📸 How it went
Route program
Group Meeting and Departure to KimAsar Gorge
We meet near Medeu, check the equipment, water supply, and participants’ readiness. At 8:00 AM, we start moving toward KimAsar Gorge and gradually join the main mountain trail.
Near the final bus stop at MedeuAscent to the KimAsar Swings
Climb along a forest trail with a gradual elevation gain. Along the way, we make short stops for water and rest. At the swings, we take a break and take photos with the mountains in the background.
KimAsar Gorge → mountain swingsHike to Enthusiasts’ Meadow
Continue climbing above the dense forest line. The trail becomes more open, revealing panoramic views of the gorge and nearby peaks. At Enthusiasts’ Meadow, we take our main break before the final section of the route.
KimAsar Swings → Enthusiasts’ MeadowAscent to Furmanov Peak
Reach the ridge and begin the final ascent to the summit. This section requires a steady pace and good physical fitness. At the peak, we rest, have a snack, and take photos of the mountain panoramas.
Enthusiasts’ Meadow → Furmanov Peak, 3,053 mDescent and Return to Medeu
Return along the same route through Enthusiasts’ Meadow and the KimAsar Swings. On steep sections, we descend carefully and keep the group’s overall pace. We finish the hike near the final bus stop at Medeu at around 4:30 PM.
Furmanov Peak → Enthusiasts’ Meadow → KimAsar Swings → MedeuDescription
Furmanov Peak is one of the most popular trekking summits in the Almaty mountains. It is located above the KimAsar Gorge in the Trans-Ili Alatau, not far from the high-altitude Medeu skating rink. The summit stands at approximately 3,053 m above sea level.
The route combines a forest trail, open mountain slopes, a long ascent, and panoramic views. It is a full-day hike that is noticeably more challenging than the shorter routes around Medeu.
How the Route Through KimAsar Gorge Goes
The hike usually starts near the final bus stop by the Medeu skating rink. Hikers first head toward KimAsar Gorge, where Mount Serkebai is also located, before joining the main trail and gradually gaining elevation.
The lower part of the route passes through spruce forest and along mountain slopes. Higher up, the forest becomes thinner and open sections appear, offering views of the neighbouring gorges and peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau. The final part of the ascent follows the ridge and requires more effort because of the altitude and sustained elevation gain.
Swings on the Way to Furmanov Peak
One of the best-known landmarks on the route is the KimAsar swings in Almaty, located at an altitude of approximately 2,600 m. They stand along the trail to the summit and are often used as a rest stop.
The area around the swings offers beautiful views of the mountains and the gorge. You can take atmospheric photos, rest before continuing the ascent, or finish a shorter version of the hike without reaching the summit.
The swings can become crowded on weekends, so it is better to arrive early for a quieter photo session.
Distance and Elevation Gain from Medeu
The round-trip distance from the final bus stop near the Medeu skating rink to Furmanov Peak is approximately 14-16 km. The exact distance depends on the chosen trail, the point where you join the ridge, and any small detours along the route.
Main hike details:
Distance - approximately 15 km round trip.
Elevation gain - approximately +1,400 m.
Summit elevation - 3,053 m.
Duration - approximately 7–10 hours, including breaks.
Difficulty - above average.
The route to the swings is noticeably shorter and easier than the full ascent to Furmanov Peak.
Who Is the Furmanov Peak Hike Suitable For?
The hike is suitable for people with experience on full-day mountain routes and a good level of physical fitness. For a first mountain hike, the summit may be too challenging because of the significant elevation gain, long duration, and altitude above 3,000 m.
It is important to maintain a steady pace, drink water regularly, and monitor how you feel. In case of severe fatigue, worsening weather, or poor health, turning back early is the safer option.
What to Bring
For this route, you will need trekking shoes or boots with good traction, enough water, a high-energy snack, a windbreaker, and clothing suitable for the weather. Trekking poles, sunglasses, a hat, and a rain jacket can also be useful.
Weather conditions above the tree line can change quickly. Even in summer, the ridge may be cold, windy, and cloudy.
Why Furmanov Peak Is Worth Climbing
Furmanov Peak attracts hikers with its varied route, beautiful views, and the feeling of completing a real mountain ascent. In a single day, you can walk through KimAsar Gorge, see coniferous forest, take photos on the mountain swings, and climb above 3,000 m.
It is a good route for those who are ready for a serious physical challenge and want to progress from easy walks to longer hikes in the Almaty mountains.
Это был мой первый пик! Большое спасибо Айдыну, всё было очень интересно. Желаю Айдыну всего наилучшего.
БалжанВсе было отлично. С погодой повезло. После дождя картинка в горах хрустела )))
Отличный поход и организация. Спасибо Айдыну. Ждем следующих выходных )))
Первый трехтысячник в этом году 🙌🏽 Спасибо Айдыну, поход на пик Фурманова прошел комфортно!
Зарина
