Hiking in the mountains to the "Eagle's Nest" in the Gorelnik Gorge

We leave Almaty heading south toward the mountains. We'll travel fifteen kilometers along Dostyk Avenue, passing the border guard school, a cottage community, a sports complex, and the Royal Tulip Hotel, located at the turnoff to Kamenskoye Plateau. After passing the eco-post, we'll drive just a short distance to the gondola station leading to the Chimbulak ski resort, after which we'll reach the Medeo sports complex.

Upon reaching the skating rink, we stroll to the central entrance and take photos. Next, we drive three kilometers to the dam. Upon reaching the top, we explore and stroll along the mudflow dam, the construction of which began in 1966 to protect Almaty from mudflows. We enjoy the beautiful view of the Medeo skating rink and admire the trees fallen on the mountain slopes during a powerful hurricane in 2011.

Having completed our walk along the Medeo dam, we head to the Gorelnik tract. After driving two kilometers, we reach the start of our three-kilometer hike to the Upper Gorelnik waterfall. Our trail begins with a steep climb up the slope among a cluster of Tien Shan spruce trees.

After one kilometer, the trail becomes more gradual, and we come across an old house nestled in an alpine meadow surrounded by spruce trees. Another house is hidden behind the spruce trees on the southern slope. After passing a large alpine meadow, we pass a campsite for tourists and head toward the Kumbelsu stream, located at an altitude of 2,205 meters above sea level. It originates from a peak of the same name.

The next stop on our route is the Gorelnik River, located at an altitude of 2,330 meters above sea level. This is a very beautiful area, perfect for taking beautiful photographs. After taking photos, we cross the river and begin climbing a trail along the river's left bank.

This trail leads us along the steep bank of the Verkhniy Gorelnik River to the picturesque waterfall of the same name, located at an altitude of 2,395 meters above sea level. We enjoy the stunning view of the waterfall, rest, and take photos. If you wish, you can take a swim in the icy stream.

Next, our route leads to a popular tourist campsite called Eagle's Nest, located one kilometer from the waterfall. A steep climb awaits us, leading us to an old fallen spruce tree, where Eagle's Nest is located at an altitude of 2,505 meters above sea level.

We stroll through the surrounding area, take photos, and enjoy the beautiful, picturesque view of the Gorelnik Gorge from this vantage point. We have lunch, rest, and then return along this trail to the beginning of the gorge. After walking four kilometers, we reach the parking lot and depart for Almaty.