Back to category Published: 31 january 2023 Author: Zhanna Mukhatzhanova

Ile Alatau Mountains

The Ile Alatau is a stunning mountain range located on the border of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Its average height reaches a formidable 4,000 meters (13120 ft), with the highest peak, Talgar Peak, towering at 4,979 meters (16335 ft). The name «Alatau» translates from Kazakh to «Motley Mountains», and the range lives up to its name. Its slopes are a vivid display of nature's beauty, ranging from lush greenery in the summer, to a brilliant mix of yellow and red in autumn, and finally a blanket of pristine white snow in the winter.

The picturesque Ile Alatau mountain range is situated at the doorstep of Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty. Its close proximity to the city has made it a popular destination for tourists, climbers, and nature enthusiasts alike. There is truly something for everyone to experience in these mountains, from the high-altitude Medeu Skating Rink and the Asy-Turgen Observatory, to the breathtaking Alma-Arasan Gorge and the serene Big Almaty Lake, not to mention the many other renowned attractions in Kazakhstan and beyond. A more comprehensive list of these can be found later in this article.

The environs of Almaty offer a winter wonderland for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Some of the most sought-after ski resorts in the country include Shymbulak, Ak Bulak, and Oi-Qaragai. These resorts offer a range of slopes to cater to skiers of all levels, along with modern ski lifts, equipment rentals, and cozy mountain hotels. Here, you can indulge in both conventional winter sports and more exotic experiences, such as heli-skiing, which involves being whisked away to remote peaks via helicopter.

The land of the crystal glaciers

The Ile Alatau is home to an impressive number of glaciers, with a total of 265 throughout the range. These glaciers appear as vast ice fields and move slowly downward under the influence of gravity. During the melting season, they provide a crucial source of water for numerous rivers. The river network of the Ile Alatau feeds into the Ili River, which eventually empties into Lake Balkhash. The rivers in this region have extensive drainage basins, with their sources located at an altitude of over 3,000 meters (9840 ft). Mountain rivers serve as the primary source of clean drinking water for the area, providing water for the residents of Almaty and nearby settlements. Groundwater is also used, but mountain rivers play a crucial role in meeting the region's water needs.

The melting of glaciers has led to the formation of stunning high-mountain lakes in the Ile Alatau. These lakes come in a variety of colors, ranging from sky blue to almost black, depending on the minerals dissolved in the water and the presence or absence of suspended matter. The largest and most renowned lakes in the region are Lake Issyk and the Big Almaty Lake. These breathtaking natural wonders are a must-see for anyone visiting the Ile Alatau.

Wilderness at your doorstep

A part of the Ile Alatau mountain range is located within the city limits of Almaty. Just take a city bus and soon you’ll find yourself surrounded by wild nature. The Ile Alatau boasts a wealth of verdant valleys and forests, ranging from coniferous to mixed and deciduous forests. One of the unique tree species found in this area is the Tien Shan spruce, a type of tree found exclusively in Central Asia. This species thrives in cool and damp environments, so it is commonly found growing on the northern, shaded slopes of the Ile Alatau. The region is also home to a diverse range of other tree and shrub species, including small-leaved Sievers apple, hawthorn, wild apricot, Tien Shan mountain ash, and many others. During the summer, the alpine meadows of the Ile Alatau are blanketed with a vibrant array of alpine grasses, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle for visitors to enjoy.

The Ile Alatau is home to a vast array of ethereal plants, including thyme, oregano, sage, tansy, and ziziphora, which are known for their distinctive and intoxicating fragrances. These fragrant plants contribute to the fresh, invigorating air of the mountain range. Additionally, the Ile Alatau is a hub for honey production, with many honey-producing plants like apricot, hawthorn, and mountain ash growing in the region. In the spring, honey collected from the slopes of the mountains is highly prized and widely sought after.

The Ile Alatau boasts a rich and diverse array of fauna, with several notable reserves and parks in the region, including the Almaty Reserve and the Ile-Alatau National Park. In these protected areas, you can find a wide range of species such as wolves, foxes, bears, roe deer, deer, wild boars, and hares. The highlands of the Ile Alatau are also home to the snow leopard, a critically endangered species listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. While it may be rare to spot large animals during a hike in the mountains, you are more likely to encounter smaller creatures like squirrels, forest dormice, marmots, ermines, owls, woodpeckers, hoopoes, and even pheasants.

When is the best time to go?

The Ile Alatau mountain range is located in the center of the Eurasian continent and boasts a unique high-mountainous, continental climate. The region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year and even within a day. During the winter, when subtropical air masses from Iran and the deserts of Central Asia occasionally push through, temperatures can rise temporarily. Conversely, when cold air from Siberia takes hold, clear, frosty weather is the norm. If the wind blows from the Atlantic Ocean, the region can expect cloudy weather, characterized by heavy snowfalls in winter and showers in summer.

If you are a winter sports enthusiast, the best time to visit the surroundings of Almaty is from mid-November to the end of March, when the ski season is in full swing. However, winter is not always ideal for mountain hiking. Heavy snowfalls in the mountainous and foothill areas can trigger avalanches, posing a risk to tourists. It is also advised to avoid visiting the mountains during foggy conditions and severe cold spells.

It is important to remember that the mountains are a more dangerous environment, and one should exercise caution. Observing basic rules of conduct in the mountains and dressing appropriately for the season is imperative. Clothing should be warm, comfortable, and suitable for winter mountain excursions. Shoes should have sturdy soles and be both warm and comfortable.

The spring season may not be the ideal time for hiking in the Ile Alatau region due to its weather conditions. During spring, the weather can be quite unpredictable with heavy precipitation such as rain and sleet, and sudden frosts can also occur. The rising temperature can also result in landslides and river flooding in the mountains. Thus, tourists who plan to embark on a hiking trip in the mountains during the spring should keep an eye on the weather forecast. Also, as the snow begins to melt and the melt water can flood popular hiking trails, making them difficult to traverse. It is advisable to carry spare clothes and shoes to avoid any inconvenience during the hike. Additionally, frequent temperature changes during the spring season can result in fogs, making it challenging for hikers.

Summer is a more stable season for hiking, but there may still be short periods of rain. The best time to visit the Ile Alatau is from August to early October, when the weather is pleasant and stable. However, it's important to keep in mind that temperatures can drop significantly as you climb the mountains. While it may be hot in the city, with temperatures reaching 35°C, in the mountains it could be as low as 10°C. So, it's always a good idea to pack warm clothing.

Sights of the Ile Alatau Mountains:

Titov Peak

This peak offers a breathtaking view of the Big Almaty Lake.

30 august 2023

Almaty

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