2-day Escape · May–October
A gorge where the city ends and the mountain begins. Two days of waterfalls, fir forests, and the Turgen River.
Duration
2 days
Season
May–October
Group
2–12 guests
Distance
~22 km total
Difficulty
Moderate
Park
Ile-Alatau NP
80km
From Almaty to the trailhead
Ninety minutes of driving and the city is replaced by fir and the sound of water.
22km
Of forest trail across two days
A moderate first day to Kairakty, a quiet second walk to Bear — built for contrast.
2falls
Kairakty and Bear waterfalls
One dramatic, one intimate — the river ties them together along the gorge.
Route Overview
Two days through dense fir and spruce forests of the Turgen River valley — part of Ile-Alatau National Park, one of Central Asia's most biodiverse protected areas. Day 1 is a 16 km forest trail to Kairakty Waterfall (moderate). Day 2 is a short quiet walk to Bear Waterfall — a deliberate contrast designed for recovery and reflection.
Itinerary
A moderate day on the trail with the river always close — climbing through the fir to one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the Ile-Alatau range.
A short, quiet walk to Bear Waterfall — designed as the gentle counterweight to Day 1, with a farewell lunch before the drive back.
Key Highlights
Before you book
A two-day walking escape with one demanding day and one easy one. Good shoes required. No permits to chase — only the small details that make the visit work.
Day 1 Moderate: 16 km, 4–5 hrs, 600–700 m gain. Day 2 Easy: 6–8 km, 2–3 hrs, 200–300 m. Good walking shoes required. Not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
One night at Turgen eco-lodge — private rooms, river views, shared facilities. Meals: dinner Day 1, breakfast Day 2, packed lunch on the trail, and a farewell lunch on Day 2.
Ile-Alatau National Park eco-fee included — no additional permits required. Private 4×4 transfer from Almaty, accompanied by 1–2 mountain guides.
May–October only — the trail is impassable in winter and early spring. Late spring and early autumn give the best balance of water flow and weather.
Pricing
All prices per person · Private departure · Full board included where stated
2 persons
$830
Private departure, maximum attention
4 persons
$480
Most popular group size
6+ persons
from $410
Best value per person
Included
Not included
Begin
Private dates, your group, your pace. We reply within 48 hours, in person — usually with three options shaped around your brief.