Hiking around Almaty - Peak Furmanov ( Panic on the mountain )

Peak Furmanov is one of the most beautiful day hike around Almaty. On one of our regular border run from Bishkek to Almaty, we decided to hike this beautiful mountain however something unexpected stopped us from reaching the top.
Find out what we're up to:
/ journalofnomadsaworldo...
www.journalofn...
/ journalofnomads
Make sure you subscribe for WEEKLY VIDs
Big thanks for the music by: Andrew Applepie and The Grand Imposter.
The Grand Imposter- Hypnosis
Andrew Applepie - I feel you
Andrew Applepie - one step
All filmed on a canon 700D,canon g7X mark 2,gopro Hero 5 session and gopro hero
Canon G7x mark ii: amzn.to/2nQGYhY
GoPro HERO5 Session: amzn.to/2MlauuN
Canon 700 D: amzn.to/2Po5mnF

[@namcychayada1291]

I came to this video from your blog. Thank you so much for the details !

[@EntreRutas]

Wow I just fell in love with that city. And with all that stunning nature at the doorstep! We are sorry for what happened to Cynthia, but we are sure she will come back stronger to that peak ready to kick it's rocky a**!!!

[@journalofnomads]

Oh you guys would looove Almaty!! The city center is really beautiful and 20 minutes is all it takes to escape the city and reach the gorgeous mountain range that surrounds it! We'll be back on peak Furmanov very soon ;) Cynthia got some ass to kick :D hahahaha

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I spent a while trying to work out if you are both wearing green in the clip at 1:01 or if it's just the tent reflecting it's colour 😝looks like it was just reflecting after all! What an epic hike! The scenery is so beautiful. Nothing beats nature! It does seem a little cold for me though. Brr! I really hate it when people litter :( I think you made the right decision to turn back. Hope you're okay!

[@journalofnomads]

Hahahah yeah that tent made us look so green in the video ;) That was an epic hike indeed, it wasn't easy at first because of the altitude but after an hour or two we felt more and more comfortable. Littering is really annoying it really broke the mood. Even though Cynthia didn't feel well at the moment, we haven't abandoned the idea of reaching the top though. We'll be back there soon :D

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I have no doubts that you guys will get to the top in the future :) Really great can-do attitude guys!

[@aidynabirov7728]

Great, videos!!! Enjoyed them a lot, I wish you , guys, have more and more videos on your channel!

[@luisxrey]

great place to hike, the mountains covered in white snow looked beautiful

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for watching Luis :)

[@serversupport3523]

Lovely video. Don't worry guys, the mountain will be there for many years. There is always a next time!

[@journalofnomads]

We'll be back there soon ;) thanks for watching John

[@ninavaxanski7253]

So cool to see your faces again :D I missed you and your adventures, guys! I totally feel you, Cynthia and I know you did the right thing. I've had moments in my life when I avoided doing things or even jumped out of Marsutka because I felt really strong and weird anxiety. I also remember myself ignoring my inner voice and being wrong doing so. I am glad you have such a strong intuition, it will keep you and Niko safe during your journey. Love you guys, happy you are happy and healthy.

[@journalofnomads]

Thank Nina!

[@OneShotAdventures]

So sad to see all the trash around the mountains... I really don't understand some people. You see it all over the world. Definitely didn't expect to see a swing up there! Thanks for showing the difficult moments as well as the good - I feel like people (me included) dont do this enough on KZbin, but it makes for really engaging and real content :)

[@journalofnomads]

We feel like it's so important to show the ups and down of our lives and not always just the beautiful parts. We want to show what we really feel and go through as much as possible.

[@TheJourneyest2016]

That hike looked like no joke but those views are incredible. Great song choice for the hike btw. Looked like you guys were pretty tired!

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks guys :) That hike was actually pretty hard even though we're smiling and all in the video.

[@TimezoneJunkies]

Nice video as always! You are right, if you don't feel good about something you shouldn't carry on (in most situations) for sure. Looks beautiful up there, hopefully we will explore that area in the near future! Looking forward to your upcoming videos! Thanks for sharing!

[@journalofnomads]

When will you guys be in central asia? If you are around this summer it would be great to do this hike together :D How is everything in Turkey? We hope you guys are having a fantastic time!

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

Nice video guys, ya'll totally made the right call to turn back, it's not worth getting into a situation you are not comfortable with on a mountain. Glad to see you guys back making content.

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for watching Dana :) Continuing the climb wasn't worth the risk. Cynthia had climbed mountains much higher than this one before but the moment she felt something wasn't right we decided to go back.

