Tours to Alytn-Emel Park.

"Travel has been, is, and will be. In a hundred years, in two hundred, in a thousand. It will change - it will be different, but the word will remain the same. You can no longer be like Miklouho-Maclay or Sedov. People aren't discovering continents or islands these days. You're discovering your spirituality."

Fyodor Konyukhov.

Geographical Position of Northern Tien Shan.

The Northern Tien Shan Mountains stretch 400 kilometers from west to east and are divided into two watershed ranges: the Zailiysky Alatau (the first range beyond the Ili River), which is approximately 280 kilometers long and 40 to 60 kilometers wide, with its northern slopes in southeastern Kazakhstan, and the Kungey Alatau ("variegated snow-capped mountains facing the sun"), 275 kilometers long and 31 kilometers wide on average, located in Kyrgyzstan.
The highest point of the Kungey Alatau is Chaktal Peak at 4,771 meters above sea level, and the highest point of the Zailiysky Alatau is Talgar Peak at 5,017 meters above sea level. This mountain system belongs to the Chilik-Kemin mountain range.
The highest part of the range is located between the Kastek Pass (2,825 meters above sea level). m in the west and the Amanzhol Pass, 3,510 m above sea level, in the east and is approximately 180 kilometers long. Large glaciers: Korzhenevsky, Bogatyr, Shokalsky, Tuyuk-Su, Dzhangaryk, Central, Aksuysky, Syutbulaksky, Chon-Aksuysky, and Choktalsky.

Brief description of auto trekking route along Zailiysky Alatau to Northern Tien-Shan:

Almaty - Medeo gorge - Shymbulak ski resort - Big Almaty Lake - Konayev - Ili River and Canyon - Altyn-Emel National Park - Zharkent - Charyn River canyons - Kolsay Lake - Lake Kaindy – settlements Kurmenty - Saty - Zhalanash - Kokpek - Nura - Baiseit – city Almaty.

Route distance: 1,370 km.
Season: May 25th to September 15th.
Best time to travel: July - September.
Hiking distance: 31 km.
Horseback riding distance: 16 km.
Group size: no more than: 8 people.
Tour duration: 10 days, 9 nights.

A detailed itinerary for a day-by-day auto trek in the Northern Tien-Shan Mountains and Altyn-Emel National Park:

Trip from Bishkek to Almaty.

Day 1. Almaty.

Arrival in Almaty, meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel, check-in, rest, and overnight.

Almaty city tour.

Visit to the National History Museum, including a visit to the "golden" room of the Saka people. This museum contains Saka gold, which was found during excavations of the Golden Man burial site at the Issyk burial mounds. After visiting the History Museum, we'll visit Republic Square, home to the Independence Stele of the Republic of Kazakhstan, topped by a stone sculpture of the Golden Man. We'll also visit the Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, the Ascension Cathedral designed by architect Andrei Zenkov, the Glory Memorial and Eternal Flame, and the Museum of Musical Instruments. We'll also take a tour of Mount Kok-Tobe. Transfer to the Kok-Tobe cable car station near the Palace of the Republic. Lunch at the "Little Brazil" restaurant.
After lunch, cable way up Mount Kok-Tobe (Blue Hill) at 1,070 m. a. s. l.
Transfer to the city station of the Kok-Tobe cable way station near the Palace of the Republic.
Cable way ride up Mount Kok-Tobe at 1,130 m. a. s. l. (1.7 km, 5 minutes).
Walk around Mount Kok-Tobe. From the observation deck on the northern side of the mountain, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of Almaty. 
Visit to Mount Kok-Tobe: a zoo (birds of prey, pheasants, peacocks, deer, llamas, and other animals and birds), a monument to the Beatles, a souvenir shop, and an art gallery. The city's 371-meter-tall television tower is located here.
Descent by bus from Kok-Tobe Mountain to the bus station.
Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight.

