Attractions of the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve -
Mountain trekking and horseback riding in the Kishi-Kaindy gorge -
The Kishi-Kaindy River is a beautiful turquoise mountain river, a natural attraction of the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve. Its name is translated from Kazakh as "Little Kaindy", and despite this, it is full of strength, life and character, like a younger brother who is in no way inferior to the older one. The river originates in glacial bowls high in the mountains, where the snow almost never melts even in summer. Here, at the heights, the air rings with purity, and the water rushes down from the alpine slopes, cutting through dense thickets of juniper and fragrant herbs. The river flows through the famous Kishi-Kaindy gorge, along which there is a 12-kilometer picturesque mountain route from the village of Zhabagly. Travelers usually cover this route on horseback, which they rent in the village. The route along the river will take you to the upper reaches of the gorge, where you will see the famous cascade waterfall of Kishi-Kaindy. Also along the way you will see and visit the ranger's house, where the first director of the reserve, Boris Petrovich Trizna, worked. If you move up the gorge along the road even further, you can reach the second ranger's house, which is located high in the mountains and much further than the first house. This route can also be covered by a high-cross-country vehicle.
How to get there, visit -
The Kishi-Kaindy River is located in the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve and flows through the Kishi Kaindy gorge, Turkestan region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 42°24'20"N 70°35'00"E
Information -
Kishi-Kaindy is in no hurry - it meanders between boulders, breaks through mosses and lichens, forms small rapids and refreshing riffles, the noise of which seems to beat out the rhythm of the heart of the reserve itself. One of the most beautiful landscapes of Aksu-Zhabagly is spread along the banks of the river - this is the kingdom of juniper and subalpine meadows. In the spring, hundreds of species of flowers bloom here, including tulips, irises, geraniums and rare mountain orchids. And in the air you can hear the cries of golden eagles, the whistles of marmots and the echoes of mountain goats descending to drink. The approach to the river is not the easiest - you need to overcome a rocky path going through the Kishi-Kaindy tract, climb to a pass almost 3000 meters high. But those who decide to take this path will be rewarded with interest: not just a river will open up before them, but a real natural revelation – living, clean, sacred water in the embrace of eternal mountains.
Kishi-Kaindy is not just a stream, it is a road. Traveling along it is like returning to the origins: there is no noise of civilization, only mountains, sky and a current that seems to carry away all worries. This river is a living artery of the reserve, feeding not only the land, but also the soul of everyone who dares to meet it.
Attractions nearby:
Aksu Canyon (Aksu River Canyon)
Aksu River
Koksai Gorge
Kaskabulak Petroglyphs
Darbaza Tract
Tulips of the Aksu-Zhabagly Reserve
"Skazka" Cave near the village of Ak-Biik
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