Overview
Tekeli (population roughly 30,000) is a former Soviet lead-zinc mining town 40 km from Taldykorgan via the R-122. The town sits at 1,000–1,100 m elevation in a narrow valley between Dzungarian Alatau spurs, founded in 1939 when construction of the Tekeli Lead-Zinc Factory began. The factory complex, now partially operational, forms the town's eastern skyline. Accommodation is limited to basic guesthouses; options include a small hotel associated with a petrol complex on the northern edge of town, approximately 15 minutes' walk from the centre. Book ahead during summer months when trekking groups pass through. The town has a bazaar open until 18:00, a pharmacy, and a small supermarket. Mobile coverage (Beeline/Kcell) is intermittent in the valley and absent beyond town. Tekeli is the last habitation before the Eshkiolmes track.
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Visit notes
Viewing visit notes for Eshkiolmes Petroglyphs
Tekeli — overnight base
Step 4 · 40 km from previous · 40 min drive
Tekeli (population roughly 30,000) is a former Soviet lead-zinc mining town 40 km from Taldykorgan via the R-122. The town sits at 1,000–1,100 m elevation in a narrow valley between Dzungarian Alatau spurs, founded in 1939 when construction of the Tekeli Lead-Zinc Factory began. The factory complex, now partially operational, forms the town's eastern skyline. Accommodation is limited to basic guesthouses; options include a small hotel associated with a petrol complex on the northern edge of town, approximately 15 minutes' walk from the centre. Book ahead during summer months when trekking groups pass through. The town has a bazaar open until 18:00, a pharmacy, and a small supermarket. Mobile coverage (Beeline/Kcell) is intermittent in the valley and absent beyond town. Tekeli is the last habitation before the Eshkiolmes track.