Day 2. Almaty – Medeo natural landmark, 1,691 m. a. s. l. – Shymbulak ski resort, 2,230 m. a. s. l. (25 km, 1 hour).

Breakfast. Today, a walk to the Bogdanovich Glacier in the Maloalmatinskoye Gorge. 
Cable car ride in the Maloalmatinskoye Gorge.
Transfer: Almaty – Medeo natural landmark (15 km, 30 minutes).
Our route from the city to the Medeo natural landmark leads south along Dostyk Street after the border school. We pass the Luxor fitness center, which is located on the right side of the road. We pass numerous cottages on both sides of the road.
Further on, on the right side of the road, at the turnoff to the Kamenskoye Plateau, is the fashionable “Royal Tulip” Hotel. Next, we pass an environmental outpost, which is now being transformed into something else. At the very beginning of the Medeo natural landmark, to the left of the road, is the first gondola lift station, which takes you to the Shymbulak ski resort.
From here, our journey into the Zailiskiy Alatau mountains begins.
The cable way ride from the Medeo natural landmark to the high-altitude Shymbulak ski resort (4.5 km, 15 minutes).
This is the world's third-longest cable way. The Medeo high-altitude skating rink begins at the cable way station. Our cabin passes slightly to the right of the main Medeo skating rink, offering a clear view of the skating field and spectator stands.
We then move above the road that ascends to the dam in the Maloalmatinskoye Gorge, and the cabin passes above the dam. Beyond the dam, the cable way supports are the longest distance and the highest point. Below, the Medeo ice skating rink, the mudflow dam in the Maloalmatinskoye Gorge, and to our right, the Gorelnik natural landmark, the Malaya Almatinka River, and the road leading from Almaty to the Shymbulak resort are visible.
Arrival at the Shymbulak ski resort.
Soon we approach the Sary-Sai natural landmark with a winding road below. To the left, the small Sary-Sai stream flows down a deep gorge on the eastern slope. From here, fallen trees, the aftermath of the hurricane of May 17, 2011, are clearly visible.
Further on, the cottages of Shymbulak, the “Shymbulak” Hotel, and the buildings of the ski resort are visible. The Shymbulak station approaches, and we exit the cable way. During the ascent to Shymbulak, a magnificent view of the Northern Tien-Shan mountains opens up, with peaks such as Chkalov high 3800 m. a. s. l.l, Abay high 4010 m. a. s. l., Shkolnik high 3690 m. a. s. l., Komsomol high 4,376 m. a. s. l.
A walk to the observation deck with views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Continue your ascent on the second cable way, "Kombi-1," to the final station, "Kombi-2" (1.7 km, 10 minutes).
Arrive at the final station, "Kombi-1." Take a photo of the city panorama and the surrounding area of ​​the ski resort from the station's observation deck.
Continue your ascent on the second cable way, "Kombi-2," to the Bolshoy Talgarsky Pass, 3,168 m. a. s. l. (1.5 km, 8 minutes).
Hike around the Bolshoy Talgarsky Pass, to Zimin Stone. From the pass, a panoramic view opens onto the surrounding mountain peaks of the Maloalmatinsky Spur. To the west stands Peak Shkolnik high 3690 m. a. s. l., to the east stands Peak Shymbulak high 3450 m. a. s. l., and to the south rises Peak Chkalov high 3892 m. a. s. l.
The pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and the city of Almaty, the Maloalmatinskoye Gorge, and the Zailiskiy Alatau Mountains. The pass overlooks the Left Talgar Gorge, which drops off from the pass to the east, with a glacier located in the upper reaches of the Bogdanovich.
Hike to the Bogdanovich Glacier at 3,410 m. s. l. (2 km).
Along the way, we'll see the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains.
Return to the Bolshoy Talgarsky Pass.
A picnic with champagne.
Return to the Medeo natural landmark.
Dinner at the "Kazakh Aul" restaurant, serving traditional Kazakh cuisine. Transfer to the hotel, overnight stay.

