The Mysterious Zhungar Mountains
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Back to route The Mysterious Zhungar Mountains
Day 1
Day travel distance:
305 km 
We leave Almaty at 8 am and arrive in the provincial capital Taldy Korgan at 1 pm and have lunch in a cafe. Here we change transport, from a luxurious minibus to a sturdier one (Gaz-66), well-equipped for the terrain we'r egoing to deal with. We take a local guide and move on to Tekely, entrance to the Zhungar Mountains.
We pass the border control and start ascending the gorge. By tradition the first stop is near the Mirrow spring. Here we have a rest and take pictures.
Further on we have short stops on the road and arrive at the camp site at 10 pm. We pitch our tents and have supper.
Day 2
Day travel distance:
4 km 
After breakfast we hike up to the Burhan Bulak waterfalls, where we can even have a swim. We take a rest and enjoy the surroundings, before heading back to the campsite.
There we have time for ourselves (hiking, collecting mushrooms, horseriding).
In the evening, after supper, guests are invited to join the Russian tradition of singing at the bonfire.
Day 3
Day travel distance:
15 km 
A walk to the upper reaches of the gorge. We cross the river Kora by a hanging bridge and have lunch in the open air.
After lunch we walk to the lakes and return to the camp.
In the evening supper, bonfire...
Day 4
Day travel distance:
10 km 
After breakfast we pack our tents and descend to a bee-keeper. Here we familiarize ourselves with its work and the life of the local people.
We have lunch and hike/explore the surroundings.
Here we also pitch our tents and have supper.
Day 5
Day travel distance:
295 km 
Today, after breakfast, we leave for Taldy Korgan and have a lunch in a cafe in that town, followed by a change of cars.
We arrive in Almaty at appox. 10 pm.