Excursion to Chuuldak tract and gorge in Aksu Djabagly nature park
Chuuldak is a mountain gorge located within the Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve in the Almaty Region. The gorge is famous for its natural attractions and location.
Besides this gorge, the reserve boasts numerous other attractions, but we recommend visiting this place first. A full-day excursion to Chuuldak Gorge takes us all day. You can get here by car or horseback; horseback riding takes a little longer, but you'll appreciate the beauty of the area.
Welcome to this protected area of the region. Please maintain cleanliness and order, and please respect and preserve nature.
- Distance of the route:
132 km
- Season time:
May - September
- Best time:
June - August
- Group size:
not more 12 persons
- Days & nights:
1 day
Tour itinerary:
Zhabagly village – Eltai village – Iirsu village – Aksu Canyon – Aksu Gamekeeper's Canyon (1,620 meters above sea level) (25 km). Start of the trip.
This excursion is a walk through the southern part of the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, located south of the Aksu River Canyon. We will begin our horseback ride from the Aksu Canyon, descend the southern slope, and ascend the northern slope. The road to the Chuuldak tract begins after a low ridge running along the left bank of the canyon.
From this point, a picturesque view opens up. You will be amazed by the extraordinary view of the southern slope; at its upper part, you can observe layers of sedimentary rocks folded by late tectonic deposits. In the distance, you can see the snow-capped Ugam Range. Our journey will continue along an old geological road, through beautiful juniper forests, descending to a clearing with a weather station.
The reserve's ranger's station is also located there. The view from here is stunning—slopes covered with juniper forests, as well as the Bala-Baldabrek River valley. Here you can see a wide variety of birds, such as the Rufous-naped Tit and the Persian Robin, among many other species.
To spend the night, you'll need to pitch tents. The Chuuldak tract can be reached by car; the journey is 100 kilometers, initially on a paved road, then on a dirt road. The journey takes about two hours each way. From the Chuuldak tract, you can continue on horseback to the Bala-Baldabrek River valley and the Darbaza tract. Our route will lead us along a trail through meadows and juniper forest, descending to the river.
Large, old juniper trees, whose trunks can reach up to three meters in circumference, grow on the slopes along the river. A short section of the trail follows the river's source, then heads up to the Kol-Zhailau Pass, where a panoramic view of the gorge opens up, revealing the cold mountain river Baldybrek murmuring below.
The right bank of the river is home to numerous roe deer, which can be seen even during the day. In the upper reaches of the river, you can see snow leopard tracks among the rocky ledges. Our further path descends to the "gates" at the exit of the gorge, known in Kazakh as "Darbaza." Beyond them lies a wide valley where the mountains give way to hills.
The cliffs at the "gate" narrow the riverbed, leaving only a small path along the bank. Birds nesting on the cliffs include Crag Martins and Blue Whistling Thrushes. In June, the river rises, and it's best to walk around the gate above, offering stunning views of the foothills and the Ugam Range.
In other months, crossing the river on horseback is easy. Beyond the "gate," a green valley awaits, providing an excellent place to set up camp and rest. The valley makes a wonderful end to our journey. Here, we'll leave the horses and return by car. If you're in good physical condition, this walk can be done on foot.
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