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. This expedition offers the opportunity to explore some of the area's most picturesque glaciers, valleys, and rivers .
  • Available: from June to October
  • Best Period: from August to September
  • Tour Duration: 9 Days
  • Complexity: Moderate
  • Height Difference: 760-3500 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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  • Tour Date:

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General information and booking terms

9 Days

Distance

885 km

800 km

85 km
Semenov-Tien-Shansky Peak Hiking Tour
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Semenov-Tien-Shansky Peak Hiking Tour

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.

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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