Tour from Almaty

Climbing Khan Tengri

5 · 22 reviews

Twenty-one days in the Central Tian Shan: helicopter drop to base camp on the Inylchek, two acclimatization rotations, and an assault on the seven-thousander. High-altitude climbing experience and a medical certificate required.

WhenJul–Aug
Duration21 days
StartAlmaty
Pricefrom $4,382/person

Program

Tour itinerary: Climbing Khan Tengri

Days 1–2

Group meeting in Almaty and transfer

Group meeting in Almaty, gear and document check. Transfer to the start of the route, accommodation in a roadside campsite or guesthouse. Preparation for the helicopter drop-off.

Day 3

Helicopter drop-off to base camp

Helicopter flight to base camp on the Inylchek Glacier. Accommodation in tents, altitude acclimatization, safety briefing.

Days 4–7

Acclimatization hike to 4200 m

Hike to an altitude of about 4200 m for initial acclimatization. Setting up an intermediate camp, overnight stay, practicing glacier travel skills. Return to base camp.

Days 8–12

Acclimatization rotation to 5200 m

Ascent to camp at about 5200 m, overnight stay there. Hike up to 5600 m and descent to base camp for rest and recovery.

Days 13–16

Summit push

Ascent to camp at 5200 m, then to the assault camp at 5800 m. Summit attempt on Khan Tengri (7010 m) depending on weather and group condition. Descent to base camp.

Days 17–18

Reserve days for weather

Reserve days for possible weather improvement or additional acclimatization. In good conditions — repeat summit attempts or rest.

Days 19–20

Return by helicopter to Almaty

Departure from base camp by helicopter, transfer to Almaty. Hotel accommodation, gear return, farewell dinner.

Day 21

Departure of participants

Free time in Almaty, transfer to the airport or train station. End of the program.

What's included

What is included: Climbing Khan Tengri

Included in Price

Already included in the tour price

  • Transport along the whole route
  • An experienced guide accompanying you
  • Route and stops planning

Paid separately

Optional, on site

  • Personal expenses
  • Meals, unless stated otherwise
  • Entrance tickets to individual sites

What to Bring

To make the day comfortable

  • Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
  • Water and a light snack
  • A charged phone or camera
  • A hat and sun protection

Team

Our team — guides and instructors from Almaty

Routes are led by working guides and instructors. The same people answer in WhatsApp and accompany groups on tour.

Aidos Serikov — Senior guide, mountain routes★4.9

Aidos Serikov

Senior guide, mountain routes

187 reviews · experience 14 years

Dinara Kassymova — Guide-lecturer in Almaty★5

Dinara Kassymova

Guide-lecturer in Almaty

142 review · experience 11 years

Marat Zhunussov — Trekking instructor★4.8

Marat Zhunussov

Trekking instructor

96 reviews · experience 9 years

Oleg Kim — Driver-guide, jeep tours★4.9

Oleg Kim

Driver-guide, jeep tours

164 review · experience 13 years

Zhanna Abenova — Tour manager★4.8

Zhanna Abenova

Tour manager

78 reviews · experience 7 years

Timur Beketov — Multi-day tour guide★4.9

Timur Beketov

Multi-day tour guide

118 reviews · experience 10 years

Aliya Nurlan — Group coordinator★5

Aliya Nurlan

Group coordinator

64 review · experience 6 years

Sergey Volkov — Instructor, ski tours★4.8

Sergey Volkov

Instructor, ski tours

103 review · experience 12 years

Reviews

Reviews of the Khan Tengri ascent

Leave a review
4.9 ★
Our rating · 312 reviews
4.8 ★
Google · 540
4.9 ★
Yandex · 268
4.8 ★
2GIS · 197
1317
Total reviews
DR
Daniyar R.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

The idea to climb Khan Tengri came spontaneously, but I started preparing six months in advance. Zhanna helped with booking and choosing the date, explained everything clearly. In August at altitude the weather is changeable: minus at night, during the day it can be sun or snow. The helicopter transfer to base camp on Inylchek is a separate pleasure, the views are incredible. Acclimatization went according to plan: outing to 4200, then rotation to 5200. The summit push was scheduled after spare days, the weather gave a window. There were experienced guys in the group, so we kept a steady pace. The descent and return by helicopter went without hitches. Overall the tour left strong impressions, though physically it was hard.

