Seebachtal & Stappitzer See — The Valley of Waterfalls

The Seebachtal is among the most accessible valleys in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Starting near the Ankogelbahn cable car station in Mallnitz, the trail is nearly flat — wide gravel road suitable for strollers and wheelchairs to the lake. The focal point is the Stappitzer See, a clear lake surrounded by vertical 1,000m cliffs and numerous waterfalls. The valley is known for its 'Ice Holes' — a natural phenomenon where cold air escapes from rock crevices, creating a cool micro-ecosystem even in mid-summer.

The Trans-Ili Alatau, a prominent northern branch of the Heavenly (Tian Shan) Mountains, forms a dramatic vertical wall directly above Almaty. This region is widely regarded as the premier destination for day-hiking in Central Asia, offering an unprecedented level of accessibility to 3,500m+ terrain. Historically a key training ground for Soviet mountaineers, the foothills above Medeu and Shymbulak now serve as the city’s 'backyard'—a high-altitude wilderness where trails transition rapidly from lush apple orchards to granite spires and glaciers. Unlike the more remote central Tian Shan ranges, Almaty's foothills provide a refined trail network suitable for everyone from weekend walkers to high-altitude trail runners. Whether it's the steep climb to the cross on Furmanov Peak or the alpine serenity of Big Almaty Lake, the proximity to a major urban center makes this a unique 'Mountain-City' interface. This guide highlights the most significant day-routes and provides the essential technical profile for navigating Almaty's unique mountain environment.