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

For sure, if it doesn't feel right then there is no need to risk it. Ya'll get it next time ;-)

[@Somedayilllearn]

Looks like it was quite a hike! The views are incredible and that swing looks like so much fun! I think you were right to follow your gut and turn back, we have to be able to trust ourselves in those kinds of situations! It looked like an amazing hike even without the last bit!!

[@journalofnomads]

The hike was gorgeous all the way up :) It's true, it is important to trust ourselves.

[@JoshEdwardsFilms]

Really great video guys, well done. I completely agree with your decision to turn back - that is ALWAYS the right decision. Go with your gut instinct, better safe than sorry. The mountain is always going to be there, it's not going anywhere so you can always come back and try again :) also the litter problem is infuriating...I do not get how people can visit such beautiful places and feel it's okay to spoil the landscape like that. It's so wrong. I saw a very similar problem when I was climbing Mount Rinjani in Indoensia...litter everywhere. Really awful. I didn't talk about it in my film but I wish I did. Keep up the great work you're doing and enjoy your travels!

[@journalofnomads]

It's always the best decision indeed especially on high mountains. It's better to hike up a mountain when you're in the right mindset. The mountain will still be there and we'll be hiking it again very soon :) Oh man that littering is just so wrong, I just can't understand why people would climb with that wrapping and plastic all the way to the top and not take it back down with them. We just watched your video of Mount Rinjani! Now that looks like an epic hike!If you're up for hiking a mountain with us we'd be down for a KZbin collab :D

[@JoshEdwardsFilms]

Exactly. Glad to hear it :) and thanks so much guys! I really appreciate you taking the time to do that, glad you enjoyed! It was really tough but completely worth it for the epic views haha. Yeah I would love to do that! I always enjoy meeting like-minded people and collaborating, it's my favourite part of doing all of this. If we're in the same place at the same time let's do it, keep in touch

[@journalofnomads]

We'll stay in touch for sure! IF you're around Nepal in October let us know :) Everest base camp will be awesome!

[@JoshEdwardsFilms]

Oh man I would LOVE to do that! I've been planning to do the Himalayas for a while now, I'm just not sure when it'll be! It's one of my biggest travel dreams right now! Have you booked to hike with a group/tour company?

[@journalofnomads]

No, we'll be doing it independently without a company.

[@SenjaAldee]

Wowwww look at the view.. love the adventure here.. big like from me

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for watching Senja :)

[@TheNewTravel]

Another beautiful and heartfelt vlog.

[@journalofnomads]

Thank you so so much Dan

[@TravelingGraces]

Wow those mountains are breathtaking. I agree that it is so fun to see cities in different seasons, it's like they are completely different destinations!

[@journalofnomads]

Exactly when we see a place in winter we always try to go back in summer.It's really great to see how seasons change and affect a place.

[@Easyplanettravel]

Great video guys! We have to trust our instincts when we travel, that's the only thing that can guide us safely. You did good to turn around. You are very courageous!!

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words.

[@Familytravelgo]

Beautiful hike! Cool to see the swing up there how fun! Too bad you didn’t make it all the way up but that’s good you stayed safe and followed your instincts. Better safe than sorry.

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for watching guys! That swing was so much fun! Hahaha we can't wait to go back actually.

[@TwoTravelingTexans]

I agree you should always trust your intuition. Still the hike that you did looked amazing, so neat that there is a swing up there.

[@journalofnomads]

Cynthia had done a few more hikes more steep than this one in the the past so I knew that her intuition felt something was wrong.We should always trust our feelings. It's so cool that someone built a swing up there indeed, it's a good rest after such a long hike up.

[@eyascapes]

Good decision to turn back! If you're worried and anxious about moving forward, your instinct must have felt danger. These things are really precautions our body is trying to let us know. It's better to know that you are safe. I'm new at making these videos but I've been a digital nomad for a while just trying to get from one point to another and these "gut instincts" always help out. They have saved me from getting robbed or hurt. Super trust instincts!!

[@journalofnomads]

Exactly, it's always important to trust our instincts, they protect us.Every time we had these ''gut feelings'' we followed them. I think the body is often aware of things that the mind hasn't really realized yet.We have to pay close attention to our intuition and when things don't feel right, we shouldn't push.

[@StephenLioy]

I love the way this turned out - honest emotion and beautiful landscapes and all. Great job with it.

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for watching Stephen :) we can't wait to share the next one showcasing our treks, you're going to be on KZbin brother ;)

[@hassanabbassargana906]

Really inspiring

[@HereBeBarr]

Finally got to catch up with my favorite channel ! Can't believe I put watching this off for so long.. Cynthia, it's great you trusted your gut :) I just did a mountain hike myself, but we had a guide and it was a little lower than yours ! I hope you guys can create more epic conent !! And that Everest Base Camp hike sounds epic.