Verified review · Order #47548
AD
Anton D.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

My brother and I planned to climb a seven-thousander, we had long wanted to. Aliya was constantly in touch, quickly resolved all issues regarding gathering the group. In August on Inylchek it's already cool, especially at night, but acclimatization went fine, and the summit push succeeded.

Verified review · Order #46647
MK
Madina K.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

In August on Khan Tengri it's cold, but the helicopter transfer and proper acclimatization did their job. The summit push succeeded, even though the weather was capricious.

Verified review · Order #46349
VK
Vadim K.
Our website ·
★★★★★

My brother and I decided to conquer a seven-thousander, we chose this tour because of the helicopter transfer. In July the weather was stable, but at altitude it's frosty. Everything went according to plan.

Verified review · Order #46260
BK
Bakhyt K.
Our website ·
★★★★★

In July we climbed Khan Tengri. The weather was excellent, there was little snow. The helicopter transfer to base camp on Inylchek went smoothly. Acclimatization hikes helped us adapt. The summit push was successful, although it was hard.

Verified review · Order #46034
NK
Natalya K.
Our website ·
★★★★★

In August we climbed Khan Tengri, the weather was clear but cold. The helicopter dropped us at base camp, acclimatization went well.

Verified review · Order #36448
KZ
Kairat Z.
Google ·
★★★★★

I had long dreamed of a seven-thousander, and so my friends and I decided to go to Khan Tengri in August. We chose this tour because of the helicopter transfer to save time on approaches. The weather in August was mostly clear, but at altitude it's always cold and windy. Acclimatization went according to plan, rotations at 4200 and 5200 helped. On the summit push the weather gave a window, and we reached the top! The descent also went fine. The only thing is that in base camp it was sometimes boring on spare days. But overall everything is organized excellently, I recommend.

Verified review · Order #36175
MY
Marat Ya.
Google ·
★★★★★

Khan Tengri in August is something! The helicopter dropped us right at base camp, the beauty is indescribable.

Verified review · Order #35819
EK
Ermek Kh.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

My wife and I underwent special training and went to Khan Tengri in August. Reaching base camp by helicopter was a big relief, but the weather is changeable, sometimes snowing, sometimes clearing up. The acclimatization stages were well planned, and the summit ascent was successful.

Verified review · Order #35785
GK
Gulmira Kh.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

In July my husband and I went to Khan Tengri to celebrate our anniversary. The helicopter dropped us at base camp, from there we started acclimatization. The weather was changeable, but we got lucky.

Verified review · Order #34540
IN
Ivan N.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

I chose this tour because I wanted to complete a seven-thousander, and the helicopter transfer saves time and energy. In August the weather on Inylchek is already unstable: minus at night, during the day it can be both sun and snow. The program is logical: two acclimatization rotations, ascent to 4200 and 5200, then the summit push. There were about ten people in the group, all with high-altitude experience, so we kept a steady pace. I liked that the spare days were actually used — we waited for a window to the summit. The descent and return by helicopter went without problems. The only thing is that in base camp the living conditions are spartan, but that's expected for such an altitude. Overall, I recommend it to those who are mentally and physically prepared.

Verified review · Order #26651
VS
Vadim S.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

My friend and I went to celebrate his 40th birthday, we chose Khan Tengri because of the helicopter transfer. Aliya coordinated the group gathering and kept in touch on the way.

Verified review · Order #26000
SZ
Serik Zh.
Our website ·
★★★★★

In July we went to Khan Tengri, we liked everything. The helicopter dropped us at base camp on Inylchek. Acclimatization went fine, but it was cold.

Verified review · Order #25527
GG
Gulnara G.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

My husband and I decided to go to Khan Tengri after several years in the mountains, we wanted to test ourselves on a seven-thousander. We chose this tour because of the helicopter transfer to base camp on Inylchek — it saves a lot of energy. In July the weather on the glacier was relatively stable, minus at night, sun during the day, sometimes snow. The first acclimatization at 4200 was a bit tough, but the second rotation at 5200 was easier. The summit push succeeded on the second attempt, the weather gave a window. The descent and return by helicopter were organized clearly. We liked that the group was small and everyone was experienced. The only thing was that at base camp there were minor issues with water and food, but it's the mountains. Overall we were satisfied, the summit was worth it.

Verified review · Order #25363
AS
Aizhan S.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

In July, my husband and I decided to go to Khan Tengri, although we had little high-altitude climbing experience. The guide constantly monitored our condition and helped with acclimatization. The helicopter transfer to base camp went smoothly. The weather in July often changed: sometimes sun, sometimes snow, but we were ready. The only downside was that at the 5200 camp it was very cold at night, the sleeping bag didn't help. Otherwise, the program was clear, rotations and summit push went according to plan. The descent was also well organized. Rating 4.