Day 3. Almaty – Big Almaty Lake (55 km).

Breakfast. Transfer: Almaty - *Ayusay ravine (ecological post in the Big Almaty Gorge) (25 km).
From here, the hike to the lake (along the pipe) begins (5 km).
The hiking route from the barrier in the Ayusay ravine to Big Almaty Lake is a popular but challenging climb. The route is well known and frequently visited by tourists. The one-way distance to the lake is 5 kilometers, if you follow the pipe from the first hydroelectric power station.
The route begins at an altitude of 1,794 m. a. s. l. (at the environmental checkpoint barrier in the Ayusay natural landmark) and leads to the lake at an altitude of 2511 m. a. s. l. The total elevation gain is 717 meters. The average travel time (ascent) ranges from 2.5 to 4 hours one way, depending on walking pace and fitness.
The descent takes much less time. The route is classified as moderate in difficulty due to a constant and sometimes steep climb (from the 1st hydroelectric power station to the Marmarsay natural landmark, where the trail begins to flatten out).
The route is accessible to people of all fitness levels but requires endurance.
From the barrier in the Ayusay natural landmark, there are two main route options:
Distance road – 9.5 kilometers. This is a flatter and longer route that follows the main serpentine road. The trail passes through picturesque mountain scenery, but it's longer and can feel monotonous. Most tourists prefer the shorter route along the water pipe (a short but steep path):
This route is considered more interesting, quicker, and popular. The trail runs to the right, next to the pipe. This is the steepest section of the climb, where in some places the original metal steps and railings, which were made during the installation of the pipe in the late 1940s, still remain.
This route allows for a significant shortcut and reduces the climb time.
Hiking Recommendations:
Footwear: Be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy footwear (trekking boots or sneakers, depending on the season).
Water and Food: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no food vendors along the route.
Clothing: The weather in the mountains is changeable; bring warm clothing and a raincoat.
Documents: Don't forget your ID, as the border area with Kyrgyzstan is nearby. Both trails eventually converge at the top and lead directly to Lake BAO.
A walk around the lake.
Big Almaty Lake is located at an altitude of 2,511 m. a. s. l. The largest lake in the Zailiskiy Alatau range is the moraine-dammed Big Almaty Lake, formed by the damming of the Bolshaya Almatinka River valley by an ancient frontal moraine and a large landslide.
The lake offers a panoramic view of peaks and glaciers, including Turist high 3965 m. a. s. l., Choi-Bolsan high 4164 m. a. s. l., and Karniznaya high 4047 m. a. s. l., which are capped by Ozernaya Peak high 4126 m. a. s. l. in the south. The south is dominated by the beautiful Sovetov Peak high 4317 m. a. s. l.
The dam's core is composed of porphyry rock. The dam is approximately 500 meters high, approximately 1,000 meters long, and 500 meters wide. The maximum depth of the lake is 38 meters, and its water volume is over 13,000,000 cubic meters.
The water is clean, fresh, and cold. The lake's water level fluctuates by up to 111 cm. The lowest level is in March, and the highest is in July and August, during periods of intense glacial melt. In winter, the lake freezes over. The lake is fed by the Bolshaya Almatinka River, whose sources are in glaciers 12 kilometers south of the lake.
A pipeline runs from the lake, on which a cascade of hydroelectric power plants is built. Located 25 kilometers from Almaty, Big Almaty Lake attracts with its beauty, steep banks, sheer cliffs, moraines, and glaciers.
A picnic is offered in the surrounding area.
Return to the Ayusay natural landmark (5 km).
Transfer to the Sunkar Birds of Prey Nursery (8 km).
A visit to the nursery, where we'll see falcons, golden eagles, eagles, vultures, and eagle owls.
Transfer to Almaty (17 km), dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 4. Almaty – Basshi village. Altyn-Emel Nature Park (312 km).