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for your kind words Jon

[@HeyAshleyRenne]

You know I completely forgot you were in Kazakhstan until you said it reminded you of Switzerland, but you're in Kazakhstan. Never would have known Kazakhstan looked like that if it weren't for you. That's so upsetting about the trash though. Ugh! The views were so epic but im glad you made the decision to turn back. Not worth it if your body and intuition are telling you NO. So proud of you for sharing your story and having the courage to turn back. That to me was actually braver than deciding to continue on just for the camera.

[@journalofnomads]

We didn't expect Kazakhstan to be so lush and green either! When we had just arrived in the country (way back in September), we spent weeks driving through the endless steppes. We were so surprised by changes in landscapes when we arrived in the Southeast region of the country! I felt so frustrated at that moment (the tears are proof ;) ). But yeah, my instincts were too strong and I know I can trust them! Thank you for your support Ashley

[@johnjt9435]

panic attacks can hit anyone at anytime. Hope you are ok now and I look forward to the next installment

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for watching John :) Yes Cynthia feels much better now. It's true, panic attacks can come in the most unexpected moments.

[@GabMayaBackpackingNomads]

Great video Cynthia and Niko!! Cynthia, I totally get you. I had a similar experience going up on the Lone Cone Trail, close to Tofino, BC. It was getting super steep and the trail was still being developped so it was super rough. It was sooo steep that we were doing "rock climbing" at some parts, and at one point I just didn't care about the viewpoint anymore. I felt so sick and tired and weird, and my instinct told me I should just go home. I'm glad Gab understood and respected that and we simply went back :) I think it's good to not become too stressed about certain initial goals and go with the flow, accept how we feel while we are actually doing the thing, you know? :) Niko, your hair has gotten incredibly long!!! :P That scenery is beautiful. Gab was saying it looks so much like British Columbia. Loved the chill vibes with the slow-mo and music :)

[@journalofnomads]

Sometimes it's ok and actually much better to not stick with the original plan and goal :D Thanks for watching guys! I think we have to allow ourselves to abandon a plan halfway if we realize it doesn't serve our best interest. Although we didn't reach the top this time we'll be back soon for a second attempt. It's so beautiful here, The mountains are really lovely

[@GabMayaBackpackingNomads]

:) :)

[@PuriandSue]

That's an amazing view!! Love the mountain top covered with snow.... sooo sooo gorgeous!! Omg would love to try that swing!! Ugh... hate those irresponsible people who litters :( I think you guys made the right decision to turn back, safety and health should always come first. Enjoyed your video guys! Great vlog!

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for watching guys. We didn't know whether to include the footage of the trash or not in our video but in the end we figured it was important for people to see it and be aware of this issue.

[@BBOverDrive]

Loved the Intro! Loved the natural beauty of Almaty! The swing on the mountain seemed fun :) Great Vlog, Subbed!

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks Shaheel :) the beauty of Almaty is quite stunning, we keep going back there again and again because we love it so much.

[@TheWayWeSawIt]

So good to see you again. Good that you followed your instinct. Safe travels guys....

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for watching guys :D listening to cynthia's instinct was the best decision, continuing up the mountain wasn't worth the risk.

[@TheWorldnUs]

I was thinking about you guys today wondering when you’ll share another video. You did the right thing to turn back. You have to trust your instincts and if you don’t feel safe it’s better to stop. You still got to take in some pretty amazing views from the hike.

[@journalofnomads]

The hike was gorgeous and even though the peak of the mountain was just a few meters away, we just knew we had to follow Cynthia's instinct. We'll definitely be going back there though. It will be for another day ;) Thanks for watching guys

[@katarzynawrobel4764]

Great to see you :) The view in those mountains is almost so beautiful like in Polish Tatry Mountains ;)

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for watching Katarzyna :D We can't wait to see the Polish mountains!

[@katarzynawrobel4764]

[@DutchNomadFamily]

Whow thats a really cool swing at the mountain, swinging into the valley! Your timelapses are perfect, love them. Best advise come from your intuition.

[@journalofnomads]

That was the best place for a swing :D We decided to come back when Cynthia didn't feel good but we'll be trying to reach the summit of this mountain again soon :D Thanks for watching guys.

[@LookWhosBlogging]

I think Todd from the group is going to Everest later this year too? Nice that it's so green there. ya, people who don't pick up their trash. Weeee, the swing looks fun! ya, wonder what would've happened if you continued.

[@journalofnomads]

Todd Hata? Oh then we'll definitely get in touch with him, it would be great to meet up in Nepal :) It's really amazing that this part of Kazakhstan is so green, it's really a big contrast with the rest of the country. Hahaha the swing was just so much fun but the wood was cracking a lot :D it didn't feel super solid ;)

[@PracticalIdeas]

Great video. Like 64 :) Have a nice evening!