Verified review · Order #25182
YD
Yelena D.
Our website ·
★★★★★

In July I climbed Khan Tengri, the weather was excellent. The helicopter dropped us at base camp, acclimatization went smoothly. Very satisfied!

Verified review · Order #25014
EB
Elmira B.
Yandex ·
★★★★★

Zhanna helped choose the date and book everything, thanks to her. In August it's cold on the glacier, but the views are unreal.

Verified review · Order #16643
NS
Nikita Sh.
Our website ·
★★★★★

Poshel na Han-Tengri s drugom, hoteli otmetit' ego 40-letie. V avguste pogoda byla stabil'na, no holodno na vysote.

Verified review · Order #16601
YZ
Yuriy Z.
Google ·
★★★★★

Last year, in August, we planned to climb Khan Tengri. My friend from military service and I trained together, as we both had long been drawn to high mountains. We chose this tour because of the helicopter transfer to base camp, which saves a lot of time and energy. On the Inylchek glacier the weather is changeable: frost at night, clear sun during the day, sometimes snow. The acclimatization stages were well structured, we spent nights at 4200 and 5200 meters and prepared for the summit. During the push the weather was favorable, the team members were in good condition. Everything went in an organized manner, and as a result we climbed to 7010 meters. I recommend it, but physical and mental preparation is necessary.

Verified review · Order #16342
AK
Aidana Kh.
Google ·
★★★★★

Aidos conducted the acclimatization and summit push excellently, everything was clear. In July on Inylchek it was cold, but tolerable.

Verified review · Order #15602
VK
Viktor K.
2GIS ·
★★★★★

In July I went to Khan Tengri, the weather was changeable but overall fine. The helicopter transfer was without problems, acclimatization went smoothly.

Verified review · Order #15348
DZ
Diana Z.
Our website ·
★★★★★

In July I went to Khan Tengri with a group. The weather was changeable, but overall fine. The helicopter transfer to base camp went without problems. Acclimatization was easy, although at 5200 it was cold. The summit push was successful, thanks to the guides. I especially want to thank Aliya for the organization — she was always in touch and helped with any questions. I liked everything, I recommend.

Verified review · Order #15263

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Khan Tengri expedition

We've collected the questions travelers ask most often. Didn't find your answer? Write to us — a guide will reply in a couple of minutes.

Ask a question

We only take people on this tour who already have high-altitude ascents behind them, and a medical certificate of health is mandatory. Without that, we don't sign anyone up for the 21-day group — the route is hardcore, with overnight stays at high altitudes. If you're unsure about your readiness, write to us on WhatsApp and we'll discuss your mountain history.

The basics are comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, a hat, sun protection, water and a light snack, a charged phone or camera. But for overnight stays at 4200, 5200 and 5800 metres, that's not enough: the guide will send the full high-altitude list on WhatsApp before departure. We check gear and documents on the first day in Almaty, so you'll have time to buy anything you're missing.

Three weeks from the start in Almaty to the final day: first the transfer to the start of the route, then the helicopter drop-off, two rotations, the summit push and two spare days for weather. We return home by helicopter on day 19–20, with a hotel and a farewell dinner, and on day 21 there's free time and departure home. The exact helicopter flight times depend on the weather; the guide will let you know before departure.

The start is in Almaty — on the first day we meet, check gear and documents, and then drive to the start of the route. We'll confirm the exact meeting place and time for your date on WhatsApp, because departures run in July–August and everything is tied to the helicopter drop-off. You can't be late to the meeting — after that the group leaves according to the programme.

The price includes transport along the entire route, the work of an experienced guide and the organisation of the route with stops. Separately, you pay for personal expenses, meals where they are not specified, and entrance tickets to individual sites. We'll clarify the detailed breakdown for meals and gear for your date on WhatsApp.

The tour format is a group one, and for a seven-thousander that's more of a plus: on the ropes and during rotations there's always a guide and other participants nearby. If you want to put together your own team, write to us on WhatsApp — we'll clarify what's actually possible for your dates in July–August.

Booking is simply a message on WhatsApp: no deposit and no payment at the time of booking, you immediately secure your place in the group for July–August. You pay on the day of the trip — Kaspi, card or cash. Cancellation of the booking is free, so you can adjust your plans calmly.