Dzungarian Alatau Lakes and Glaciers Trekking Tour

In the morning, you will meet the guide and embark on a journey from Almaty to Taldykorgan. Upon arrival in Taldykorgan, we will visit the Museum of Local History and then have lunch at a local cafe. In the afternoon, the journey will progress towards the town of Sarkand, which serves as a gateway to the Bolshoi Baskan ranger station. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided at this location.

Overnight stay at the ranger station
The distance covered on this day – 500 km (310 mi)

Following breakfast, our journey persists as we are transported to the old outpost via an off-road vehicle. At the outpost, we will take our backpacks and hike along the Bolshoi Baskan River until we reach its confluence with the Terensai River. En route, we will make a stop for lunch and relaxation. The objective is to approach the base of the unnamed pass where the camp will be established. After dinner, you'll have the opportunity to rest and recharge for the adventures of the following day.

Overnight stay in the tent camp
The distance covered on this day – 12 km (7.5 mi)

Today begins with an early start. The route of the day involves ascending the nameless pass, situated at an elevation of 3200 meters (10500 ft) above sea level. The climb will follow a broad gorge, occasionally featuring a well-trodden path. As we approach the pass's saddle, we'll navigate through sections with talus deposits. The pass offers a breathtaking view of Terensay Gorge and Sun Valley, nestled downstream of the Kora River.

Upon reaching the pass, we'll take a break for rest and lunch. Following this, we will descend into a spacious valley by a straightforward grassy slope and, at times, an excellent pathway. Once we arrive in the picturesque Sun Valley, we will establish a camp at the confluence of the Kora and Bala Kora rivers.

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

Today, there's no rush to rise early, allowing you the luxury of a bit more sleep. However, for those keen on observing wild animals, an early wake-up before dawn is recommended. After breakfast at the camp, we'll embark on a circular hike to the base of the region's largest glacier. Tourists rarely visit this remote location, and reaching there is a challenge. Our route will lead us up the gorge, tracing the banks of the Kora River. Along the way, we'll pause to rest and appreciate the surrounding nature. We'll have lunch at one of these picturesque stops. In the evening, we'll return to the camp to prepare dinner and have some rest.

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

We won't hike for long today, but the trails, seldom traversed, are covered in thick, tall grass, making the journey more challenging. We'll also encounter a few not-too-deep creeks to cross. During the day, we'll take a break for lunch and relaxation. By evening, we'll reach the campsite, located just above the confluence of the Yekiasha and Agynykaty rivers. After preparing dinner, you can take a moment to relax and rejuvenate.

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

After breakfast, we will venture to the Upper Jasylkol Lake, nestled at an elevation of 2200 meters (7218 ft) above sea level. It boasts a captivating blue-green hue that harmonizes with the lush green slopes adorned with alpine meadows and shrubs. The lake's remote location, seldom disturbed by visitors, makes it peaceful and unspoiled. In the evening, we'll return to the camp, savor dinner, and have some rest.

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

Today's hike will lead us to the confluence of the Agynakaty and Yekiasha rivers, tracing a path along a broad alpine meadow and, in certain stretches, over rivers. Before reaching the confluence, we'll ford the Agynakaty River and proceed along its right bank toward Tersai Gorge. Following another river crossing at Tersai, we'll pause for lunch and a well-deserved break.

Our journey continues to the Sorokonozhka (Centipede) Pass, named for its numerous hairpin bends. Seasoned adventurers often take a more direct route, though the climb remains demanding. Upon reaching the pass, a rest awaits us on Ak-Tas Plateau, followed by a trek to a spring where our camp will be established. For those inclined, a brief stroll offers the opportunity to admire the lower Jasylkol Lake.

Overnight stay in the tent camp 
The distance covered on this day – 15 km

Today we will explore the Ak-Tas Plateau. Trekking across the plateau promises many delightful experiences. Whichever direction you look, you'll see alpine meadows and granite rock formations. In the distance, the peaks of the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains stand prominently. As evening approaches, we'll select a suitable spot to establish our camp,  have dinner and rest.

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

Today's journey unfolds as we continue our trek across the Ak-Tas Plateau, eventually arriving at a spring where we'll pause for lunch. Our path then descends towards the lower Lake Jasylkol, nestled at an altitude of 1640 meters (5380 ft) above sea level. Until the 1980s, this lake remained untouched by human presence, not surprising given its proximity to the state border. In the evening, we'll establish our camp at the lakeshore, providing a picturesque setting for dinner and a night's rest.

Overnight stay in the tent camp
The distance covered on this day – 380 km (236 mi)

In the morning, we'll start the day with breakfast, dismantle the camp, and embark on a trek to the highest apiary of the Dzungarian Alatau. This apiary is renowned for supplying honey to the table of the last Russian emperor. At the apiary, we will have lunch and try honey. Next, we'll drive to the Zhalanash Ranger Station and continue to Lepsi, a village steeped in fascinating history. Accommodations will be provided in a guest house, where we will have dinner and relax in a sauna.

After breakfast, we will leave Lepsi at 9:00 AM. En route, we will make a stop in Taldykorgan, allowing for lunch at one of the city's cafes. Anticipate reaching Almaty around 9:00 PM.

The distance covered on this day – 500 km (310 mi)