Exploring the Majestic Qasqyr Tauy: A Hiker's Paradise

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, start from Almaty city center. Take the Al-Farabi Avenue heading east until you reach the intersection with the Almaty Ring Road (also called the Big Almaty Ring Road). Merge onto the ring road and follow the signs towards the Almaty Mountains. After approximately 20 km, take the exit towards the Turgen Gorge area. Continue straight until you reach the village of Turgen, where you can stop for supplies. From Turgen, follow the road signs leading towards Qasqyr tauy. The road will take you through scenic vistas. After about 30 minutes of driving, you will see the parking area near the hiking trailhead at coordinates 43.107365, 76.884524. Make sure to check the road conditions before heading out as they can vary.

• Public Transportation

  For public transportation, start at the Almaty central bus station (Avtovokzal). Take a bus heading towards the village of Turgen, which operates regularly throughout the day. The bus ride will take about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Once you arrive in Turgen, you can either walk or take a taxi to the Qasqyr tauy trailhead. If you choose to walk, it will take roughly 1 hour to reach the trailhead from the village center. Keep in mind that taxis may charge around 2000-3000 KZT (Kazakhstani Tenge) for the short trip.

• Hiking

  Once you arrive at the trailhead, prepare for a hike. The trail to Qasqyr tauy is well-marked and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Ensure you have proper hiking gear, sufficient water, and snacks. The hike will take approximately 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit, depending on your fitness level. Always check the weather conditions before heading out, as they can change rapidly in the mountains.