Tours around Almaty cities
Tour around Ili river and Tamgaly-Tas

Drive via Kapchagay city and water reservoir to the Il River. Overlooking the water reservoir. Reaching the Ili river, the largest in South-Eastern Kazakhstan. Excursion to Buddhist rock-paintings in Tamgaly-Tas place - the place is also interesting for rock-climbers. Picnic lunch near the River.

In the afternoon return to Almaty.

The Ili river, one of the largest in Kazakhstan takes comes from China, beginning in Eastern Tien-Shan from the Tekes and Kunges rivers. Its length starting at the inflow of Tekes river is 1,439 km, 815 km on Kazakhstan's territory. Flowing into lake Balkhash it forms an immense delta with vast wetland regions of lakes, marches and jungle-like vegetation.

The Kapchagai Hydroelectric power station was built from 1965 to 1980 in the middle flow of Ili river, forming the Kapchagay Reserve. Tamgaly, some 20 km downstream along Ili river is well known for its rock drawings. The name Tamgaly in Kazakh means painted or marked place.

There is good easy rafting on Ili after Kapchagai water reservoir where the river flows in a deep rocky canyon, up to 200 meters wide, providing good conditions for 1st category rafting. The river in this part is full-flowing with rapid current and clear water. The canyon is about 100 meters deep and there are several small islands along the way. The flow in summer varies from 150 to 250 cbm. Starting in May the water in the river is warm and there is good swimming and fishing.