Resorts & AdventuresResorts & AdventuresPhoto: Naziranildi, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
The plateau stretches approximately 8 by 4 kilometers, offering reliable thermal currents and convenient landing areas. Paragliding pilots from throughout the CIS region come here for both training flights and competitions. The most convenient launch point is from Ushkonyr Mountain, which has a significant relative altitude and good access road, making it the standard starting point for beginners flying tandem with an instructor. The easiest route is via the upper Kaskelenskoe Highway: after the village of Zhandosov, at the 30-kilometer mark, the road turns left and climbs in serpentine switchbacks for another 16 kilometers to the barrier at the plateau itself. Tandem flights for beginners can be booked in advance through paragliding clubs in Almaty. Flying happens year-round here: in winter down to −5 degrees, and in summer thermal activity is stable and predictable.
The first flights on this plateau began back in the 1970s when hang-gliders were gaining popularity. The steep northern slope of Ushkonyr proved so convenient that USSR hang-gliding championships were held here. A paragliding club has existed here for a long time. It took its current name — "Samruk," after a mythical bird — in 2004. Today Ushkonyr is the largest officially registered deltaplane aerodrome throughout the entire CIS, covering an area of approximately 500 square kilometers. CIS cups, Kazakhstan, and Asian championships are regularly held here.
Even without flying, the plateau itself is an open, windy expanse with views of mountains and steppe. In spring it becomes covered with flowers: wild tulips, irises, and primroses — it's worth visiting just for that. The road is well-maintained and asphalt, with several switchbacks, so it can be reached in a regular vehicle. For those who don't fly themselves but want to watch, near the launch areas you can always observe as paragliders one by one catch the thermal currents over the valley.
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