Best Waterfall Hikes Near Almaty 2026 – Top 8
The mountains above Almaty hide dozens of waterfalls – from thundering cascades fed by glacial meltwater to quiet forest streams tumbling over mossy boulders. Most are reachable as day hikes, and the best season runs from May through October when snowmelt keeps the falls at full force.
We’ve hiked every waterfall trail near Almaty and picked the 8 best. Each one is available as a private guided tour with transport from the city – or you can hike independently using the trail info and GPS tracks on our route pages.
Quick Comparison
| Waterfall | Difficulty | Distance | Duration | From $/person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butakovka Waterfalls | Moderate | 13.5 km | 7 hours | $72 |
| Kairak Waterfall | Easy | 18.5 km | 5-6 hours | $70 |
| Bear Waterfall | Moderate | 6 km | 2-3 hours | $72 |
| Black Waterfall | Easy | 8.5 km | 3-4 hours | $72 |
| Sarkyrama Waterfall | Moderate | 7 km | 3-4 hours | $54 |
| Hobbit’s Waterfall | Easy | 1 km | 30-60 min | $50 |
| Gorelnik Waterfalls | Easy | 17 km | 5-6 hours | $72 |
| Kim Asar Gorge | Easy | 8 km | 1.5 hours | $60 |
1. Butakovka Waterfalls
Moderate · 13.5 km · 7 hours · 989m elevation gain · From $72/person
The most popular waterfall hike near Almaty, and for good reason. The trail follows Butakovsky Gorge through dense forest to two waterfalls – the Lower falls (easier, about 2 hours in) and the Upper falls (another hour beyond, more dramatic). The gorge itself is beautiful: tall spruce trees, river crossings on fallen logs, and mountain views opening up as you climb.
Best from May to October. The upper waterfall is most impressive in June when snowmelt peaks.
View full trail guide & book tour →
2. Kairak Waterfall – Turgen Gorge
Easy · 18.5 km · 5-6 hours · 506m elevation gain · From $70/person
A long but gentle forest walk through Turgen Gorge to Kairak Waterfall – one of the tallest accessible falls near Almaty. The trail follows the Turgen River through dense woodland with almost no steep sections. The distance is 18+ km but the terrain is flat, making it easier than shorter but steeper hikes.
The drive to the trailhead (2 hours from Almaty) passes through beautiful countryside and the Issyk area.
View full trail guide & book tour →
3. Bear Waterfall – Ayusay Gorge
Moderate · 6 km · 2-3 hours · 667m elevation gain · From $72/person
Short but rewarding – Bear Waterfall sits above the Big Almaty Lake road in Ayusay Gorge. The trail climbs steeply through pine forest to a powerful cascade framed by rocky cliffs. At only 6 km round trip, this is one of the best “quick hit” waterfall hikes if you have half a day.
Combine it with a visit to Big Almaty Lake on the same trip for a full day in the mountains.
View full trail guide & book tour →
4. Black Waterfall – Tuyuksu
Easy · 8.5 km · 3-4 hours · 676m elevation gain · From $72/person
Hidden in the Tuyuksu cirque above Shymbulak ski resort, the Black Waterfall gets its name from the dark rock face it pours over. The approach goes through the ski area (ride the cable car up) and continues on a mountain trail past alpine meadows. On the same trip you can visit the Tuyuksu ice grottos – natural caves in the glacier.
Best from June to September when the trail above Shymbulak is snow-free.
View full trail guide & book tour →
5. Sarkyrama Waterfall
Moderate · 7 km · 3-4 hours · 742m elevation gain · From $54/person
One of the least-known waterfall hikes near Almaty – and our best-value tour. The trail starts near Medeo and follows the Sarkyrama gorge to a secluded waterfall surrounded by forest. You’ll have this one mostly to yourself, even on summer weekends when other trails are packed.
The name “Sarkyrama” means “waterfall” in Kazakh, and the cascade lives up to it – especially in early summer.
View full trail guide & book tour →
6. Hobbit’s Waterfall
Easy · 1 km · 30-60 min · 68m elevation gain · From $50/person
The easiest “hike” on this list – barely a walk. Hobbit’s Waterfall is a small but photogenic cascade tucked into a forest hollow near the Big Almaty Lake road. The trail is flat, short, and suitable for anyone including small children and elderly visitors. Named for its fairy-tale setting among moss-covered boulders and twisted trees.
Perfect as a quick stop on the way to Big Almaty Lake, or as a standalone gentle nature walk.
View full trail guide & book tour →
7. Gorelnik Waterfalls & Eagle’s Nest
Easy · 17 km · 5-6 hours · 950m elevation gain · From $72/person
Gorelnik Gorge is the hiking hub of the Almaty mountains, and the trail to Eagle’s Nest viewpoint passes several waterfalls along the way. The main waterfall sits about halfway up the gorge, with a dramatic drop into a rocky pool. Continue past it to Eagle’s Nest for panoramic views of the entire Almaty valley.
This is also the starting point for longer routes to Kumbel Peak and Titov Lakes – making it ideal if you want to combine waterfalls with a bigger adventure.
View full trail guide & book tour →
8. Kim Asar Gorge Waterfall
Easy · 8 km · 1.5 hours · 500m elevation gain · From $60/person
The closest mountain gorge to Almaty city – you can be at the trailhead in 15 minutes from the city center. Kim Asar Gorge has a small but pretty waterfall reachable in under an hour of easy walking through birch and spruce forest. The trail is well-marked and popular with local families on weekends.
If you’re short on time or new to hiking, this is the perfect introduction to Almaty’s mountain trails.
View full trail guide & book tour →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for waterfall hikes near Almaty?
May through October, with June being the best month – snowmelt makes the waterfalls most powerful. By August some smaller falls slow to a trickle. Avoid November to April when trails may be snow-covered or icy.
Can I hike to these waterfalls without a guide?
Yes, most trails are well-marked. However, a guided tour includes transport from Almaty (most trailheads are 30-90 minutes from the city), safety gear, lunch, and professional photos. We offer private tours for every waterfall on this list.
Which waterfall hike is best for beginners?
Hobbit’s Waterfall (30 minutes, flat trail) or Kim Asar Gorge (1.5 hours, gentle climb). For a slightly longer but still easy option, try the Black Waterfall via the Shymbulak cable car.
Which waterfall is the most impressive?
Butakovka Upper Waterfall in June, when snowmelt makes it a roaring cascade. Kairak Waterfall in Turgen Gorge is the tallest. Bear Waterfall has the most dramatic rocky setting.
Can I combine multiple waterfalls in one day?
Bear Waterfall + Hobbit’s Waterfall are close together (both on the Big Almaty Lake road). Butakovka + Kim Asar are in neighboring gorges. Ask us about custom multi-waterfall day tours.
How much does a guided waterfall hike cost?
Private guided tours start from $50/person (groups of 6) to $142/person (solo). Every tour includes transport from Almaty, English-speaking guide, lunch, safety gear, and professional photos. Book a tour here.
Ready to Chase Waterfalls?
Every waterfall on this list is available as a private guided tour from Almaty. We handle transport, safety, lunch, and photos – you just show up and enjoy the mountains.