Four Peaks Ridge Traverse (Furmanov to Shymbulak Peak)

The Four Peaks Ridge Traverse is a demanding full-day route along the Zailiyskiy Alatau ridge above Almaty, Kazakhstan. It starts at Medeu, climbs to Furmanov Peak and continues along the ridge past Panorama and Bashuta peaks to finish at Shymbulak. Access to Medeu is by city bus 12 or taxi, and the finish at Shymbulak allows a gondola descent if it is running, so hikers should check operating hours in advance. Distance is about 12-17 km depending on the variation, the day lasts about 10-12 hours, and cumulative elevation gain is roughly 1,400-2,000 m. The route is classed as expert because it combines altitude, a long exposed ridge, route-finding and the need to commit to the full day, with no easy exits along the crest. The lower approach follows the same gorge and slopes used for Furmanov Peak, on dirt, grass and rock. The ridge itself is open scree and rock with strong exposure to wind, sun and storms, and there is no shade. Key landmarks are the Furmanov summit at 3,053 m, then Panorama and Bashuta, before the descent toward Shymbulak. There are no refuge huts and no water points that can be relied upon, so hikers carry about 3 litres of water and lunch. Mountain boots, trekking poles, warm layers, gloves, a hat, a waterproof shell, a headlamp and an offline map with a GPS track are standard kit. The window is July to mid-September, as snow and avalanche risk make other months unsuitable. Weather in the Tien Shan changes quickly, so an early start is vital and a turn-around time should be set before leaving. Bailing out is difficult once on the ridge, and the main options are to return the way up or to descend toward Shymbulak, so hikers should be confident before starting. Anyone unfamiliar with the terrain may consider a local guide. Visitors should stay on established tracks and carry out all rubbish.