The Malaya Almatinka Gorge provides stunning panoramic views: MtMokbnatka with its thick cap of fir-trees, the diamond-shaped Kumbel behind it, Mt. Abai in the distance slicing into the bright blue morning sky, and the towering cliffs of the Tuyuk-Su Gates. This region is known for its 46 mountain trails, ranging from simple to extremely challenging. Between the Malaya and Bolshaya Almatinka Gorges is a huge Alpine meadow named Kok-Jailyau (Green Pasture). This is one of the most popular hikes. The climb to the Kok-Jailyau pla-teau begins at the Prosvesh-chenets holiday home just above the confluence of the Malaya Almatinka and Bata-reika rivers (1 km below the Medeu ice rink). The hike takes 2-2'/2 hours, through fir and birch woods all the way. The path is just as interesting in winter, when people have great fun sledging and skiing down the gentle 8-km slope. From the platcau you can climb the neighbouring Mt Kumbel (3,200 m). The path to the Kumbel ridge takes you past the enormous cliffs known as the "Three Brothers" (3,000 m). The vast Tuyuk-Su Gates open the way to the granite peak of Tuyuk-Su (4,200 m) to the right of the Shymbulak ski resort. This is perhaps the most accessible glacier in the region. It's in the centre of a glacier group which forms a horseshoe shape 3.5 km long and 1.5 km wide. The glacier shrinks by 10 m per year on average and the resulting water forms a lake in summer. When the snow is melting particularly fast, the lake overflows and this can cause torrents of meltwater. It was to protect Almaty from meltwater floods that hydro-technical facilities were constructed in the Malaya Almatinka and adjoining valleys.
    The Left Talgar Gorge is incredible with its swift-flowing river, sheer cliffs and Alpine meadows. Trekkers are always overwhelmed by the magnificent scenery with dazzlingly white glaciers. The rapid Gorelnik md Butakovka rivers create several graceful little waterfalls. There are wonderful bridleways and footpaths through Medeu to the Kim-AsarPass (2,060 m). The trail runs along a small mountain stream, also named Kim-Asar. One of the most beautiful spots on the way is the Butak-ovka Gorge, a veritable paradise dotted with aspen and birch trees, sunny glades and intoxicatingly-scented wild-flowers. Near the Butakovka Pass itself, by the edge of the forest, is a perfect picnic spot surrounded by shady fir trees. Not far away, in a thicket of wild raspberry bushes to the left of the gorge, you can admire the lovely Butakovka Falls. Even more arresting is the Lesnoi Pass (2,650 m), which gives you an unforgettable view of the river valleys. In the Kotyrhulak Gorge you will find theAlmatau ski resort (1,870 m), with the Tau-Samal health spa below it.