Almaty to Tekes Gorge: 313 km road trip with 3 stops
The 300-kilometer route from Almaty to the Tekes Gorge crosses mountain passes, steppe landscapes, and picturesque canyons of the Almaty region. The route includes a drive past the Kurtagay Canyon, the Cheryn River Valley, and leads to a waterfall in a hidden gorge at the foot of Mount Kopyl, which rises to 3,700 meters.
- Distance
- 312.9 km
- Duration
- 3 days
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Almaty
- End
- Hiking to Tekes Waterfall
- Stops
- 3
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Almaty — Major city in southeastern Kazakhstan, starting point for the 300 km journey to Tikes Gorge through mountain passes and steppe landscapes.
- Kurtogay tract (Kortogay) — A picturesque gorge with steep cliffs and diverse flora, popular among tourists for hiking and photography.
- Hiking to Tekes Waterfall — A route into a mountain gorge to the Tekes waterfall, surrounded by rocks and forests, where cascading streams create a refreshing atmosphere.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- The journey to Tekes waterfall is approximately 300 km from Almaty. Expect to cross about five mountain passes along the way.
- Transport
- After the village of Saryzhaz, turn right onto a dirt road toward Kamenная Lysaya (Stone Bald Mountain). This 30 km gravel road is scenic but requires careful driving.
- Transport
- The road to the waterfall can have serious erosion damage after rains. A vehicle with full-wheel drive and high ground clearance is recommended for the final sections.
- Transport
- The final 2 km to Tekes waterfall involves a ford and is best done on foot. A serious ford crossing exists before the final descent.
- Timing
- Visit in June for optimal conditions: flowers in bloom, moderate temperatures, and beekeepers active in the region indicate good weather.
- Transport
- Refuel in the village of Kegen before proceeding further into the route, as there are no gas stations beyond this point.
- Avoid
- Leave no trash at natural sites. The area shows signs of littering by tourists who do not clean up after themselves.
- Tip
- Main trekking trail to the waterfall runs along the upper slopes away from the river, with views of green slopes and wildflowers. The waterfall is partially hidden behind rock outcrops.
- Tip
- The route passes through alpine pastures (jailyau) where nomadic herds graze and white yurts are visible. This is an active pastoral region.
- Tip
- Stop at Kurtogay gorge and Charyn River near Kegen village en route—these are scenic locations worth viewing before reaching Tekes.
Video on this route
You'll definitely want to visit! TEKES – an unforgettable journey to a secret gorge and waterfall!