Kastek Gorge

Kastek Gorge is a picturesque and historically significant valley located near the border of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, southwest of Almaty. Stretching approximately 30 kilometers, the gorge winds through rolling green hills and is home to the Kastek River, which flows quietly at its base. The area is largely untouched by tourism, giving it a peaceful, almost forgotten charm. Despite the lack of dense forests, the region supports diverse wildlife, including deer, foxes, wild goats, wolves, and many species of birds, such as the striking yellowhammer.

Historically, Kastek Gorge served as a crucial trade and migration route for over a thousand years, linking the Ili Valley with the ancient city of Balasagun, located near modern-day Tokmok in Kyrgyzstan. In the Soviet era, the gorge was explored for mineral resources, and remnants of abandoned mining tunnels (called shtolni) still remain hidden in the hills. Today, Kastek is a quiet and remote destination perfect for adventurers looking to escape the city, explore wild landscapes, and connect with both nature and the region’s deep past.