In two hours to 3200 meters: On the way in the Ile-Alatau Mountains

Just behind Almaty, only half an hour away by bus, begins the northern foothill of the central Tien Shan: the Ile-Alatau Mountains.

From Medeu, a small winter sports town, a cable car takes you up to 3200 meters in about 90 minutes to the Shymbulak ski resort. While there is no snow in the summer, the area is perfect for hiking. Philipp and I spent yesterday up there, exploring a bit and enjoying the rugged, wild landscape.

It’s quite crazy: In about two hours (including bus and cable car rides), you suddenly find yourself at an altitude that you usually only reach with strenuous mountain tours. Without having to physically exert yourself for even a minute, you have a magnificent view of glaciers and peaks that are almost as high as Mont Blanc, some over 4000 meters!

We quickly agreed that we want to come back here next week, but this time with a tent in our backpacks. The nice thing is: You can camp practically anywhere here...

P.S.: From now on, Philipp will contribute to the blog and write a few texts in Russian for his family. A warm welcome to all new readers! :)

P.S.: From this moment, Philipp will participate in managing the blog and will write small texts in Russian for his family. Welcome to all new readers! :)

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About half an hour by public transport from the center of Almaty is the Medeu winter sports center that has been around since Soviet times. From there, you can head into the mountains in various directions - it's amazing that the stunning landscapes of the Tien Shan highlands can be seen so close to the city of Almaty.

At an altitude of about 3200 meters above sea level, there is a cable car station from where we hiked around the Chkalov Peak (43.10359 77.12762) to where the Sauryksai River flows into the Left Talgar. Along the way, travelers are treated to views of beautiful, rugged landscapes with constantly changing weather.