Breakfast. Early departure from Almaty to Konayev – Ili River Canyon (95 km).
The road from Almaty lies northeast, with the Moyunkum Sands stretching north of the highway between Almaty and Konayev. We pass through Konayev, known for its gambling zone and the numerous casinos lining the road, and then cross the bridge built over the Kapshagay Hydroelectric Power Station dam.
Upon crossing the bridge, the waters of the Kapshagay Reservoir, flanked by steep rocky banks, are clearly visible to the right. Drive along a dirt road to the right bank of the Ili River. Visit three panoramic spots with views of the Ili River Canyon.
Further travel: Ili River Canyon – Kerbulak natural landmarks - Tamgaly-Tas (20 km).
After ascending from the Ili Valley, our road turns toward the regional center of Bakanas. We pass through the steppe and soon begin a descent into the wide Ili River Valley, with the blue ribbon of the river clearly visible from the descent. Arrival at Tamgaly-Tas natural landmark.
Walk in the surrounding area, exploring the rock carvings of Buddha, which contain six images. Climb to a panoramic platform dominating the surrounding area, offering beautiful views of the southern and northern parts of the Ili River.
Travel: Ili River - Shengeldy village - Saryozek village - Altyn-Emel pass - Basshi village (197 km).
The next interesting point on our route is the Altyn-Emel Pass, a stop at the pass, and a short walk in the surrounding area. Arrival in the village of Basshi, check-in at a guesthouse, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 5. Altyn-Emel Nature Park. Singing Dune – Aktau Mountains (252 km). 

Breakfast. Transfer: Basshi village – Shagan cordons – Mynbulak – Singing Dune (48 km).
Walk around the sand mountain, optionally climbing through loose sand to the top of the sand dune.
Transfer: Singing Dune – Valikhanov Spring (2 km),
descent to the spring. According to legend, the Kazakh traveler Shokan Valikhanov stopped at the spring here. Walk in the surrounding area.
Transfer: Valikhanov Spring – Oshaktas stones (8 km).
A walk around the Oshaktas stones.
Transfer: Oshaktas – Mynbulak cordon (1 km).
At Mynbulak cordon, you can visit a small pond home to a small family of carp and other fish. Ancient willows, some 100 years old, will also catch your eye. You can rest in their shade after visiting the Singing Dune and drink cold water from the spring. Lunch.
Transfer: Mynbulak – Shagan cordon – Nurum settlements – Aktobe – Aktau Mountains (118 km).
We hope to be lucky and encounter a herd of Turkmenian kulans and rare goitered gazelles during our travels through the park. After Shagan cordon, we pass two small villages, and after them, our route leads east between the Aktau Mountains and the Ili River to the east.
The dirt road gradually leads us to the mountains, and the rest of the journey runs along the southern slopes of the Katu-Tau and Aktau mountains. Arrive at the colorful Aktau mountains and hike up the gorge.
Transfer: Aktau – Katu-Tau mountains (14 km).
Arrive at the Katu-Tau rock massif, walk in the surrounding area.
Transfer: Katu-Tau – Kosbastau cordon-natural landmark (32 km).
At the cordon there is a small artificial pond and several century-old willows. Walk in the surrounding area.
Transfer: Kosbastau – Basshi village (29 km).
Arrival in Basshi, dinner, overnight.

Day 6. Settlements Basshi – Zharkent (142 km).

Breakfast. Transfer: Basshi – Eastern Aktau Mountains (76 km).
Eastern Aktau is a spurs of the Aktau Range, crossed by a road. We can easily take short walks near the car, admiring the magnificent landscapes with outcrops of multicolored clays.
Transfer: Eastern Aktau – Tiger Mountains (18 km).
The Tiger Mountains have a geographical name – the Dolantau Mountains. One of the most interesting A natural wonder, composed of chalk deposits with a variety of colors. The mountains are interesting and picturesque, with landscapes of rare beauty.
The mountain deposits are 60 - 70 million years old. Fossil flora and representatives of subtropical forms of ancient plants can be found here. Lunch on route.
Transfer: Tiger Mountains – Koktal settlement – Zharkent (48 km).
Our next destination is Zharkent, the administrative center of the Panfilov District, located 35 kilometers from the Chinese border and the Khorgos checkpoint. We will visit the Zharkent Mosque architectural and art museum (1892) and the Zharkent Orthodox Church (1892).
Hotel check-in, overnight stay, and dinner.

