How to get there?
The distance from Ust-Kamenogorsk to Ridder by road is about 130 kilometers. The road is very picturesque, passing through vast fields, forests, and colorful villages. It's essential to stop in Cheremshanka. Here, at the local market, you can buy various gifts of nature: forest herbs and elixirs, jam and honey, pickled and dried mushrooms, viburnum, pine cones, fir oil. The market operates daily during daylight hours. In general, the journey from Ust-Kamenogorsk to Ridder takes about two hours. The best time for trips is May to September (if the weather is warm and dry). However, in winter, there's also plenty to do around Ridder - you can go skiing, snowmobiling, and even dog sledding. However, some tourist trails and routes may be inaccessible in cold weather.
Where to stay?
If you're planning a multi-day trip, there are several accommodation options available. You can rent an apartment or a hotel room in Ridder for short-term stays (and embark on trips from the city). Alternatively, you can stay at one of the countryside resorts or try rural tourism in the village of Poperechnoye (where there are several guesthouses). Another option is to camp overnight in a tent.
What to see?
First and foremost — the mountains. The peaks known as Three Brothers. The mountain peaks of the Three Brothers are a landmark and a symbol of Ridder. Access to the foot of the peaks offers several routes for classic ascents to the peaks of Elder Brother, Youth, and Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya. The routes are interesting for both beginners and those who are into trekking or rock climbing. There are curious legends regarding the names of the peaks — Elder, Middle, and Younger Brother.
Peak Voroshilov (or Upper Ivanovsky Belok)
This is the highest point of the Ivanovsky Ridge (altitude — 2776 meters). The peak and its surroundings are a popular tourist destination. There are numerous lakes around (such as Podbelkovoye, or Radonovoye, Rassypnoye, Gromotushinskoye). Nearby is the village of Poperechnoye — approximately 13 kilometers to the north of the peak. Peak Voroshilov is adjacent to Peak SAVO, and both of these peaks are part of the Ivanovsky Ridge.
Peak SAVO
This is the second highest peak of the Ivanovsky Ridge — 2575 meters. The peak is named after the Central Asian Military District (a military unit from the late 1960s to the early 1990s in the territory of the Kazakh and Kyrgyz SSRs, fulfilling international duty in Afghanistan). Explaining the routes to the peaks of Voroshilov and SAVO in words is difficult. It's better if you have an experienced tourist or a specialized guide with you who can show the way.
Geomorphological complex "Cherny Uzel" (Black Node)
These are rocky peaks of mountains, at the foot of which there are many glacial lakes. The intersections of the ridges here look as if they are tied in a knot. The Turgusun Ridge is higher than the adjacent Ivanovsky Ridge. Rising to a height of over two and a half kilometers, it "catches" passing clouds and clouds, that is, it is weather-forming. Rain often falls here, and thunderstorms rumble, the sky is gloomy and black, hence its name — Black Node. According to some data, there are up to 39 glacial lakes in its valley.
Things to Know
Cellular reception in the vicinity of Ridder is poor, especially in the mountains. During hikes, it's essential to bring food and water with you, as there are no cafes or shops in the mountains and remote areas. If you plan to stay at one of the countryside bases, it's necessary to arrange and book a cottage in advance. Many tourist routes start around the village of Poperechnoye. This is an interesting Kazakh village where travelers enjoy stopping. You can buy natural products and locally made cheeses from the locals. Many houses still retain antique Old Believer decorations. And lastly: leaving trash behind in the mountains, villages, and nature reserves is unacceptable.