Kazakhstan - Hike to Kok Zhailau, Three Brothers, and Kumbel Peak

Kok Zhailau Trail View of Almaty - Almaty, Kazakhstan

DISTANCE

9 km each way, Kok Zhailau - 4.3 km, Three Brothers - 7.3 km, Kumbel Peak - 9 km

DIFFICULTY

Hard

TRAIL TYPE

Out and back

Kok Zhailau is a big open plateau in the Ile-Alatau National Park. It has an elevation of 2250 meters and it is a two hour hike from the main road.

Directions to the trail-head:

Take Bus 12 going south from the bus stop across the street from the Kazakhstan Hotel, Map Location: 43.244797, 76.956419 . Buses 65, 121 and 131 connect to the Kazakhstan Hotel from the north.

Bus 12 Route

Get off of the bus at the "Komissarovskoe" stop, Map Location: 43.16207, 77.040842 . Walk back toward the city for about 50 m and turn left (west). Follow the road as it loops back to the south toward the mountains. Stay on the main road as it turns to gravel and ends in a parking lot. At this point there are signs to Kok Zhailau. When the gravel road ends turn right on to the trail, there is a sign.

The rest of the trail is straightforward. It's about a two hour hike to the Kok Zhailau clearing. From there it's another two hours to Kumbel Peak, follow the big sign. The last few kilometers are very steep and grueling.

Take plenty of water in the summer (two liters). There is a stream crossing at Kok Zhailau on the way to the Kumbel Peak trail. Water is available if you have a water filter.