Cliffs, fir trees, and a cave: unique gorge filmed in Kazakhstan
A video showcasing the stunning views of Monakhovo Gorge has been published on the official Instagram account of the Almaty State Nature Reserve.
“The gorge is located in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains. It was named after Orthodox monks who hid there in the 1920s. The entrance to the cave where their church once stood has been preserved to this day. The gorge resembles a canyon with steep cliffs, overhanging fir trees, a small cave, and waterfalls,” the reserve's message says.
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
Публикация от Алматинский заповедник (@bioreserve.almaty)
One of the main attractions of the gorge is the Monashka Waterfall, which is about 12 meters high. The gorge is traversed by a river of the same name, whose water is drinkable year-round.
Important: If visiting independently, you must pay the ecological fee at the reserve office (Talgar, Akku microdistrict, building 3a).
What to bring to Monakhovo Gorge:
Sunscreen and sunglasses;
Raincoat;
Rubber boots;
Trekking poles.
What to wear:
Headwear;
Windbreaker or light jacket;
Comfortable shoes (no flip-flops or sandals);
Sporty closed trousers.
Rubber boots are also highly recommended.
The reserve reminds visitors that the trail is about 2 kilometers long and of medium difficulty. This means it is suitable for most nature lovers but still requires some basic physical preparation and caution. It is not advisable to go alone or in bad weather. It's best to review the route in advance and assess your abilities.