Eight Shamalgan and Uzyn Kargaly Passes from Kasymbeksay: hiking in Алматинская область
TrailTrack route Hiking Алматинская область Multi-day
Waiting for the first trip report

Eight Shamalgan and Uzyn Kargaly Passes from Kasymbeksay

Distance
57.2 km
Estimated moving time
21 h 38 min
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Hard
Open on map
Download route
GPXFor navigation apps KMLFor Google Earth and maps

Route description

Western Trans-Ili Alatau unfolds here through successive mountain saddles. From the Kasymbeksay side, the journey approaches Shamalgan and Uzyn Kargaly, then links Zharkus, Satty, Milky Quartz and Fluorite passes. Each saddle offers a reason to pause and examine the surrounding ridges before moving into the next part of the mountains. After Pleasant Pass, the journey reaches Meduza and turns towards Kyzylsaz and Gauhar-Zhan-Tas. A prepared mountain group is essential: snow and ice interrupt the rocky crossings and require an independent passage plan. Pleasant Pass’s inviting name cannot replace an assessment of neighbouring high ground. The selected ending remains in the mountains apart from the beginning, so arrange the exit to a lower road beforehand. Careful preparation makes room to appreciate these lesser-known saddles and the mountain spaces between them.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 13.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

0

Be the first to confirm a completion and help other travellers.

Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Dirt 95%

Surface is defined for 95% of the route.

Dirt 95% · 54.3 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Link eight identifiable passes in western Trans-Ili Alatau and watch the arrangement of valleys change with each ridge crossing. Milky Quartz and Fluorite provide a distinctive pair of mineral names before the far turn through Meduza.
Length
57.2 km
Elevation gain
2901 m
Surface
Dirt 95%
Eight Shamalgan and Uzyn Kargaly Passes from Kasymbeksay: route photo 2 in Алматинская область

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car - Hard With children - No With a dog - No data By bike - No With a stroller - No Mobile signal - No data An experienced mountain group needs multi-day preparation and snow-and-ice skills. Arrange the lower approach, exit from the ending and overnight places beforehand. The complete passage is unsuitable for a children’s leisure walk, bicycle or stroller. Dog rules and continuous reception are unconfirmed.

Nearby

Zharaspan and Fluorite summits require separate ascents; passing a neighbouring slope or saddle does not reach the summit. Lower Kaskelen walks and Uzyn Kargaly waterfalls have different approaches. Adding them requires an independent exit plan.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Current scheduled transport directly to the mountain beginning is unconfirmed. Arrange delivery to a permitted lower approach on the Kaskelen side and an independent walking ascent. Collection follows a separately planned descent: the selected ending differs from the beginning and is not an established vehicle meeting point.
By car
Agree the lower Kasymbeksay approach through the Kaskelen side. Confirm park admission and passage beside private land; unrestricted access through the deer farm cannot be assumed. Vehicles serve lower arrival, while reaching the mountain beginning and leaving the ending require separate plans.
Parking
Parking is unconfirmed. Arrange permitted lower-side vehicle storage before the journey. Park rules require designated spaces; a particular place serving this multi-pass outing has not been verified.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Zharkus Pass the named saddle in the first part of the high-mountain sequence.
Satty Pass the next distinct pass crossing on the westward passage.
Milky Quartz Pass the mineral-named saddle between successive mountain crossings.
Fluorite Pass the high saddle; the peak sharing its name lies outside the passage.
Pleasant Pass the separate saddle after Fluorite; its name does not determine passage difficulty.
Meduza Pass the far southern turn of the multi-pass outing.
Kyzylsaz Pass the saddle on the subsequent northward passage.
Gauhar-Zhan-Tas Pass the last confirmed named pass before the concluding mountain section.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 2901 м.
SurfaceDirt 95%.
Риски Rocky slopes, snow and ice require mountain skills, settled weather and an assessment of every pass. A qualified leader should decide equipment and protection for icy sections according to present conditions. Names and historic pass grades cannot replace checks for snow, crevasses, loose rock and water crossings. Confirm park admission before travel: the published temporary Kaskelen mudflow restriction cannot be assumed lifted. The complete passage does not return to its original lower approach.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 21 h 38 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
Time for the route | Unestablished With stops | Unestablished This is a multi-day mountain outing. A day-by-day plan is not established. Design overnight locations, water supply, a weather reserve and an independent descent from the ending; no verified duration or guaranteed overnight places exist for this selected version.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Choose a settled summer high-mountain window after checking snow and ice. August observations on individual passes do not establish reliable annual access. Early snow and autumn frost can transform passage; prepare any winter version as a separate mountain journey.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Mountain boots, poles, warm layers and waterproofs.
Tent, sleeping system, reserve food, first-aid kit and headlamp.
Navigation and emergency communication; crampons, ice axes, helmets and protection equipment under an agreed ice-section plan.
Identification, proof of park admission and lower-access arrangements.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Current scheduled transport directly to the mountain beginning is unconfirmed. Arrange delivery to a permitted lower approach on the Kaskelen side and an independent walking ascent. Collection follows a separately planned descent: the selected ending differs from the beginning and is not an established vehicle meeting point

Is this route suitable for children?

Do not treat this as a basic child-friendly route: check difficulty, length, and trail conditions before going.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 57.2 km, hard.

Discussion

Comments 0

Log in to read the discussion and leave comments.

Ask about the route or its surface, or share your experience.

Log in Sign up