Rafting and kayaking on the Chilik River -
Travel to the rivers of Kazakhstan -
Chilik (Shelek) is a river in the Ili River basin, a beautiful and picturesque mountain river that is a natural attraction of the Almaty region. The river is convenient for active recreation; you can have a great time on the river camping or rafting on the river. Both options are possible with one overnight stay on the river bank, or a multi-day tour is possible. The length of the river is 245 kilometers, the river flows only through the territory of Kazakhstan and is the right tributary of the Ili River. Shokan Valikhanov (Kazakh scientist, historian, ethnographer, folklorist, traveler) visited the Chilik Valley in 1856, collected information about the nature of the river basin, the occupations of its inhabitants, and conducted archaeological research. He suggested that there was an ancient irrigation system here in ancient times.
How to get there, visit -
The Chilik River flows through the territory of Raimbek and Enbekshinsky districts, Almaty region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43.8192°N 78.1590°E
Information -
The Chilik River originates in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains and flows east along the northern slope of Kungei-Alatau. The river flows through the Bartogai reservoir and the famous city of Shelek (village), in the lower reaches it reaches the wide valley of the Ili River and flows into it above the Kapchagai reservoir. The river is fed mainly by meltwater from glaciers, melted snow and precipitation. In the upper part the river flows into a narrow gorge, below it widens, the river has about 70 branches. The main tributaries of the Chilik River are the small rivers Taldy, Zhinishke, Sarybulak, Asy, etc. Most of the water is used to irrigate crops, gardens, pastures, and hayfields. Several small hydroelectric power stations and the Bartogay dam were built along the river. Part of the water from the river is sent to the Big Almaty Canal. The villages of Malybay, Bizhanova, Bayseit, Sarybulak and Masak are also located in the river valley. The average annual water flow is 32.2 m3 per second over 63 km from mouth to mouth. The river is becoming a popular tourist destination; on the river you can practice extreme sports such as rafting and kayaking; there are also mountain routes along the river along which you can climb to the upper reaches of the river and make mountain crossings.
Chilik river in the mountains of Almaty region
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