Trekking Tour To Burkhan Bulak Waterfall (5 Days)

Let’s discover the mysterious mountain country of Jungaria, where the highest waterfall in Kazakhstan, Burkhan Bulak, is located. This trekking route offers a colorful adventure through alpine meadows, highland plateaus, the picturesque Kora River Gorge filled with fascinating sites, and scenic mountain passes.

Season: June – October
Best Period: July – September
Distance: 55 km
Duration: 5 days
Height Difference: The total elevation gain is approximately 2000 meters. Highest point: “Basmatchiy” Pass (2870 m above sea level). Lowest point: “Tekeli Stupa” Stone (1110 m above sea level).

Complexity: This route does not require special mountaineering equipment or technical skills; however, participants should be physically fit and capable of covering long distances with heavy backpacks.

Route: Almaty – Tekeli – Tekeli Stupa – Kora River Gorge – Burkhan Bulak Waterfall – Tau Bulak Tourist Base – Basmatchiy Pass – Kapal Village

Route Description:

The route begins at the entrance to Kora Gorge near the “Tekeli Stupa” stone. It then follows the bottom of the gorge toward Burkhan Bulak Waterfall. The ascent along the gorge is gradual and suitable for hiking.

The trail passes through highly picturesque locations, including “Mirror Spring,” the “White Yar” landslide area, “Zhailau” alpine meadows, “Asylbay” glade, the sacred stone “Auliye Tas,” and many other scenic spots.

There are two alpine apiaries along the route, offering good conditions for rest and even a small traditional bathhouse. Near the Burkhan Bulak Waterfall, there is a well-equipped campsite suitable for overnight stays.

The highest point of the route is “Basmatchiy” Pass (2870 m). The descent from the pass follows an ancient trail once used by “barymtachy” to transport stolen cattle. The route concludes near Kapal Village.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1: Almaty – Tekeli – “Tekeli Stupa” Stone – Kora River Gorge – 5th Apiary

After meeting your guide and boarding the transport at 07:00, you will depart from Almaty to Taldykorgan. Upon arrival at approximately 10:00, you will visit the Museum of Local History of the Almaty Region, followed by lunch at a local café.

After lunch, you will travel to Tekeli town and then continue to the “Tekeli Stupa” stone. From here, the walking route begins along Kora Gorge toward Apiary No. 5.

There will be several stops along the way for rest and photography. Upon arrival, the camp will be set up, and you can explore the surrounding area. Dinner will be prepared over a campfire or on a gas burner.

Overnight in a tent camp at an altitude of 1450 m above sea level
Walking distance: approx. 11 km
Elevation gain: +340 m
Duration: 4–5 hours

Day 2: Kora River Gorge (5th Apiary – 10th Apiary)

Breakfast at 08:00. After packing the camp, you will continue trekking further up Kora Gorge toward Apiary No. 10.

Stops will be made along the way for rest, lunch, and photography. The ascent is gradual and suitable for comfortable hiking. The landscape features dense forests, where spruce and fir trees alternate with delicate birch groves, and colorful wildflower meadows stretch as far as the eye can see.

Upon arrival, the campsite will be set up, followed by time to relax and explore. Dinner will be prepared over a fire or on a gas stove.

Overnight in a tent camp at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level
Walking distance: approx. 10 km
Elevation gain: +150 m
Duration: 4–5 hours

Day 3: Kora River Gorge (10th Apiary – “Asylbay” Glade)

After breakfast at 08:00 and packing the camp, you will continue trekking up Kora Gorge toward Asylbay Glade.

As the trail climbs higher, the landscape becomes more rugged: birch trees give way to high mountain plateaus, and numerous waterfalls cascade down rocky peaks.

Regular stops will be made for rest, lunch, and photography. Upon arrival, the camp will be set up, and you will have time to explore the surroundings before dinner.

Overnight in a tent camp at an altitude of 1860 m above sea level
Walking distance: approx. 11.5 km
Elevation gain: +260 m
Duration: 4–5 hours

Day 4: Kora River Gorge (“Asylbay” Glade – “Burkhan Bulak” Waterfall – Tau Bulak Tourist Resort)

After breakfast at 08:00 and packing your belongings, you will continue trekking up Kora Gorge toward Tau Bulak Tourist Resort.

Upon arrival, you will have lunch and settle into wooden accommodations. Afterward, you will take a light radial walk to Burkhan Bulak Waterfall — the highest waterfall in Kazakhstan.

Located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, the waterfall has three tiers with a total height of 112 meters. Powerful streams of icy water cascade down, creating a spectacular natural display.

After returning to the resort, you will have dinner in the dining hall and rest.

Overnight in wooden houses at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level
Walking distance: approx. 8.5 km
Elevation gain: +240 m
Duration: approx. 4 hours

Day 5: Tau Bulak Resort – “Basmatchiy” Pass – Kapal Village – Taldykorgan – Almaty

Breakfast at 08:00. After packing the campsite and personal belongings, you will begin descending along Kora Gorge before turning toward Basmatchiy Pass (2870 m).

The descent from the pass follows an ancient trail once used by “barymtachy.” Lunch will be taken during one of the rest stops along the route. This is the longest and most physically demanding day of the trek.

At the end of the hiking route, you will reach the road near Kapal Village, where transport will take you to Taldykorgan for dinner.

After dinner, you will return to Almaty, arriving at approximately 23:00.

Walking distance: approx. 12 km
Elevation change: +900 m / -1000 m
Duration: approx. 7–8 hours

Tour Price:

Available on request in USD per person (based on two people traveling together).

Group discounts are available. Children are charged at the adult rate.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND BOOKING TERMS:

Tour Rates Include:

Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle

Transfers: Almaty–Tekeli and Kapal–Almaty

Professional English-speaking trekking guide (2 guides for groups of 4)

Accommodation in wooden houses at Tau Bulak Resort (Day 4)

All entrance and environmental fees

Meals (lunch in Taldykorgan on Day 1, full board during trekking, dinner in Taldykorgan on Day 5)

Drinking water

Camping equipment: tent (2-person), sleeping bag, sleeping pad

Tour Rates Exclude:

Meals not specified in the program

Accommodation in Almaty before or after the tour

Visa support and registration (if required)

Personal expenses

Insurance policy

Booking Terms:

Full payment is required to confirm the booking. Accepted payment methods include cash (local currency), bank transfer, and credit/debit card.

Cancellation Terms:

50% cancellation fee if canceled less than 72 hours before departure

100% cancellation fee if canceled less than 24 hours before departure or in case of no-show

Group Size:

Minimum 1 person, maximum 10 people

Age Restriction:

16+

Required Equipment and Clothing:

Comfortable, non-restrictive clothing is essential: shorts, pants, leggings, T-shirts or long-sleeve shirts, and a cap or Panama hat for sun protection.

Additional Items Include:

Trekking boots with good grip and ankle support

Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar)

Warm layers (fleece or down vest)

Extra clothing for cold nights

Warm socks, gloves, and a hat

Headlamp or flashlight

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Water bottle or hydration system

Thermos for hot drinks

Trekking poles

Personal first-aid kit

Energy snacks (bars, muesli, etc.)

NOTE:

A valid passport is required during travel. Part of the route passes through a border area near the Kyrgyz Republic.