Backpacking to Molodezhnyi and Tuyk-Su glaciers
Excursions in Kazakhstan
A walk to Medeo valley, Molodezhnyi and Tuyk-Su glaciers
Small Almaty Gorge
Duration – 8 hours
Advance order – 24 hours before
Season – all the year round
Transfer: Almaty – Medeo (H-1690) – Chimbulak ski resort (H-2230) (25 km). Walking to Molodezhnyi and Tuyuk-Su glaciers (H-3400). Lunch. Back to Almaty
About the Malaya Almatinka Gorge
The Malaya Almatinka Gorge provides stunning panoramic views: Mt. Mokhnatka with its thick cap of fir-trees, the iamond-shaped Êumbel behind it, Mt. Abai in the distance slicing into the bright blue morning sky, and the towering cliffs of the Tuyuk-Su Gates. This region is known for its 46 mountain trails, ranging from simple to extremely challenging.
Between the Malaya and Bolshaya Almatinka Gorges is à huge Alpine meadow named Kok-Jailyau (Green Pasture). This is one of the most popular hikes. The climb to the Kok-Jailyau plateau begins at the Prosveshchenets holiday home just above the confluence of the Malaya Almatinka and Âà tareika rivers (1 km below the Medeu ice rink).
The hike takes 2 - 3 hours, through fir and birch woods à ll the way. The path is just as interesting in winter, when people have great fun sledging and skiing down the gentle 8-km slope. From the plateau you can climb the neighboring Mt. Ê umbel (H-3200). The path to the Ê umbel ridge takes you past the enormous cliffs known as the "Three Brothers" (H-3000).
The vast Tuyuk-Su Gates open the way ãî the granite peak of Tuyuk-Su (H-4200) to the right of the Shymbulak ski resort. This is perhaps the most accessible glacier in the region It's in the centre of à glacier group which forms à horseshoe shape 35 km long and 15 km wide. The glacier shrinks by 10 m ðå r year on average and the resulting water forms à lake in summer. When the snow is melting particularly fast, the lake overflows and this ñà n couse torrents of meltwater.
It was to protect Almaty from meltwater floods that hydro technical facilities were constructed in the Malaya Almatinka and adjoining valleys. The Lejt Talgar Gorge is in- credible with its swift-flowing river, sheer cliffs and Alpine meadows. Trekkers are always overwhelmed by the magnificent scenery with dazzlingly white glaciers.
The rapid Gorelnik and Butakovka rivers create several graceful little waterfalls. There àãå wonderful bridleways and footpaths through Medeu to the Êim-Asar Pass (H-2060). The trail runs along à small mountain stream, also named Êim-Asar.
One of the most beautiful spots îï the way is the Butakovka Gorge, à veritable paradies dotted with aspen and birch trees, sunny glades and intoxicatingly-scented wild flowers. Near the Butakovka Pass it self, by the edge of the forest, is à perfect picnic spot surrounded by shady fir trees.
Not far away, in à thicket of wild raspberry bushes to the left of the gorge, you can admire the lovely Butakovka Falls.
Even more arresting is the Lesnoi Pass (H-2650),which gives you an unforgettabIe view of the river valleys. In the Kotyrbulak Gorge you will find the Al ò atau ski resort (H-1870), with the Tau-Sa m al health spa below it.
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Arched top of peak Molodezhnyi (Í-
4147)
Peaks on east ridge of gorge
Maloalmatinskogo
Road to on base of glaciologists
Tuyk-Su
Ordzhonikidze peak in the Zailiiskiy
Alatau range
A meteorological station in natural
boundary Mynzhilki
East party of gorge from a dam
Road the to top gorges
Maloalmatinskogo
Kind to Maloalmatinskoe gorge from
Bastion
Amangeldy peak
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