Mountain Trek · 5 days · July–August only

Assy Plateau to Kolsai Lakes — 5-Day Mountain Trek

A fully supported 90 km trek over Kyzylauuz Pass (3,010 m), through the hidden Zhinizhke Valley, finishing at Lower Kolsai Lake — participants carry day packs only.

7 days ~85 km on foot / horse 2,000–3,000 m Jun–Sep Max 8 guests
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Duration

5 trekking days

Season

July–August only

Group

Up to 15

Distance

~90 km

Difficulty

Challenging ★★★★

Max altitude

3,010 m (Kyzylauuz Pass)

3,010m

Kyzylauuz Pass — the high point

Trekking poles essential. From the summit, the Kungey Alatau glaciers and Kyz Ymshek Peak (4,024 m) come into view.

90km

Five trekking days

From Assy Plateau (2,600 m) to Lower Kolsai Lake (1,818 m) — a real Tien Shan traverse.

0kg

On your back

Day packs only. 4×4 support vehicles carry all gear, tents, food, and camp infrastructure.

Route Overview

A fully supported trek from Assy 2,600 m to Kolsai 1,818 m.

From Assy Plateau (2,600 m) over Kyzylauuz Pass (3,010 m) — the highest point — through the hidden Zhinizhke Valley, over Beskaragai Pass (2,400 m), down to the Chilyk River, finishing at Lower Kolsai Lake (1,818 m). Participants carry day packs only — all gear and meals transported by 4×4 support vehicles. 90 km over 5 trekking days.

Key Highlights

What you carry away

  • Kyzylauuz Pass (3,010 m) — panorama of Kungey Alatau glaciers and Kyz Ymshek Peak (4,024 m)
  • Zhinizhke Valley — lush hidden oasis, authentic kumiss and ayran from local families

 

 

  • Lower Kolsai Lake (1,818 m) — iconic turquoise mountain lake as the finish line
  • Fully supported format — day packs only, 4×4 vehicles carry all gear

Itinerary

Day by day

Day 00Almaty → Assy

140 km up to the plateau — the trek begins tomorrow

Transfer via Turgen Gorge to base camp at ~2,600 m, briefing and gear check before the first morning.

  • Afternoon — Almaty → Assy Plateau (140 km, 3.5 hrs via Turgen Gorge).
  • Evening — Camp setup at base (~2,600 m). Briefing & gear check.
Day 01Into Kyzylauuz

Alpine meadows, edelweiss, the first ford

16 km · 6–7 hrs. Sleep at 2,540 m.

  • Morning — Assy Plateau → Kyzylauuz Gorge. Alpine meadows.
  • Midday — Assy River ford (knee-deep, July). Edelweiss fields.
  • Evening — Camp at 2,540 m.
Day 02The pass

KEY DAY — Kyzylauuz Pass (3,010 m) into Zhinizhke

18–20 km · 7–8 hrs. Sleep at 1,810 m. The most demanding day of the trek.

  • Morning — Ascent to Kyzylauuz Pass (3,010 m). Trekking poles essential.
  • Midday — Summit: Kungey Alatau panorama, glaciers, Kyz Ymshek Peak (4,024 m).
  • Afternoon — Long scree descent into the Zhinizhke Valley. Camp at 1,810 m.
Day 03Hidden valley

Through juniper forests to a working aul

18–20 km · 7–8 hrs. Sleep at 1,990 m.

  • Morning — Zhinizhke Valley → Interfluve Plateau. Juniper forests.
  • Afternoon — Zhinizhke village — fresh kumiss & ayran from local families.
  • Evening — Camp at 1,990 m.
Day 04To the Chilyk

Beskaragai Pass and the long view back

14 km · 5–6 hrs. Sleep at 1,500 m.

  • Morning — Beskaragai Pass (2,400 m). Sweeping Kungey Alatau views.
  • Afternoon — Descent to the Chilyk River.
  • Evening — Campfire and fishing. Camp at 1,500 m.
Day 05Finish at Kolsai

Out of the mountains, into the turquoise

15–16 km. The trek ends at Lower Kolsai Lake (1,818 m); transfer to Almaty on arrival.

  • Morning — Chilyk River → Lower Kolsai Lake (1,818 m).
  • Afternoon — Transfer to Almaty.

Before you book

How the trek runs

Five demanding days of mountain trekking — fully supported, but real altitude and real distance. You carry a day pack; the camp travels with you.

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Activity level

Challenging ★★★★. 5 trekking days, 14–20 km each, with one 3,010 m pass. Prior multi-day mountain experience required. Strong knees for long scree descents.

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Camp & meals

5 tented camp nights at pre-scouted locations. Hot breakfast + trail lunch pack + hot dinner daily. Tents, bio-toilet and solar shower provided.

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Access & transfers

Transfers Almaty → Assy and Kolsai → Almaty included. 2–3 guides & cooks travel with the group. 4×4 support vehicles carry all expedition gear.

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Season

July–August only. Outside these months passes are snowbound or river fords impassable. Departures confirmed by weather and group readiness.

Pricing

Per person, by group size

All prices per person · Private departure · Full board included where stated

2 persons

$1,850

Private departure, maximum attention

4 persons

$1,190

Most popular group size

6+ persons

from $890

Best value per person

Included

What's in the price

  • Transfers (Almaty → Assy Plateau, Kolsai → Almaty)
  • 5 nights tented camping at pre-scouted locations
  • All meals: hot breakfast + trail lunch pack + hot dinner daily
  • All NP permits (Ile-Alatau + Kolsai + border zone)
  • 2–3 guides/cooks + 4×4 support vehicles (carry all gear)
  • Camp equipment (tents, bio-toilet, solar shower)

Not included

What sits outside

  • International / domestic flights
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Personal trekking gear: poles, boots, layers, sleeping bag
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities

Begin

Five days on foot. One pass at 3,010 m. The Tien Shan, end to end.

Private dates, your group, your pace. We reply within 48 hours, in person — usually with three options shaped around your brief.

Request a Private Expedition →
48 h reply window 24/7 operations desk during the visit One team — design to host