Uzyn Kargaly Rock Carvings and Big Shymbulak Waterfall: hiking in Алматинская область
TrailTrack route Hiking Алматинская область One-day
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Uzyn Kargaly Rock Carvings and Big Shymbulak Waterfall

Distance
7.1 km
Time
2 h 35 min
Elevation gain
301 m
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

Big Shymbulak here is a waterfall in a side gorge of Uzyn Kargaly, west of Almaty. From the water-intake side, look for animal figures on a rock immediately beside the path. The way then approaches narrower mountain ground, where careful steps on stones and an assessment of the stream become essential. The waterfall is hidden in a rock pocket, revealing itself near the end of the approach. Cold damp air and close walls distinguish it from the open valley walk. Pause on safe ground before the stream and preserve time for the return. The selected ascent does not include descending back. Shymbulak Ski Resort is elsewhere in the mountains and does not serve this waterfall.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 13.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Dirt 93% · Improved surface 7%

Surface is defined for 100% of the route.

Dirt 93% · 6.57 km
Improved surface 7% · 0.50 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Combine path-side animal rock carvings with a waterfall hidden among cliffs. The gorge gradually changes from the lower approach into Big Shymbulak’s narrow, cool rock pocket.
Length
7.1 km
Elevation gain
301 m
Surface
Dirt 93%
Uzyn Kargaly Rock Carvings and Big Shymbulak Waterfall: route photo 4 in Алматинская область

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car - Hard With children - With caution With a dog - No data By bike - No With a stroller - No Mobile signal - No data Without a car, arrange transfer to the permitted lower beginning and collection afterwards. Children require stamina for the full return and safely low water; assess the final narrow gorge separately. Dog rules and reception are unestablished. A bicycle or stroller is unsuitable for the rocky stream-bed ending.

Nearby

Small Shymbulak and upper Uzyn Kargaly waterfalls lie on separate branches. Visiting Shymbulak resort belongs to a different area. Extra canyon visits require their own water and return-time checks.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
A current direct scheduled service to the water-intake beginning is unconfirmed. Arrange transfer from Almaty through Kargaly and agree collection beforehand. Village access does not reach the final canyon; complete the whole walking return before your driver arrives.
By car
Reach the permitted lower Uzyn Kargaly approach through Kargaly, formerly Fabrichny. Agree entry beside the water-intake land rather than relying on an old description of a small gate. Continue on foot; vehicle access directly to the waterfall is unestablished.
Parking
Parking is unconfirmed. Arrange permitted lower-side vehicle storage with those responsible for the approach. Keep gates and water-facility roads clear; the final gorge is not an established vehicle space.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Uzyn Kargaly Animal Rock Carvings animal figures on a rock beside the path, with their date unestablished.
Big Shymbulak Waterfall the stream in a narrow rock pocket after the final water-side approach.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 301 м.
SurfaceDirt 93%, Improved surface 7%.
Риски Check water levels, bridge condition and permitted lower access before departure. The final section follows water and rocks; turn back before the narrow gorge if safe passage is unavailable. Wet rock and cold flowing water make bathing hazardous. Reconsider ordinary walking plans after heavy rain, in ice or during thaw.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Time for the route 3–4 hours
With stops | 4–5 hours An editorial allowance for approaching the waterfall with safely low water and a dry main path. Add the return, lower-access arrangements and Almaty journey separately; allow a full day with an early beginning.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Choose a dry, snow-free day with low water. Spring flows can block the narrow gorge, while shaded ice appears late in autumn. Damp air beside the waterfall remains cold even when the village is warm.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Grippy footwear, poles, waterproofs and warm clothing.
Water, reserve food for the return, first-aid kit and headlamp.
A map, spare power and contact with your driver; assess passage beside water according to actual conditions and avoid strong flow.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

A current direct scheduled service to the water-intake beginning is unconfirmed. Arrange transfer from Almaty through Kargaly and agree collection beforehand. Village access does not reach the final canyon; complete the whole walking return before your driver arrives

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 7.1 km, moderate.

Discussion

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