Tekes Waterfall
To the east of Almaty, near the Chinese border, stands one of Kazakhstan's most exquisite waterfalls – Tekes Falls. It’s formed by the river of the same name that finds its origin in the Tien Shan glaciers. The Tekes and Kunges mountain rivers converge to shape the Ili River, the Jetysu Region's largest river.
Although the Tekes Waterfall is not of great altitude, its charm remains undeniable. It seems to be hidden from prying eyes. To admire its beauty, you descend rather than ascend. Exercise caution while descending, as the rocks can be sheer and slippery due to water flow. The reward, however, is vibrant and matchless photographs. During winter, Tekes succumbs to a frosty blanket of ice. The waterfall is positioned within the border zone so having proper identification documents on hand is advisable.
Surrounding the riverbanks and Tekes Waterfall, a panorama of breathtaking landscapes unfolds – alpine meadows, evergreen forests, and mountain slopes. You'll also encounter yurts, temporary homes of herders.
The journey to the waterfall encompasses both asphalt roads and off-road tracks, a fact worth considering when selecting a car. If an overnight stay by the waterfall is in your plans, be sure to equip yourself with a tent, warm clothing, sustenance, and hydration. Connectivity could pose a challenge, as the waterfall is far removed from urban infrastructure.
How to get there?
To reach the waterfall from Almaty, take the A-351 highway, a section of which runs along the Tekes River. The journey will take you just a little over 4 hours. The initial leg spans 335 km (208 mi) from Almaty to the village of Zhanatekes, all while tracing the A-351 highway. From Zhanatekes, it's about 5 km (3 mi) on an off-road route to the waterfall.
Other tourist attractions near the Tekes Waterfall:
- The Village of Narynkol
- Lake Tuzkol
- Bayankol Gorge
- Bestobe Reservoir
- Khan-Tengri Peak
- Jengish Chokusu
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