Fresh air trail along the Yessentai Mountain River -
The route where the city imperceptibly passes into the foothills -
The new Terrain-Cure in Almaty is a long health walking trail that stretches along the Esentai River in the eastern part of the city. Just a few minutes from shopping malls and noisy highways, another world begins here: cool water, dense greenery, soft mountain air and a smooth ascent into the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau.
This route is great for those who are tired of asphalt, but are not ready to leave the city far away. A walk, jog or bike ride here turns into a small trip, and not just a physical activity. During the day, the route offers a beautiful mountain panorama of the mountains of Almaty.
History
The officially updated terrain cure along the Esentai River was presented to the residents of Almaty in August 2022, after the completion of a large-scale reconstruction of the coastal zone. Previously, there was a trail here, but it was known mainly to lovers of wild routes. The city decided to turn it into a modern ecological or health trail.: The shores were reinforced, the space was landscaped, a convenient surface was laid and the route was made accessible to a wide variety of people, from athletes to families with children.
The trail stretches for about 7.5 kilometers along the Esentai riverbed. The beginning of the route is located above Al-Farabi Avenue, in the Esentai Mall area, from where it gradually goes up towards the mountains of Almaty. The height difference of about 660 meters makes walking palpable for the body, but not excessively difficult, especially if you walk at your own pace.
Therapeutic effect and significance: Open-air nature sanatorium
The main therapeutic effect of the terrain-cure (health path) is achieved through a combination of metered physical activity with altitude gain and healing mountain air saturated with phytoncides of coniferous trees and negative aeroions.
Regular walks along the route contribute to strengthening the cardiovascular system, improving lung function, normalizing blood pressure and overall strengthening the immune system.
The route is divided into several levels of difficulty, which allows it to be used both for the rehabilitation of patients after diseases, and for preventive activities of healthy people of different ages and physical fitness.
The new terrain-cure in Almaty is an excellent alternative to indoor gyms, offering the opportunity for physical therapy in a natural environment with constantly changing landscapes.
Atmosphere and features
The main impression of terrain-cure is a feeling of coolness and freedom. In summer, when the city is hot, it's always a little easier to breathe along the river: the water is noisy nearby, the air is moving in soft streams, and a green corridor of trees is closing overhead. The usual city noise is not heard here, the sounds of cars gradually disappear, and the rustle of leaves, birdsong and the quiet hum of water take their place.
The route is suitable for a wide variety of leisure activities. People run here in the morning, walk with children and strollers in the afternoon, ride bicycles, and couples and groups of friends come in the evening. Benches are set up along the trail so that you can pause, sit by the water and just watch the mountain river move rapidly. Sports and playgrounds enliven the route, but do not break its natural character, everything is done as if the city had only gently touched this place.
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How to get there and visit -
The easiest way to start exploring the new terrain-cure (Terrenkur) is from the point where Al-Farabi Avenue crosses the Esentai River, near the Esentai Mall. From here, the path goes up the valley towards the mountains.
GPS coordinates: 43°13'10"N 76°55'58"E
For a classic top-down route, take bus number 12 or 29. Your goal is the Muztau bus stop. Next to the Bellagio restaurant, you will find the entrance to a path that goes deep into the grove; follow it and cross to the other side of the river on a convenient bridge.
If you prefer to start your walk from a different point, you can start from the Agroforestry, gradually descending to Al-Farabi. For those who are looking for a more intense load, the option of climbing the terrain-cure from the bottom up is perfect, this is an excellent cardio workout in the fresh air.
The route is freely open, with no entry time limits. The best time to walk is in the morning and evening, when the sun is milder and the mountain air is especially fresh. The trail is also accessible in winter, but it's worth taking care of warm clothes and non-slip shoes.
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Architecture and space
During the reconstruction, the new terrain-cure trail received a new coating, safe areas with flooring, and careful descents and ascents. The lighting is set so as not to turn the trail into a brightly lit boulevard, but at the same time to remain comfortable for evening walks. Benches, lanterns, small playgrounds for recreation and sports are made in a restrained aesthetic, so as not to argue with nature, but to fit into it.
There is a constant change of terrain along the route: somewhere the trail runs almost at the water's edge, somewhere it rises a little higher, opening up new views of the river and the green slopes. Thanks to this, a walk along the health-trail does not seem monotonous – it lives by its own rhythm, set by the Esentai current and the relief of the foothills.
Legend and legend
A quiet legend was born among the local walkers that Yesentai does not like fuss. They say that if you come here alone in the early morning, when the city has not yet woken up, walk at least part of the way and stop at least once, just listening to the water, the river will take away some of the worries and return lightness in return.
Some joke that this is why terrain-cure has become so popular with Almaty residents: every time a person returns home from this path, he becomes a little calmer than he was when he first set foot on it.
The new terrain-cure (health trail) of Almaty is a unique nature and wellness complex that offers a rare opportunity to combine active recreation, aesthetic enjoyment of mountain landscapes and real health care. This is a place where every step benefits the body, and every turn of the path gives a new impression to the soul.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Sunkar International Ski Jumping Complex;
• Main Botanical Garden;
• Esentai Mall Shopping and Entertainment Center.
