Nature and natural attractions of the Zhetysu region -
Organization of travel in Zhetysu (Semirechye) (Seven Rivers area) -
The Kora River is a powerful and free mountain stream, originating high in the glaciers of the Dzungarian Alatau. It cuts through the rocks, breaks through steep gorges, rages and flows down the gorge of the same name. This region remains one of the most remote and inaccessible in the Zhetysu region, which makes the Kora River a real natural treasure, hidden from mass tourism. In the upper reaches of the river is the famous Burkhan-Bulak waterfall, which is not so easy to get to. In the upper reaches, the river looks like a stormy mountain ribbon, with glacial water, which remains icy even in summer. It is born from melting snowfields and is fed by dozens of springs and streams breaking off from the stone slopes. As it descends, the river becomes wider and more powerful, its waters foam, roar and create deep whirlpools among the rocks and boulders. Downstream, the river flows into another no less beautiful and turbulent river, the Karatal, and flows near the city of Taldykorgan.
Korinskoye Gorge (Kora), through which the river flows, is a real natural amphitheater, surrounded by granite walls up to 300-400 meters high. Dense coniferous forests, thickets of juniper, birch, rowan stretch here, and in summer the slope is covered with alpine flowers and fragrant herbs. The air in the gorge is clean and rich, and the landscapes seem to be cut out of an ancient fairy tale about the Great Steppe and mountain spirits. Three hydroelectric power stations are being built in several places in the gorge. Everywhere in the gorge is located near the village of Tekeli where the Buddhist Stupa (Tekeli Stupa) is located.
How to get there and visit -
The Kora River is located in the Korinsky Gorge (Kora), Dzhungar Alatau Mountains, Eskeldinsky District, Zhetysu Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 44°53'05"N 78°48'50"E
Information -
The Kora River conceals not only natural power, but also deep silence. There are no noisy routes here, you will not meet crowds of tourists here. The name "Kora" is really translated as "black", but this is not because of the color of the water. Locals say that the gorge was named so because of the dark shadows that the rocks cast on the water surface at certain hours of the day. The water here is so cold that even in the July heat it does not warm up above +7 degrees - swimming becomes an extreme attraction for daredevils. But after such an icy spirit, you feel an incredible surge of strength! After the rains, the river changes dramatically - the water level rises, the current becomes dangerous, and the color changes to milky white due to the suspension of rock. On such days, it is better to observe its power from afar. But in clear weather, you can sit for hours on the warm stones by the water, listening to its melodic ringing and watching the sun's glare play on the rocks. This place has a special magic that makes you come back here again and again.
The Kora River is a place for those who are looking for real solitude with nature. The river is ideal for fishing, photo tours, tent camps, extreme hikes. Along it there are paths that lead to glacial plateaus, high mountain passes and ancient pastures where tribes once roamed. Local legends say that the spirit of the Kora River protects this gorge from destruction. Guides tell of cases when nature "did not let in" people who came without respect - rains failed, paths were lost, communications disappeared. Those who came with a pure heart found inspiration, inner peace and powerful energy of the mountains here.
The Kora River is a symbol of the wild power of Zhetysu. Proud, indomitable, pristine - it reminds a person of how beautiful and strong nature is if it is not touched with a rough hand. This is a place where you can feel how life itself flows.
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