Burkhan Bulak

Burkhan Bulak is the highest waterfall in Kazakhstan.  It is located in the gorge of the Kora River at the altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and consists of three cascades.  At a height of 112 metres, the waterfall is a spectacular sight to behold.

The destination is not the pinnacle of a journey here.  The road in to the river gorge is awe inspiring.  The drive from Almaty takes 10-12 hours, most of which is off-road and only accessible to serious 4WDs.  Along the way, the journey takes you into a high mountain plateau where you can see grasslands where the Kazakhs are grazing their livestock.  Yurts dot the plateau.  The grassland gives way to a more rocky landscape before finally the road brings you to the edge of a deep canyon.  High mountains rise on the other side and you truly feel small standing in their presence.  The road then winds down a steep rocky hillside, descending quickly to the valley floor.  A track following the river will take you finally to your destination.

The journey in will take a full day, but you will not feel like it was wasted.  Down in the valley, there are possibilities for hiking, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, horse riding and much more.  Accommodation can be camping or a more comfortable cabin.  A minimum of 3 days is required for this tour.

The best time of year to come to this area is July when the waterfall is at its most powerful, but any time of year will provide an unforgettable experience.

Trip Options

Option 1 – 4WD, Hiking, Camping, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Abseiling
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Length: 3 days Difficulty: Easy Cost from: $240*
Day 1:

Almaty – Taldykorgan – Kapal Pass – Korin Gorge
Leave Almaty early in the morning and drive to Taldykorgan.
Continue for another hour before turning onto the dirt for the first time.
Drive up onto the plateau, stopping for photos and lunch as wanted.
Drive down into the gorge and make our way along the valley floor.
Reach camp in the evening.

Day 2:

Breakfast.
Walk/drive to Burkhan Bulak waterfall.
Explore the area around the waterfall.
There is a possibility to do some hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, or use the via ferrata.
Dinner.

Day 3:

Break camp and start the drive back along the valley.
Have lunch up on the plateau.
drive down off the plateau and back onto normal roads.
Arrive back in Almaty in the evening.


Option 2 – Mountain Biking, Hiking, Camping, 4WD, Climbing, Abseiling
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Length: 4 days Difficulty: Hard Cost from: $320*
Day 1:

Almaty – Taldykorgan – Kapal Pass – Korin Gorge
Leave Almaty early in the morning and drive to Taldykorgan.
Continue for another hour before turning onto the dirt for the first time.
Start Mountain Biking.
Ride up onto the plateau, stopping for photos and lunch as wanted.
Continue to the campsite.

Day 2:

Breakfast and break camp.
Ride down into the gorge and along the river valley.
Reach our campsite.
Explore the area around the waterfall.
Dinner.

Day 3:

Breakfast.
Explore the area around the waterfall.
There is a possibility to do some hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, or use the via ferrata.
Dinner.

Day 4:

Breakfast and break camp.
Drive back along the valley and up onto the plateau.
Have lunch on the plateau.
Drive down off the plateau, back onto normal roads.
Return to Almaty in the evening.


* Prices are given as a guide. All prices are given in US Dollars per person. Prices may vary depending on number of clients, price changes, exchange rates, etc.