Mountains & WalksMountains & WalksPhoto: Игорь Улитин, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
The Ayusay Gorge trail is approximately 6 km round trip, taking 2.5–4 hours with an elevation gain of around 667 meters. The route starts from the Ayusay visitor center, which is accessible by bus 211, or you can reach it by taxi or car. Entrance is paid—a modest national park fee, though a guide is not required. There are three permanent trails in the gorge, with 'Myn Koz' being the easiest, suitable even for children and unprepared tourists. The gorge is open from 9:00 to 19:00, though it's best to check the seasonal schedule in advance. The trail is marked and well-maintained, winding through sunny clearings, quiet groves, and coniferous forest along the river. As you approach the upper waterfall, the gorge narrows into a tight, deep canyon with a short rock climbing section—extra caution is advised here due to potential rockfall.
The name translates from Kazakh as 'Bear Gorge'—this area was historically home to Tian Shan brown bears. During the 1970s–1990s, snow leopards were also spotted in these parts. The Ayusay visitor center itself, the first in the Ile-Alatau National Park, opened in 2021. At the same time, other infrastructure began to be developed: a camping area, parking lot, and apple orchard. The center also offers themed '4 Seasons' tours that explain how the gorge's flora and fauna change throughout the year. Prior to this, the gorge was wild and sparsely inhabited, known mainly to local hikers.
There are more than five waterfalls in the gorge, but visitors typically head to three main ones. The lower waterfall, 5–6 meters high, is the easiest and just 700 meters from the trailhead. The middle waterfall, about 3 meters, is quiet and quite modest. The upper waterfall, the most spectacular at up to 10 meters, requires crossing the river by stones and logs. The upper waterfall is open only in summer; at other times, access is closed on the recommendation of the Institute of Zoology, likely to avoid disturbing local wildlife during sensitive periods. Along the way stands the sculptural group 'Three Bears'—a reminder of how the gorge got its name. The water from Ayusay flows into the Big Almaty River, which then joins the Kaskeleng River, continuing through the Kapshagai Reservoir and the Ili River before reaching Lake Balkhash. This modest mountain stream turns out to be part of a major water system spanning southeastern Kazakhstan. You'll only need trekking boots, poles, and a rain jacket—this is entirely suitable for a family outing with children, provided you're not planning to tackle the upper waterfall.