Semenov-Tien-Shansky Peak Hiking Tour

Embark on a trek to the foothills of Dzungarian Alatau's highest peak, named in honor of Pyotr Semenov-Tien-Shansky, the pioneering explorer of Dzungaria. Explore some of the area's most picturesque glaciers, valleys, and rivers.

  • 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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On request
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  • Departure Time:
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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

885 km

800 km

85 km
Semenov-Tien-Shansky Peak Hiking Tour
Age restriction: 16+
Private Tour
Elevation Gain: 760-3500 meters above s.l.
Difficulty: Moderate
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 at Malyi Baskan ranger station 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)

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 town 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)

After waking up at 7:00 am, we will have breakfast and embark on a hike up the Malyi Baskan 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. Later, 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)

After an early wake-up and breakfast, we will 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. Along the way, you'll encounter small streams feeding into the Malyi Baskan River, which we will cross. We will stop for lunch 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)

Prepare for an early start today. After 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)

Today, we will have to get up 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)

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 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)

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)

Following breakfast and the dismantling of the camp, we will trek towards the Malyi Baskan 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)

After breakfast, we will depart first to Sarkand and then to Taldykorgan for lunch at one of the town's 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 be added to the itinerary.
Copy
Day 1

After meeting your guide at your hotel at 7:00 AM, you'll depart from Almaty to Taldykorgan. Upon reaching the town 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 Malyi Baskan 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. Later, 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, we will 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. Along the way, you'll encounter small streams feeding into the Malyi Baskan River, which we will cross. We will stop for lunch 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. After 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, we will have to get up 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 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 Baskan 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

After breakfast, we will depart first to Sarkand and then to Taldykorgan for lunch at one of the town's 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 be added to the itinerary.
Taldykorgan
Malyi Baskan Gorge
Malyi Baskan River
Alpine Meadows
Zhambyl Glacier
Shumsky Glacier
Malyi Baskan Valley
Malyi Baskan Ranger Station
Sarkand
Taldykorgan
Malyi Baskan Gorge
Malyi Baskan River
Alpine Meadows
Zhambyl Glacier
Shumsky Glacier
Malyi Baskan River
Malyi Baskan Ranger Station
Sarkand

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