Almaty mountains. Everything a conqueror of the Trans-Ili Alatau needs to know

On the south side of Almaty city, there is a proudly rising Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. In translation from the Kazakh language - it is a motley mountain across the Ili River. The traveler Petr Semenov-Tyan-Shansky gave a name to this mountain range when he stopped at the ferry of the Ili River and saw huge mountains stretching behind it. Ili River itself is north of Almaty, 74 kilometers to the Kapchagay Reservoir, which was built on it.

Trans-Ili Alatau is the northernmost spur of the Northern Tien Shan, with its highest peak called Talgar (4979 meters high). This peak, as well as others, was conquered twice by local and foreign lovers of mountain hiking. For example, hiking Talgar Peak will take 5-9 days, but in this article, let’s stop at easy ones.

How to get to the mountains from the city

The most popular starting point for mountain routes in Almaty is the high-mountain sports complex “Medeu” because it is convenient to get there by public transport (bus No.12) and taxi. Many simple hiking routes, which only take half a day, start from here, such as Butakovsky waterfalls or Kok-Zhailau.

Another popular point is the “Olen” stop, which can be reached by bus No.28 from the Park named after the First President. From this place, you can also get to the Kok-Zhailau, but in this case, it will take more time, but you will avoid steep climbs. Or you can also get to the hot springs “Alma-Arasan” and Big Almaty Lake.

There is, possibly, the easiest mountain route available in Almaty - a 10-minute walk to a birch grove. You can get to it in 20 minutes from Dostyk Avenue on buses 5B and 5V.

Necessary equipment

Good equipment is the basis of a safe and comfortable trip:

• Tracking shoes: your shoes must have strong soles, high sides, and strong lacing, as well as being waterproof. It’s better not to skimp on it - wet feet in the mountains can quickly ruin any trip.
• Spare socks and underwear. Carrying additional clothing with you is a must-have in case you get wet.
• Sunscreen. It is a required element of a safety trip. As higher you will climb, the ultraviolet radiation intensity will increase. It is better to give yourself maximum sun protection using a cream with SPF 30 or SPF 50 to avoid sunburns.
• A tick and mosquito repellent.
• Sunglasses.
• Headgear. A cap or Panama hat is needed to protect against heat stroke in summer. In addition to wearing a hat, you can warm up your head with a scarf buff.
• Hiking poles. It helps you to maintain balance and reduce stress on your knee joints.
• Knee pads or bandages - also for joints. They fix your knees, absorb shocks, and also can protect you from injuries. It suits anyone who does not want to treat their joints after hiking.
• Leather gloves for the warm season and mittens for the cold one. Even in summertime, on a mountain hike, you often need to cling to tree trunks or hold on to rocks to get around an obstacle. It’s better to take a good pair of gloves and protect your hands.
• Raincoat. In the mountains, it could rain at any time, so it is better to go there with a good raincoat.
• Thermal underwear. It is an indispensable piece of equipment that will save you from hypothermia.
• The first aid kit. It may include painkillers, cold remedies, ointments for cuts and bruises, band-aids, cotton wool, bandages, disinfectants, and antihistamines for allergies.
• Drinking water.
• Sandwiches and boiled eggs are a good option for a snack on a short hike.
• Nice and durable backpack.

Someone will say that all this equipment seems unnecessary, but it is always better to play it safe so your trip will be comfortable.

Rules and nuances

Any mountain trip requires a respect for the nature and following local rules:

• Respect the nature. Don't leave any trash or damage the environment. Follow the principle of “leave nothing but observation”.
• Don’t go alone, only as part of an organized group with local guides.
• Don't split up. Move at an optimal pace that suits everyone's skill level.
• Be sure to inform travel agency representatives and your loved ones about your route.
• Always be prepared to reschedule your hike if the weather forecast is unfavorable. And even more do so in the event of a warning from emergencies.
• Stay on the trail, don't try to take shortcuts, get down if the weather gets worse.

Almaty mountains are a true paradise for adventure and nature lovers. Prepare well, respect the environment, and get the best impressions from your stay in the Trans-Ili Alatau.