From
US $190
per person
5 Rating
Choose Date
Check Availability

Almaty Summit & Glacier Hike - Your Exclusive 2-Day Alpine Adventure in Almaty Province

Take an intensive 2-day hiking itinerary from Almaty in Almaty Province that pushes you to the summit of the Shymbulak trekking peak (3450m), leads you along rugged trails to the Touyuk-Su glacier, and rewards you with an overnight in our cozy alpine cabin at 2600 meters - perfect for watching sunrise over the Northern Tien Shan while you sip your morning coffee. You’ll ride the famous gondola road through Shymbulak up to the Talgarsky Pass for sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, spot historical scientific sites like the oldest weather station Mynzhylki and the glaciological station T1, and experience authentic mountain hospitality in a compact, comfortable hut that connects your stay directly to the high-altitude landscapes of the region. This itinerary is ideal if you want a short, action-packed outdoor nature escape from Almaty with unforgettable views and classic alpine landmarks in Almaty Province.

About this activity in Almaty

Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
if you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Highlights

  • Conquer the Shymbulak trekking peak (3,450 m) on an intensive 2-day hiking route that showcases the best snow-capped panoramas of the Northern Tien Shan.
  • Trek to the Touyuk‑Su glacier and explore glacial landscapes and views unique to the Tien Shan mountain range.
  • Ride the iconic gondola up through Shymbulak to Talgarsky Pass, passing the historic Mynzhylki weather station and the Soviet-era glaciological site T1.
  • Spend the night in a cozy alpine cabin at 2,600 m, waking to sunrise mountain views and a peaceful high‑altitude atmosphere.

Important Information

  • This is a moderately challenging, multi‑day alpine hike in the Tien Shan; you should have a good fitness base and previous hiking experience at altitude.
  • Personal hiking clothing, boots and technical gear are not provided - bring layered clothing, sturdy boots, a warm sleeping liner and any personal equipment you need for glacier terrain.
  • The itinerary includes cable car access through the Shymbulak area and accommodation in a trekking club alpine cabin; meals cover dinner and breakfast, while alcoholic drinks and snacks are not included.
  • The route is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious spinal or cardiovascular conditions; check your readiness for high‑altitude hiking before booking.

Meeting Point

Meet at the Medeu cable car station parking area in Almaty for gondola departure toward Shymbulak; exact meeting time and final pickup details will be confirmed after booking.

Includes

  • You’ll get private transportation from Almaty to the mountains, making travel to the Medeo – Talgarsky Pass – Shymbulak area easy and stress-free.
  • A certified mountain guide’s Services are included so you can explore the mountain trails around the region with local expertise.
  • Cable car tickets for the Medeo – Talgarsky Pass – Shymbulak route are provided to help you reach high-elevation viewpoints without hassle.
  • Dinner is included on your overnight stay, offering a satisfying meal after a day of activities in the area.
  • Breakfast is provided to fuel your day of touring and trekking in the surrounding national park.
  • All national park fees and required permissions for access in this destination are covered.
  • Accommodation is arranged for one night at a trekking club alpine cabin, giving you an authentic mountain stay near the passes.

Excludes

  • You must bring your own personal hiking clothes, boots, and gear; these items are not supplied.
  • Porter Services are not included, so you should plan to carry your personal pack or arrange assistance independently.
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls and souvenirs are not covered and are your own responsibility.
  • The provided menu does not include alcohol, soft drinks, or snacks, so plan accordingly if you need extras.

Other

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries - the terrain and activity level in the mountains may aggravate such conditions.
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers due to the physical demands and altitude in the area.
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, as high-elevation activity around the passes can be strenuous.
  • You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to comfortably enjoy trekking and sightseeing here.

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 1 Reviews
528azizak
• Apr 29, 2025 02:39:25 AM
Summary: We did this two-day alpine hiking tour last summer as two friends, and it was a fantastic experience. The itinerary was nicely balanced — just the right amount of hiking and time to enjoy nature. The alpine hut was one of the highlights: simple, comfortable, and located in a beautiful mountain setting. Everything was smoothly organized, and we really enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A great way to escape the city and spend time outdoors.

Other Popular Activities in Almaty

Explore top attractions and memorable experiences, including iconic observation decks and family-friendly activities.

490 activities found
Show all Tours

Discover Almaty Adventures: Mountains, Culture, Food and Tours

Plan your next event in Almaty, Almaty Province and tap into a destination known for rich Art & Culture, vibrant Food & Drink scenes, and accessible Outdoor & Nature and Adventure & Thrill experiences that suit meetings, retreats, and Group-Friendly activities. You can pair Tours & Sightseeing, Workshops & Learning, Family & Kids programming, and Shows & Entertainment with Services and Multi-Day / Full-Day options to build an itinerary that fits your goals and guest needs in the region. Book through Varoom to find stays that match your event plans and simplify arranging Transportation & Rides, Sports and Wellness & Relaxation add-ons, and the other experiences you want to deliver here.

Almaty
Almaty4257+ Properties
Show all properties
Show all properties

Know more about Almaty

On this intensive 2-day hiking itinerary you’ll ascend the Shymbulak trekking peak (3450 m), hike to the Touyuk-Su glacier, ride the famous gondola road through Shymbulak to the Talgarsky Pass, visit the Mynzhylki weather station and the glaciological station T1, and stay overnight in an alpine cabin at 2600 m with panoramic views of the snow-capped Northern Tien Shan.
You’ll spend one night in our cozy trekking club alpine cabin at 2600 m, where you can watch sunrises over the mountain peaks from the window; accommodation, dinner and breakfast are included as part of the itinerary.
Yes - during the hike you’ll see the oldest weather station Mynzhylki and the glaciological station T1, both standing as islands of Soviet scientific heritage in the high-mountain landscape.
The itinerary is intensive and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness: you’ll tackle an ascent to the Shymbulak trekking peak (3450 m) and a hike to the Touyuk-Su glacier, plus high-altitude walking around Talgarsky Pass and the alpine hut at 2600 m.
Yes - the itinerary includes cable car tickets for the gondola route from Medeo through Talgarsky Pass to Shymbulak, giving you dramatic views of the surrounding Tien Shan mountains and glaciers.
You should bring personal hiking clothes, boots and gear. The trip is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health; you should have a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the alpine routes and high-altitude sections.