Overview
Return to Kegen on the plateau tracks, refuel, and drive the 250 km back to Almaty via Shelek and the A351. The return drive is straightforward: the road north from Kegen climbs back over the Kegen pass area before descending to Shelek and then west along the A351 into Almaty. Total return driving time is roughly 3.5–4 hours including a brief stop at Shelek. Plan to be back on the A351 by 15:00 to reach Almaty before dark. The drive back in afternoon light gives a different perspective on the Ile-Alatau range, visible as a wall to the north as you approach the city.
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Visit notes
Viewing visit notes for Kegen–Tekes Plateau
Return — Kegen, Shelek, Almaty
Step 8 · 255 km from previous · 230 min drive
Return to Kegen on the plateau tracks, refuel, and drive the 250 km back to Almaty via Shelek and the A351. The return drive is straightforward: the road north from Kegen climbs back over the Kegen pass area before descending to Shelek and then west along the A351 into Almaty. Total return driving time is roughly 3.5–4 hours including a brief stop at Shelek. Plan to be back on the A351 by 15:00 to reach Almaty before dark. The drive back in afternoon light gives a different perspective on the Ile-Alatau range, visible as a wall to the north as you approach the city.