[@bluefeatherco]

Great video as always! If doesn’t feel safe don’t do it. Trust your gut. Be safe🌷

[@journalofnomads]

Thanks for your kind words and thanks for watching :) we'll be safe

[@karoern4482]

wooow this looks like an hamazing hiking, I cannot wait to see you guys going to the base camp of Mount Everest !

[@journalofnomads]

We can't wait to be there! It's gonna be super challenging but we'll be ready :D

[@RobsQuest]

Love the view! its just incredible! I hate littering too - gosh I had people who don't think about the environment. Perfect place for a swing! Sometimes you need to hear on your guts! Still was a great hike, wasn't it? :)

[@journalofnomads]

Yeah it's really a pity that people don't care more about the environment. The views were fantastic though, we really had a great time up there!

[@AlbertoMendoza]

Minus 20?! Yeah too cold foe me lol. The Hike was full of beautiful views, wow.

[@journalofnomads]

I'm not sure the top was actually that cold but it wasn't too hot either, thanks for watching Alberto :)

[@BiancaBasakDikturk]

Big hugs to you Cynthia - there is no better compass than your intuition my sweet nomad

[@journalofnomads]

Thank you Bianca

[@Delta68Geo]

Great vlog. Fantastic views! In my experience you have to go with your gut instinct, better to turn round, the mountain isn't going anywhere, I'm with you 👍😊

[@journalofnomads]

Exactly, if it doesn't feel right, it's better to turn back. The mountain will still be there later :D

[@NomadicBuff]

Those views were so gorgeous! I'm sure they are even more breathtaking in person. I completely agree about the trash! It drives me crazy that people aren't more respectful to leave the place as they found it so that others after them can have the same wonderous experience! How long is that hike? It looks tough! I'm glad that you listened to your instincts. I am a believer that that is so important!

[@journalofnomads]

This hike takes about 8 hours but the views are really worth it. Finding trash along the way is a bummer though. It really sucks that people don't care more for the environment.

[@GabMayaBackpackingNomads]

And that ending "What happened up there?" was almost like a reality show moment hahahaha!!! (not laughing at Cynthia, but do you know what we mean?:P)

[@journalofnomads]

Hhahaha totally! I wasn't sure if I wanted to include all of this in the final cut of the video but I think it's important to show some vulnerability from time to time ;)

[@asianmelb]

Big foot??? Have you heard of missing 411 I wonder if they have a version of this in Central Asia? I love you both

[@ToddHata]

Tough hike, doesn't look easy, turning back was a good idea if you weren't comfortable. I know I don't push myself to the limit if conditions aren't ideal.

[@journalofnomads]

Yeah, it's really not worth the risk, the mountain will still be there and we'll come back ton conquer it later ;)

[@emery7301]

I hope you are going to the World Nomad Games! 😁

[@journalofnomads]

We definitely are :D You can expect us to make a couple of awesome KZbin videos there too ;) Thanks for watching!

[@LauraSideStreet]

It's a shame you didn't get to the top but for all the right reasons - I agree it's really important to listen to your gut instinct!

[@journalofnomads]

Yeah, it didn't feel like the right thing to do at that moment but we'll be back next year and this time we'll go all the way to the top 😀

[@Fittwotravel]

Wow its beautiful! It does look a lot like switzerland! Would be an awesome hike!

[@journalofnomads]

It does look like Switzerland right!? Hhaha it's really surprising because the rest of the country is totally dry and baren. The area that surrounds Almaty is such a gem!

[@saneyasunny2915]

What time you suggest we should start the trek?

[@bengrey4856]

what kind of knives to you travel with

[@journalofnomads]

A couple of Swiss knives and kitchen scissors.

[@journalofnomads]

Oh and some buck knives for the heavy camping bush work.

[@petrv9486]

You had just very bad clothes, thats all :) Please, what month did you hike there? Thanks!!

[@bengrey4856]

I'm having withdraws i need more videos where are you people aaaaallllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@journalofnomads]

we'll have a new video online tomorrow, we're back at it and this time we won't let you wait so long anymore ;) we'll be uploading more and more in the coming weeks.

[@bengrey4856]

!!!!allahhhhh akbarrrrr!!!!!!!

[@hassanabbassargana906]

Please visit my Pakistan I’m hosting you

[@Hotmamatravel]

Yes always listen to your instincts. It is your subconscious trying to tell you something and you may have gotten hurt if you went ahead. The mountain will always be there for you to try again.

[@journalofnomads]

Exactly, it's important to not take unnecessary risks and be reckless, the mountain will always be there and without snow it will be even easier.