Day Hiking Tour to Bogdanovich Glacier from Almaty

A full-day guided hike from Almaty to the Bogdanovich Glacier — the closest glacier to the city — reached from Talgar Pass (3,200 m) via cable car, with stunning views of hanging glaciers, 4,000 m peaks, and access to the Oktyabrskaya ice cave in winter.

What to expect on the Bogdanovich Glacier hike

The Bogdanovich Glacier hike from Almaty is one of the most accessible high-altitude glacier experiences in Central Asia. Thanks to the cable car system that connects Medeo to the top of Shymbulak ski resort, you begin hiking at roughly 3,200 meters — skipping the hours of approach that most glacier treks require. From Talgar Pass, a trail leads south through alpine highlands, across moraine debris, and along the glacier’s lateral moraine to the tongue of the ice at approximately 3,370 m, with views extending to peaks above 4,000 m.

What makes this hike unusual is not just the glacier itself but the fact that you can reach it in a single day from the center of a two-million-person city. In summer, the route is a rocky high-altitude walk through a landscape stripped to bare essentials — stone, ice, sky. In winter, the same glacier reveals the Oktyabrskaya Cave, a network of ice tunnels and chambers that has become one of Almaty’s most photographed natural sites. Either way, you’re standing on ice that feeds the rivers flowing through Almaty’s parks and fountains.

The glacier is named after Karl Ivanovich Bogdanovich (1864–1947), a Polish-Russian geologist who came to the region to study the devastating Chon-Kemin earthquake of 1911. Glaciologist S.E. Dmitriev named the glacier in his honor that same year.

Detailed Itinerary

Transfer and cable car to Talgar Pass (1–1.5 hours)

We pick you up from your accommodation in Almaty in the morning and drive to Medeo (1,691 m), the high-altitude skating rink complex 15 km south of the city center. From Medeo, we take the cable car up to Shymbulak ski resort (~2,260 m), then continue on the second cable car (combi 2) to the upper station near Talgar Pass at approximately 3,200 m above sea level.

The cable car ride itself is part of the experience — in 25 minutes, you gain over 1,500 meters of elevation while the mountain landscape unfolds beneath you. Talgar Pass (Talgarskiy Peréval) is a pronounced mountain saddle and the watershed between the Small Almaty Gorge and the Left Talgar River valley. On a clear day, you can see Talgar Peak (4,979 m) — the highest summit of the Zailiyskiy Alatau — from the pass.

Talgar Pass to the glacier viewpoint (1.5–2 hours)

From the upper cable car station, the hiking begins. The trail heads south along the left (eastern) side of the valley, initially following a faint dirt track through the zone of alpine highlands — sparse, low-lying vegetation, scattered rocks, and open sky in every direction. There is no tree cover here; you’re above the treeline from the start.

The path gradually transitions onto the left lateral moraine of the glacier — a ridge of rubble deposited by centuries of glacial movement. The trail becomes less defined here, marked in places by small stone cairns (pyramids). After roughly an hour, the path crosses a large rocky ledge and moves toward the center of the valley, approaching the glacier from its right flank.

Along the way, you’ll see the hanging glaciers Ayak and Til clinging to the flanks of Chkalov Peak (3,892 m) and Fizkulturnik Peak (4,086 m). These smaller glaciers appear to cascade down the steep rock faces, their ice catching the light — a sight that’s particularly dramatic in the morning sun.

The trail ends at a viewpoint near the glacier tongue (~3,370 m), where the full panorama of the glacier basin opens up: the northern faces of Nursultan Peak (4,376 m, formerly Komsomol Peak), Amangeldy Peak (3,999 m), Karlytau (4,170 m), and Pioneer Peak rise in a semicircle of rock and ice. The Bogdanovich Glacier itself stretches several kilometers, its surface cracked with crevasses and covered in debris. The Sauruksay stream emerges from beneath the ice — one of the tributaries that eventually becomes drinking water for Almaty.

Time at the glacier (30–60 minutes)

We spend time at the viewpoint for rest, photos, and hot tea. In summer, the glacier tongue is accessible for a closer look, though walking on the ice itself requires caution — crevasses can be hidden beneath thin snow or debris, and the surface is uneven and sometimes unstable. Your guide will determine how close it’s safe to approach based on current conditions.

In winter (November–February), the main attraction shifts to the Oktyabrskaya (October) Cave — a natural ice cave formed within the glacier body. The cave features blue-tinged ice walls, frozen waterfalls, and tunnels that can extend for dozens of meters. Access depends on conditions each year; ice barriers and meltwater can make entrances hazardous, and your guide will assess safety on the day. The cave is only accessible in the cold months when the ice is stable.

