Itinerary
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. In the afternoon, our journey will resume, and by late evening, we will arrive at the ranger station within the national park. This station will serve as your overnight accommodation.
Overnight stay at the ranger station
The distance covered on this day is about 400 km (249 mi)
Day 2 – After waking up at 7:00 am, we will have breakfast and embark on a hike up the Small Bascan Gorge, situated on the northern slope of the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains. The initial 2 km (1.2 mi) will traverse a challenging path with dense thorny bushes. Subsequently, a well-maintained dirt road will guide us to our overnight destination. We'll take breaks along the way for rest and lunch. Upon reaching the overnight spot, we will set up camp, followed by dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Overnight stay in the tent camp
Walking distance on this day is about 10 km (6 mi)
Day 3 – After an early wake-up and breakfast, our day starts with a hike up the gorge toward the upper edge of the forest. Throughout the day, we'll navigate rugged terrain where the trail intermittently appears and disappears. Some segments offer a well-defined dirt road. Along the way, you'll encounter small streams feeding into the Malyi Baskan River, which we will cross. A stop for lunch and rest will be made after passing an abandoned border outpost and crossing the Kumbasay River. Resuming our journey, we'll cross two more streams before reaching the upper forest boundary, where we'll select a spot for the overnight stay. In the evening, a dinner with a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks awaits you.
Overnight stay in the tent camp
Walking distance on this day is about 14 km (9 mi)
Day 4 – Prepare for an early start today. Following breakfast, we'll embark on a trek to Archevaya River, the largest tributary of the Small Baskan River. We will cross the river, which may involve wading depending on the water level. Then we will trek through alpine meadows to a challenging obstacle—an extensive stone rubble. Once past the rubble, we'll proceed towards the moraine lake. The lake's water level fluctuates seasonally. We'll pause on the lakeshore for lunch and a brief rest before continuing to traverse the moraine formed by the Zhambyl Glacier. As the day concludes, we'll establish a camp, offering you a relaxing dinner and well-deserved rest.
Overnight stay in the tent camp
Walking distance on this day is about 12 km (7.5 mi)
Day 5 – Today, an even earlier wake-up call awaits you at 04:30 am. Following breakfast, we'll embark on a circular hike to Zhambyl Glacier, offering breathtaking views of Semenov-Tien-Shansky Peak. The total length of the Zhambyl Glacier is approximately 6 km (4 mi). Notably, experts observe an annual reduction of around 2.5 meters, indicating significant melting. The glacier pays homage to Zhambyl Zhabayev, a distinguished Kazakh poet. After the glacier exploration, you'll descend to the moraine for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, the descent continues toward the Archevaya River, where a suitable campsite will be selected.
Overnight stay in the tent camp
Walking distance on this day is about 15 km (9 mi)
Day 6 – Following breakfast, we will embark on a circular hike to Shumsky Glacier, often acclaimed by many tourists as the most beautiful they've ever seen. Locals affectionately call it Saukele, drawing a comparison to the traditional headdress of a Kazakh bride due to its strikingly similar shape. The glacier is named in honor of Peter Shumsky, a Soviet glaciologist renowned for his research in the Arctic and Antarctic. Upon returning to the campsite, you'll enjoy dinner and rest.
Overnight stay in the tent camp
Walking distance on this day is about 10 km (6 mi)
Day 7 – Today, upon waking up and having breakfast, we will descend down the gorge to reach the upper boundary of the forest. As we pass the abandoned border outpost, we will need to select a suitable location to set up camp. Once the camp is established, you can enjoy a peaceful dinner and take some rest.
Overnight stay in the tent camp
Walking distance on this day is 12-14 km (7-9 mi)
Day 8 – Following breakfast and the dismantling of the camp, we will trek towards the Malyi Bascan ranger station. Along the way, we'll make several stops for rest and lunch. By evening, we'll arrive at the ranger station, where you can enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Overnight stay at the ranger station
Walking distance on this day is about 10 km (6 mi)
Day 9 – Following breakfast and the dismantling of the camp, we will depart first to Sarkand and then to Taldykorgan for lunch at one of the city cafes. Anticipate reaching Almaty around 8:00 PM.
The distance covered on this day is about 400 km (249 mi)
* Experienced hikers can opt for an ascent to Semenov-Tien-Shansky Peak (4665 meters/15300 ft) upon request. To accommodate this, an additional day will need to be added to the itinerary.