Taldykorgan

Taldykorgan is the regional capital of Zhetisu Oblast and the last reliable supply point before the Koksu valley. The city sits on the Karatal River at the western foot of the Dzungarian Alatau, approximately 270 km from Almaty and 3.5 hours by car on the A-3. Fill the tank completely here — there are no fuel stations in Tekeli or along the Koksu track. Stock up on food and water for two days; the site has no vendors and the track to the ridge is 20–30 km of unpaved driving beyond Tekeli. Supermarkets and a bazaar are on the main Taldykorgan–Tekeli road. ATM machines are available in the city centre. From Taldykorgan, the R-122 road runs 40 km southeast to Tekeli.

Taldykorgan is the administrative centre of Zhetysu Region, with a population of around 160,000. It sits on the left bank of the Karatal River at the western edge of the Dzungarian Alatau foothills. The city has hotels at multiple price points, a functioning 24-hour pharmacy, and a reasonable food court near the bazaar on Zhambyl Street. It is the last proper city before Ushtobe (44 km northeast) and a much better base than driving all the way to Ushtobe on day one. The Taldykorgan city market is worth 30 minutes — stalls sell dried fruits, pine nuts from the Dzungarian range, and local honey. From Taldykorgan, the Ili valley becomes progressively more agricultural heading northeast; the road to Ushtobe follows the valley floor.

After the bazaar visit, return southwest to Taldykorgan for the second overnight. The 44 km drive takes roughly 35 minutes on the A3 corridor and resets the trip in the same practical city base used on day one, with dinner, pharmacy access, and a simpler morning departure back toward Almaty.