Tidbit Tuesday: The Hike

Saturday I went on a really fun hike with a small group of teachers.  We were planning to go to Big Almaty Lake, but the road was closed so we went hiking in a nearby gorge instead:

 

 If you ever want to take this hike yourself, simply catch the 28 bus near roundabout at the presidential park.  You will need to pay 60 tenge as the fare includes admission to the national park.   Ride the bus until the bus turnaround (the end of the route) and then walk up the right branch of the fork in the road until you come to the trail head:

 

 Most of the trail follows the river.  You will often have to scramble over boulders, rocks and stepping stones in shallow places of the river, so wear good shoes.

 

 The trail crosses the river in two places on small bridges constructed of steel pipe.  There are several rungs missing in these ladder like bridges and the metal can get a little slippery so be careful!

 At one point on the trail there is a staircase that is missing most of the steps (as you can see).  Don't turn back, simply hold on to the railings and use the braces that used to support the steps to climb the staircase (This was my favorite part of the trail).

If you take the trail to the left at the top of the staircase, you will climb to a small pagoda which is an excellent place for a breather and a snack.

If you wish to hike deeper into the canyon from the pagoda, go back to the top of the staircase and continue on the higher trail into the canyon.  You will come across several extremely steep climbs...

 

 but the view from the trail high above the river is definitely worth it.

The trail goes on and on into the canyon.  Simple turn around when you are ready to head back to the city.