Return to Talgar Pass and descent (1.5–2 hours hiking + 1 hour cable car)

The return follows the same trail back to Talgar Pass. The terrain is easier going back — you’re descending gently — but the moraine requires attention underfoot. From the pass, we take the cable car back down through Shymbulak to Medeo, then drive to Almaty.

Summer vs. winter: two different experiences

This is one of the few Almaty hikes that works in both seasons, and the experience changes dramatically.

Summer (June–September): The route is at its most straightforward. Snow has melted from the moraine trail, the views are clear, and the walking is warm (relatively — bring a jacket regardless). You’ll see the glacier’s surface texture, the meltwater streams, and the full panorama of peaks. Photography is best in the morning light.

Winter (November–February): The landscape is transformed by snow, and the Oktyabrskaya ice cave opens up within the glacier body. The cave’s blue ice walls and frozen formations are the highlight, drawing photographers and adventure seekers despite the cold. The trail is covered in snow and ice, making it significantly harder, and proper winter gear is essential. Temperatures at the glacier can drop below -15°C with wind chill. Days are shorter, so we start and return earlier.

Why book this guided Bogdanovich Glacier hike?

The trail beyond Talgar Pass has no markings and the path disappears entirely on the moraine section. Navigation relies on stone cairns and experience. The terrain — loose rock, occasional ice patches, and hidden crevasses near the glacier — presents real hazards, especially in changing weather. In winter, the risks multiply: snow obscures the trail, the ice cave can be unstable, and whiteout conditions develop quickly at altitude. A guide who knows this specific glacier is not optional — it’s the difference between a safe, rewarding day and a serious problem.

FAQ: Bogdanovich Glacier Hike

Is this the closest glacier to Almaty? Yes. Bogdanovich is widely considered the closest glacier to Almaty city center. The cable car infrastructure means you can reach it in a single day without multi-day trekking or technical equipment.

Do I need mountaineering experience? No. This is a hiking route, not a climbing route. However, the altitude (3,200–3,500 m), loose moraine terrain, and lack of a marked trail make it significantly harder than typical lowland hiking. Reasonable fitness and comfort on rocky ground are essential.

Is altitude sickness a risk? It can be, particularly because the cable car brings you to 3,200 m very quickly — your body has no time to acclimatize during the ride. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. We recommend acclimatizing in Almaty for at least a day before this hike, and we maintain a steady walking pace with frequent breaks. If you feel unwell, we descend.

Can I visit the Oktyabrskaya ice cave? The cave is accessible only in winter, typically November through February, when the glacier ice is stable. Access depends on conditions each year — your guide assesses safety on the day. In summer, meltwater makes the cave entrances dangerous and it’s not possible to enter.

Who was Karl Bogdanovich? Karl Ivanovich Bogdanovich (1864–1947) was a Polish-Russian geologist who came to the Almaty region (then called Verny) to study the catastrophic Chon-Kemin earthquake of 1911. His research contributed significantly to seismology and the tectonic mapping of Central Asia. Glaciologist S.E. Dmitriev named the glacier in his honor in 1911.

How much does the cable car cost? Cable car tickets (Medeo–Shymbulak–Talgar Pass, round trip) are included in the tour price. If traveling independently, check current prices at the Shymbulak website — they change seasonally.

Can I walk on the glacier itself? In summer, your guide may take you onto the edge of the glacier tongue depending on conditions, but walking deep onto the glacier surface requires ropes and technical equipment due to hidden crevasses. In winter, the approach to the ice cave involves walking on or near the glacier surface — your guide will assess the conditions and provide any necessary safety briefing.

What peaks can I see from the glacier viewpoint? The main peaks visible are Nursultan Peak (4,376 m, formerly Komsomol Peak), Amangeldy Peak (3,999 m), Karlytau (4,170 m), Pioneer Peak, Chkalov Peak (3,892 m), and Fizkulturnik Peak (4,086 m). On a clear day, you can also see Talgar Peak (4,979 m) — the highest summit of the entire Zailiyskiy Alatau — from Talgar Pass.

Is this hike suitable for children? For older children (12+) with hiking experience who are comfortable at altitude, it can work in summer. The main concerns are the altitude (rapid ascent by cable car), loose rocky terrain, and the length of the day. Not recommended for young children. Discuss with us at booking.