Saldyrtas Glacier Hiking Tour
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Saldyrtas Glacier Hiking Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 – Your guide will pick you up at your hotel at 7:00 am, and we will leave Almaty for Taldykorgan. Upon reaching the city at around 10:00 am, we will visit the Museum of Local History, followed by lunch at a local café. Afterward, you'll be transferred to Taubulak Eco-Camp, covering a distance of 132 km (82 mi) during the 6-hour trip. Along the way, we anticipate 2-3 brief stops (10-15 minutes each) at unique locations in the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains.

Our arrival at Taubulak Eco-Camp is expected around 5:00 pm, allowing time for accommodation and relaxation. After dinner, you'll have some free time to prepare for tomorrow's trekking adventure.

Overnight stay at Tubulak Eco-Camp
Distance covered on this day – 380 km (236 mi)

Day 2 – We'll start the day with an early wake-up, and after breakfast, we'll depart from Taubulak Eco-Camp, crossing to the left bank of the Kora River. Our trek involves ascending the gorge to the Saldyrtas River, and we'll continue along the Saldyrtas Gorge until we reach the glacier. The camp will be established at the end of the day, providing a setting for dinner and rest.

Overnight stay in a tent camp
Walking distance on this day is about 10 km (6 mi)

Day 3 – An early rise is followed by breakfast and the disassembly of the camp. Today's journey involves ascending Tyuite Pass. The lower part of the pass slope is strewn with talus deposits, leading to the beginning of the glacier. Initially, the glacier is relatively flat, with a slope not exceeding 10 degrees. After 30 minutes, the steepness increases to 30 degrees before flattening out, revealing the breathtaking beauty of Tyuite Pass. From the opposite side, a captivating view unfolds, showcasing one of the tributaries of the Chizh River and magnificent moraine lakes.

The descent into Tekeshbulak Gorge follows. Using crampons and tandem movement on a snow-ice slope, we will descend to the moraine rubble. Medium and large stones alternate with snowfields, requiring a close-knit group or single-file trekking due to numerous unstable stones that may shift underfoot. After crossing Tyuite Glacier, we will choose a suitable location for the camp, where we'll set up, have dinner, and rest.

Overnight stay in a tent camp 
Walking distance on this day is about 7 km (4 mi)

Day 4 – Following an early wake-up and breakfast, we will trek to two moraine lakes nestled in the upper reaches of Tekeshbulak Gorge, conveniently situated near our overnight spot. The first lake, surrounded by yellow flowers, exudes a chilly ambiance. Its clear waters reflect the soft contours of the mountains, enhancing the overall enchantment of the place. The second lake, located to the north, is the source of the Tyuyte (Tekeshibulak) River. We will trace this river's course as we descend into Kora Gorge. Upon our return to Taubulak Eco-Camp, we'll take a well-deserved rest and prepare for our departure to Almaty.

Overnight stay at Taubulak Eco-Camp
Walking distance on this day is about 14 km (9 mi)

Day 5 – Following breakfast and packing, we'll depart from Taubulak Eco-Camp at 9:00 am. En route, there will be a stop in Taldykorgan for lunch at one of the local cafes. Anticipate arriving in Almaty around 8:00 pm.

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

Important Information and Recommendations:

    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 or restrictions, please inform us at the time of booking so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Traditional local cuisine typically includes lamb or beef, dough, and milk products.
    For a comfortable trekking experience, ensure you have the following essentials: a waterproof membrane jacket or storm-resistant jacket, Gortex trousers, a windproof jacket, a warm fleece or Polartec jacket, insulated hat and gloves, multiple sets of underwear, thermal underwear, several pairs of socks including warm ones, T-shirts, shorts, a cap, high-quality trekking boots, snow shoe covers, lightweight shoes or sneakers, a headlamp with adjustable brightness and beam range, multiple sets of batteries, a 1-1.5 liter thermos or another water container, personal hygiene items, a personal first-aid kit, sunglasses, sunscreen, tick repellent, personal utensils, a backpack with a volume of at least 80 liters, trekking sticks, and if possible, personal alpine equipment such as a helmet, crampons, ice axe, and four carabiners.
    If you do not have personal mountaineering gear, please, let us know in advance.

Any other questions?

You can discuss any questions you have with our manager directly on WhatsApp!

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