Experience the thrill of your initial mountain ascent: Essential tips for a memorable climb
Hiking Safely in Almaty: A Survival Guide
Grab your hiking boots, folks, because we're diving into mountain adventures!
Over the past half-decade, the Republican Operational Rescue Team has embarked on a staggering 400+ mountain rescues in Almaty and its environs. These emergencies frequently occur in Aysai Gorge, Assy Plateau, Small Almaty Gorge, Butakov Gorge, Left Taldar Gorge—and notably, during the sweltering summer months.
These hair-raising incidents often involve youth who disregard basic safety rules while roaming the mountains. Between the years of 2023 and April 15, 2025, the rescue team freed over a hundred young adventurers from precarious situations.
Before embarking on your trek, put the following safety tips into action:
Stay on track and keep loved ones in the loop. Most rescue situations arise when hikers venture off the beaten path and lose their bearings. Make sure to plan your route in advance, inform your loved ones about your destination, and stick to the plan!
Weather, a fickle mountain friend. Given the mountain's volatile climate, always check the weather forecast. Avoid rockfalls, landslides, swollen rivers, slippery grassy slopes, and even avalanches in summer. Altitude can also pose a threat, so be mindful of altitude sickness symptoms and take it slow. Remember, darkness increases navigation difficulties, slows progress, and raises the risk of exhaustion and hypothermia.
Dodging dangerous flora and fauna. Watch out for ticks from April to June and be cautious of poisonous plants like the narrow-leaved ash, Junggar aconite, bellflower, and bell-shaped ranunculus.
Skip the brew, it's not just a bad idea, it's a disaster waiting to happen. Alcohol is a recipe for disaster when hiking in the mountains since it affects concentration, coordination, and increases the risk of injury. Instead, pack a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, water, and snacks to help you on your journey.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 to summon the rescuers. If your phone signal is lacking, make your way to a special rescue hut to call for help. These shelters are conveniently located on popular trails.
For further advice on mountain safety, check out our related articles on hiring guides, route accessibility, supplies, and environmental impact. Stay safe, and happy hiking!
In 2025, I aim to hike some of Almaty's trails, keeping safety as my top priority following the few terrifying incidents documented by the rescue team.
I will heed the safety tips provided, such as staying on track, keeping loved ones informed, checking the weather, and being mindful of the mountain's dangerous flora and fauna, to avoid any unwanted reactions like substandard sports performances or emergencies.
And should an emergency arise, it's important to know the correct approach, like dialing 112 for rescue services or finding the special rescue huts that offer a way to call for help when phone signals are weak.
