There are two gorges a short drive from Almaty. Both feature waterfalls; but don’t expect the Niagra Falls. These are small mountain streams, with correspondingly sized waterfalls. There is a trail leading to both waterfalls, and, in both cases, the trail continues after the first fall. I went with a group excursion which promised a ‘light hike’ and, to be honest, it was hardly even that. But; if you are looking for hiking both of these look like fantastic hikes. I am not sure, so veriffy this information, but I think there is maybe another one to two hours of trail, after the first waterfalls, at each spot. One word of warning; I went at the end of March, and there was still plenty of ice about, and both trails were pretty slippery. (I fell once; always a fine art of holding my Nikon D800 and 70-200 mm VR2 lens up with one hand, while trying to land comfortably).

There were a lot of locals about, which is a good sign. At Alma-Arasan you can take a dip in a tub fed by a hot spring.

And, if that is your thing, (and it should be, if you don’t have health problems), jump into a tub of cold water, direct from the stream, afterwards.

The photography wasn’t great, so it was more about the fresh air, and getting out of the city for a day.

There is a visitor centre with a decent café, and toilets, at Ayusai.

Our tour bus passed through a control to enter the reserve. I don’t know whether there is a fee to pass and/or if anyone can drive through. (You would probably want to drive up to the parking sites for both gorges to save yourself a long dusty walk up an asphalt road). So; check this out before visiting.

I went with Kaz Guided Tours. (A good option if you don’t have your own car). The tour was reasonably priced and well led.