Private Tour
Trekking in Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve (2 days)
Overview
Available languages
48 hours
Mobile ticket
Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve – is the oldest and most famous nature reserve in Central Asia. Year of the establishment is 1926. Its aim was to preserve endangered wild animals and abundant flora and fauna of the reserve. The nature reserve is located in the spurs of the Western Tien Shan at an altitude of 1000 to 4280 meters above sea level. In 2016 the nature reserve was included in the UNESCO list of the World Biosphere Reserves. The highest peak is Sairam Peak, its height is 4238 meters.
The name Aksu-Zhabagly contains names of two main rivers Aksu and Zhabagly. These rivers flow through the reserve. Aksu is the longest river, covering 120 kilometers. In the spring the Aksu River is blue. However, in the summer months, it turns to a color of milk. Hence, its name comes – Ak – meaning “white” and Su meaning “water”. Aksu canyon, carved by the mighty Aksu river, is one the deepest canyons in Central Asia. The depth of canyon fluctuates from 300m to 500 meters, the length is 30 km.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Lunch
Dinner
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast
Accommodation
Guide
Visa support
Health insurance
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Day1 Kshi-Kayindy gorge Early in the morning at 8:00 am our Guide will pick you up from Shymkent (or Tyulkubas station) drive to Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve After 1,5 hours you will arrive to Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve from where you will start our trekking in Kshi-Kayindy gorge.The whole route in one direction is about 7 km one way, but because of the amazing landscapes, you will not notice the whole distance traveled Day2 Aksu canyon Breakfast in guest house.After breakfast, our guide will drive to Aksu canyon.We will be driving out to see one of the deepest canyon in Central Asia.Fissure creates an unforgettable impression. This area is interesting for observing predatory birds: the golden eagle, the snake-eagle, the eagle-dwarf, the mound, the vulture, the sip, the griffon, the kestrel and others. During the first stop we will observe canyon in location of closest approach to the steep banks of the river Aksu just half a meter. From there on we will descend to the river of Aksu, which takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.Walking tour along the path of the northern slope of the canyon (right bank, southern exposition) from the cordon Aksu to the bridge on the Aksu river.
Options
Trekking in Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve (2 days)
Pickup included
Reviews
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Stunning nature reserve
Cornelia G,
Mar 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We spent the two days there at Jevgeni's tourist base, which is his private house with much space for his guests and a private garden. He cares and knows a lot about nature and can show and tell you a lot if you are interested in it. His wife prepares typical national meals which are very tasty. Darja met us at Shymkent Grand Hoteland we drove to the national park in a comfortable car. She is a great guide who explained us so much about the park and the country. It took us about 1,5h. This afternoon, we went to a gorge in a range of the Tien Chan mountains. As we were the first guests after winter, there was still a lot of snow around, the first flowers blossomed and sometimes the tracks were a bit difficult to walk, but thats nature and we liked it this way. We were absolutely alone there and could enjoy everything. This track was about 8km to a heights of ca. 1400m. The next morning, we went up to a little waterfall in Aksz Shabagly at a heighth of almost 1800m. It was ca.11km, but easier to walk. On our ways, we saw mountain goats, and birds like an eagle, fasans and partridges. We were back to Shymkent by 6pm. It was a very special weekend.
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Operated by Turan Asia