The best white water rafting destinations in Kazakhstan

If you are seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure in Kazakhstan, look no further than rafting! With its vast expanse, Kazakhstan offers a plethora of wide and turbulent rivers that flow through valleys, steppes, mountains, and lakes, making it an ideal destination for rafting enthusiasts. The sport has gained popularity in recent years and is not just limited to professionals but also thrill-seekers who don't require special training.

The Almaty and East Kazakhstan regions are the best places for rafting due to the abundance of turbulent rivers in these areas. Rafting is typically done on 2, 4, or 6-seater boats called rafts, and most of the rafting activities take place along mountain rivers where the water is cold. Proper preparation is crucial, and it is recommended to purchase or rent special equipment such as a wetsuit and wet shoes.

What rivers in Kazakhstan are perfect for rafting?

White water rafting has six grades of difficulty, ranging from Class 1 to Class 6. For beginners, the Ili River, belonging to Class 1, is the perfect option. It offers stunning landscapes along the way and is the largest river in the region and one of the longest in the country. Rafting on Ili starts from the dam, passes through three points – Devil's Finger, City of Nomads, and the Tamgaly Tas Tract, and ends on a glade, a place with a smooth exit from the water, where you can comfortably sit and set up camp. The entire rafting on Ili is 18 kilometers (29 mi).

The Turgen River, belonging to Class 2, is a bit more challenging and offers water obstacles and stone rapids along its path, making it more interesting for experienced rafters. The river is shallow, not wide, with bumps and stone underwater rapids, and strong currents. A high-density vest is required for such a river, and the presence of a helmet is strictly necessary.

Located about 140 km (225 mi) from Almaty, the Chilik River is even more challenging to raft due to its location in the Ile Alatau Mountains. The Chilik and Turgen rivers host the first stage of the Cup of Kazakhstan in rafting.

The Charyn River is also a popular destination for rafting enthusiasts, with classes 4 and 5 rapids and stunning views of the Charyn Canyon. There are very dangerous rapids there.

The Koksu River, near the town of Taldykorgan, 400 kilometers (644 mi) from Almaty, has a route of about 50 kilometers (80 mi), including about 50 water rapids of varying difficulty levels. It is dangerous for people without experience, and it is almost impossible to pass the rapids. The river is quite deep, but there are a couple of safer sections where you can practice and learn some skills for passing obstacles.

In the East Kazakhstan Region, the Irtysh, Ulba, and Bukhtarma rivers offer various rafting experiences surrounded by stunning natural beauty of the Altai Mountains. The mountain rivers Kalzhir and Khamir are quite remote from large settlements, and therefore for the rafting participants who decide to go there, it will be a whole multi-day expedition. Getting there is challenging, and the rafting is not easy.

For those in Western Kazakhstan, the Ural River is a great option with waves that flow into the Caspian Sea. Although it is suitable for beginners, professionals may find it less challenging. So, if you are looking for an adrenaline rush and an unforgettable experience, consider rafting in Kazakhstan.