Kok Jailau Plateau
Situated at the foot of the Ile Alatau Mountains, Kok Jailau is a picturesque foothill valley that boasts exceptional natural beauty. Kok Jailau is located at an altitude of 1450-1750 meters (4757-5781 ft), offering a unique vantage point to appreciate the surrounding scenery. The plateau, with its close proximity to Almaty and stunning natural beauty, is one of the most sought-after hiking destinations. Its popularity remains constant throughout the year, attracting a steady stream of visitors.
Awe-inspiring hiking trails
One of the highlights of Kok Jailau is its towering Tien Shan spruce trees, which permeate the area with their enchanting coniferous aroma. These magnificent trees are a testament to the plateau's breathtaking beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
Navigating Kok Jailau is easy, as the area is well-marked with signs to guide visitors. You can choose any path that best suits your abilities and preferences. For instance, some prefer the challenging route through a stunning birch grove, while others opt for the easier, flat road. Regardless of your choice, both paths eventually converge, leading to stunning panoramic views of the city from wooden benches along the way. The journey culminates in a delightful surprise – a waterfall that awaits at the end of the ascent.
A Haven for Rare Wildlife
The plateau boasts rich wildlife and flora. A variety of animals, including Tien Shan brown bears, marals, manuls, wild boars, Indian porcupines, stone martens, booted eagles, and ibisbills can be found in the area. In terms of flora, visitors can observe Ostrovsky and Zinaida tulips, Alatavian saffron, pines, Sievers apple trees, peppermint, and more.
The plateau, situated between the Big and Small Almaty gorges, offers breathtaking vistas of the Shymbulak Ski Resort, the towering Kumbel Peak, the iconic Medeu Skating Rink, the majestic Big Almaty Peak, and the Kok-Tobe TV Tower – weather permitting, of course. These panoramic views are sure to take your breath away and make your visit to Kok Jailau an unforgettable experience.
How to get there?
You can reach Kok Jailau by taking bus #12 to the «Akbulak» bus stop. The sign to the plateau is located near the Prosveshchenets Health Resort, and the hike to the plateau is approximately 5 kilometers (3 mi) long. For those seeking a more challenging experience, the road from the Big Almaty Gorge to the Kumbel Hotel and up to the plateau is a longer option that will take several hours to complete. Simply turn left after the eco-post in the Big Almaty Gorge to begin this scenic route.
Other tourist attractions near the plateau:
- Kumbel Peak
- Three Brothers Peak
- Medeu Skating Rink
- Shymbulak Ski Resort
- Gorelnik Gorge
- Abay Peak
- Tuyuksu Glacier
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.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Bogdanovich Glacier Trekking Tour")
On request
Embark on a trek to the Bogdanovich Glacier, the closest glacier to the city of Almaty. Enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks from the glacier's observation point.
On request
An easy trekking route suitable for all, including adults and children. Discover Shukur waterfalls and Big Almaty Lake, nestled amid towering mountains and coniferous forests.
On request
Embark on a trek to Alma-Arasan Gorge (Prohodnoye Gorge), one of the most easily accessible and picturesque places near Almaty. The trail follows the river, involving several crossings over wooden and iron bridges.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Boukreev Peak Trekking Tour")
On request
An easy circular trekking route leading to Boukreev Peak in the Ile Alatau Mountains. Spanning 17 kilometers and designed for a one-day adventure, this trail begins at the Almatau tourist base in the Kotyrbulak gorge.
On request
Trekking to the Gorelnik Gorge is a highly favored adventure for tourists and trekking enthusiasts alike. The gorge boasts stunning scenery with abundant trees, mushrooms, and berries. If lucky, one might even encounter the wild inhabitants of the area, including mountain deer.
On request
Left Talgar Gorge is a scenic location adorned with flourishing meadows and dense coniferous forests. The hiking trail starts at the Medeu Skating Rink and culminates at the highest point of the Shymbulak Ski Resort.