Day 7. Zharkent – ​​Kolsay Gorge (256 km).

Breakfast. Transfer: Zharkent settlements – ​​Koktal – Ili River – Wooden Lake (50 km).
Walk in the area surrounding the lake. The lake is surrounded to the west and north by the advancing sands of the Karabaskum Desert, which lie west of the lake. To the east and south, the lake is surrounded by tugai and poplar thickets. The Karaeren River flows out of the lake and continues its journey to the Ili River.
Transfer: Wooden Lake – Chundzha village – Charyn River – Charyn Canyon (79 km).
Walk in the area, descent into the canyon.
Transfer: Charyn Canyon – Kurtogay natural landmark (24 km).
Walk in the area surrounding the natural landmark.
Transfer: Kurtogay natural landmark – Aktogay natural landmark on the Charyn River (10 km).
Walk in the area surrounding the natural landmark.
Transfer: Aktogay natural landmark – Zhalanash settlement – Kaindy Lake (72 km).
We pass the village of Karabulak and our route lies along the Kaindy River to the lake of the same name. We leave the car in the parking lot and continue on foot (700 meters) to the lake. A walk in the surrounding area of ​​the lake.
Transfer: Kaindy Lake – Saty village – guesthouse in the Kolsay Gorge (21 km).
Arrival at the guesthouse, check-in, dinner, and overnight.

Day 8. Lower Kolsay Lake – Middle Kolsay Lake (8 km + 8 km = 16 km).

Breakfast. Today we will take a hike to Middle Kolsay Lake, located at an altitude of 1819 m above sea level (8 km + 8 km = 16 km).
The trail runs along the left bank of the lake, offering magnificent views of Lake Kolsai and the surrounding mountains. Lake Kolsai Lower is home to king trout. The Kolsai River flows into the lake from the south, and it is over two kilometers long and up to 80 meters deep.
The beautiful Lake Kolsai Middle is surrounded by high mountains, with the Kolsai River flowing into the lake from the south.
Lunch at Lake Kolsai Middle.
Return to Lake Kolsai Lower.
Transfer: Lake Kolsai Lower guesthouse (8 km).
Dinner, overnight.

Day 9. Lake Kolsai LOwer – Kurmenty village – upper Kurmenty River (24 km).

Breakfast. Transfer to Kurmenty village (8 km).
Horseback riding to the upper Kurmenty River gorge, in the Botaly natural landmark (8 km).
A walk around the Botaly natural landmark. Lunch.
Return to the village of Kurmenty.
Transfer to a guesthouse on Kolsay gorge (8 km).
Dinner, overnight.

Day 10. Kolsay Gorge – Almaty (304 km).

Breakfast. Transfer: Kolsay Gorge – settlements Saty – Zhalanash – Kokpek – Nura – Baiseit (168 km).
Lunch in Baiseit village.
Transfer: Baiseit village – Almaty (136 km).
Arrival in Almaty, farewell dinner, end of the tour.

* Note:

Entry to Big Almaty Lake is closed to private vehicles indefinitely and remains so as of December 2025. Entry was first officially closed on October 4, 2019. The reasons cited for the closure include the need for repairs, construction of mudflow protection dams, and road safety.
In August 2023, the road was briefly reopened after three years of restrictions, but on September 27, 2023, access to private vehicles was closed again. Since then, the road remains closed to private vehicles.

Note:
Author program of Alexander Petrov. Copying and introduction - from sanction of author.

Photos by:
Alexander Petrov