Butakov Waterfalls
The Butakov Gorge (also spelled as Butakovsky Gorge), located in the Ile Alatau Mountains, is a stunning 14 km (9 mi) long natural wonder with an elevation ranging from 1700 to 2900 meters (5577-9514 ft). The gorge is home to the Butakovka River, a tributary of the river Malaya Almatinka. The Kazakh word «butak» meaning a branch, aptly describes the gorge's branching structure. This protected natural site is part of the Ile-Alatau National Park, yet surprisingly lies within the city limits of Almaty.
The Butakov Gorge is renowned for its two waterfalls, the Upper and Lower. During winter, the frozen waterfalls transform into a magical scene of ice palaces, while in summer, the sparkling waterfalls flow into the gorge. To reach the waterfalls, visitors must hike along the Butakovka River, providing an opportunity to pause and admire the panoramic views of Almaty from a height.
The Lower Butakov Waterfall, approximately 30 meters (98 ft) high, is nestled amongst stunning stone cliffs. A small stone area behind the stream of water provides visitors with a chance to admire the panorama through the water curtain. The Upper Butakov Waterfall, standing at a height of 20 meters (66 ft), is less popular due to its higher location. However, a well-developed trail leads to it, and visitors are rewarded with a close-up view of the highlands, often covered in snow even during the warmer months. On the hike, hikers can enjoy the various plants, flowers, and trees that grow in the gorge, including Tien Shan spruce, barberry, different varieties of apples, aspen, and mountain ash.
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How to get there?
To access the Butakov Gorge, there are several transportation options available. If you prefer to drive, you travel along Dostyk Avenue, then turn onto Kerey and Zhanibek Khandar St. Finally, turn onto Beiseuova St. and continue to the national park’s eco-post. From there, visitors must park their car and continue their journey on foot.
Alternatively, visitors can take city bus No. 29P, which also travels to the eco-post. For those seeking a more active route, a scenic walk from the Medeu Skating Rink is another option. Bus number 12 can take you there. The paths leading to the gorge are well-maintained, some of which are paved, while others are frequently trodden by the feet of thousands of tourists.
For a more structured and guided experience, our company offers a trekking tour to the Butakov Gorge, which can be completed in just 6 hours. This tour includes pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel, ensuring that you have a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
Other tourist attractions near the Butakov Gorge:
- Medeu Tract and Medeu Skating Rink
- Shymbulak Ski Resort
- Kimasar Gorge
- Furmanov Peak
- Boukreev Peak
- Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort
Recommended tours:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Butakov Waterfalls Trekking Tour")
On request
Butakov Waterfalls can be found in the Ile Alatau Mountains near Almaty. The breathtaking scenery, pristine air, and refreshing coolness have been drawing tourists to this location for quite some time.