Hike to Black Waterfall and the Memorial

The hike to Black Waterfall is a short mountain route from Shymbulak to the Tuyuk-Su area. It follows the upper section of Maloye Almatinskoye Gorge, close to Medeu and Almaty.

Along the way, hikers can see the active Tuyuk-Su mountaineering camp, the Malaya Almatinka River, the rock walls of the Trans-Ili Alatau and the Memorial to Those Lost in the Mountains. The final point of the route is approximately 2,650 metres above sea level.

Black Waterfall is particularly impressive during active snowmelt. Its flow is seasonal, so the time of year and recent precipitation should be considered before the hike.

Key route details

• Area: Almaty mountains, Trans-Ili Alatau

• Gorge: Maloye Almatinskoye Gorge

• Area: Tuyuk-Su

• Starting point: Shymbulak Mountain Resort

• Distance to the waterfall: approximately 3.2 km

• Round-trip distance: approximately 6.5-7 km

• Elevation of Shymbulak: approximately 2,200 m

• Elevation of Black Waterfall: approximately 2,650 m

• Height of the waterfall: approximately 30 m

• Elevation difference: approximately 450 m

• Duration: 3-5 hours, including stops

• Difficulty: easy on the main road, moderate on the final approach

• Key landmarks: Shymbulak, Tuyuk-Su mountaineering camp, Black Waterfall and the Memorial to Those Lost in the Mountains

The distance may vary slightly depending on the selected trail and additional stops.

Where is Black Waterfall?

Black Waterfall is located in the Tuyuk-Su area, in the upper part of Maloye Almatinskoye Gorge. This mountain area lies near Medeu and Shymbulak, approximately 20 kilometres from central Almaty.

The waterfall is located slightly above the Tuyuk-Su mountaineering camp. It is formed by a stream flowing from the Gorelnik spur and falling down a dark rock wall.

The waterfall takes its name from the almost black colour of the wet rock. The cascade is approximately 30 metres high, while the location itself sits around 2,650 metres above sea level.

Starting the route at Shymbulak

The hiking section begins at Shymbulak Mountain Resort, located at an elevation of approximately 2,200 metres. It can be reached from Medeu by cable car or other transport available on the day of the hike.

From Shymbulak, the route heads up Maloye Almatinskoye Gorge. Most of the trail follows a wide mountain road alongside the Malaya Almatinka River.

This section offers views of the rocky slopes and snow-covered peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau. The road gains elevation gradually and, in dry and snow-free conditions, does not include technically difficult obstacles.

After approximately 2 km, there is a turn towards the Tuyuk-Su mountaineering camp. The route then descends to the river and crosses to the opposite bank by bridge.

Tuyuk-Su mountaineering camp

The Tuyuk-Su mountaineering camp is located above Shymbulak in the central part of Maloye Almatinskoye Gorge. It is an active sports facility connected with the history of mountaineering in Kazakhstan.

Both beginner and experienced mountaineers train at the camp. Routes to Mynzhylky, Tuyuk-Su Glacier, high-altitude stations and the surrounding peaks begin here.

During the hike, participants pass close to the camp grounds. Follow the posted rules, do not enter restricted areas without permission and avoid disturbing training activities.

Black Waterfall is approximately one kilometre beyond the camp.

Final approach to Black Waterfall

After the camp, the route continues up the gorge. The trail initially follows a relatively level section before approaching the stream bed.

The final section is more difficult than the main road. It includes rocks, wet ground and a small rocky ledge. The surface may become slippery after rain or during snowmelt.

Do not stand directly beneath the falling water. Rocks may fall from the cliff, while wet areas near the waterfall provide poor traction.

Snow and ice may remain in the waterfall recess during winter and early spring. These conditions make the route more difficult.

What is Black Waterfall like?

Black Waterfall is approximately 30 metres high. The water flows down a dark rock wall, creating a noticeable contrast with the lighter sections of the gorge.

The waterfall is seasonal. Its strongest flow is usually seen in May and June, when snow is actively melting in the mountains. The amount of water also increases after prolonged rainfall.

During the second half of summer, the flow often weakens. In dry periods, the water may almost disappear, leaving only a wet black rock face.

A strong flow cannot be guaranteed on any particular date. Check the current condition of the route and waterfall before setting out.

Memorial to Those Lost in the Mountains

After visiting the waterfall, the route returns to the main Tuyuk-Su road. The Memorial to Those Lost in the Mountains can be visited on the way.

The memorial was created in 1999 using funds collected by members of Kazakhstan’s mountaineering community. It is dedicated to mountaineers, hikers and travellers who did not return from mountain expeditions and climbs.

The memorial plaques bear the names of those who died. Commemorative events involving mountaineers, sports veterans and relatives are held here each year.

This is a place of remembrance. Keep noise to a minimum and treat the area with respect.

Route difficulty

Most of the route follows a wide mountain road and does not require mountaineering experience in dry, snow-free conditions. However, the continuous elevation gain creates a physical challenge.

The final approach to the waterfall is the most difficult section. Hikers must cross rocks and wet ground, with a small rocky ledge in some places.

The route may be suitable for:

• active beginners;

• hikers with a basic level of fitness;

• participants able to walk uphill for several hours;

• families with teenagers in dry weather.

The hike becomes considerably more difficult after rain or when snow and ice are present.

Best time to visit Black Waterfall

The best chance of seeing Black Waterfall with a strong flow is usually in May and June. During this period, melting snow increases the volume of water.

The route remains available for hiking in summer, but the waterfall may weaken or temporarily dry up in July and August.

In autumn, the amount of water depends on rainfall. During dry weather, only a small stream may remain on the rock.

In winter, the waterfall partially freezes. Ice and snow appear on the road and final approach. Before a winter hike, check the weather, trail conditions and avalanche risk.

Safety on the route

Check the weather forecast and the condition of the road above Shymbulak before setting out.

Basic rules:

• Do not start the route during a thunderstorm or heavy rain.

• Do not stand directly beneath the waterfall.

• Do not climb the wet rock wall.

• Take care on rocky and icy sections.

• Do not enter restricted areas of the mountaineering camp.

• Turn back if the weather deteriorates sharply.

• Take all rubbish with you.

Avalanche risk must be assessed separately when snow is present. Proximity to Shymbulak does not make this high-altitude route completely safe.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Black Waterfall from Shymbulak?

The one-way distance is approximately 3.2 km. The full round trip is approximately 6.5-7 km.

What is the elevation of Black Waterfall?

The waterfall is located approximately 2,650 metres above sea level.

How high is the waterfall?

The cascade is approximately 30 metres high.

Why is it called Black Waterfall?

The name refers to the dark colour of the rocks over which the water flows.

When does the waterfall have the strongest flow?

The strongest flow is usually seen in May and June. Later in the season, the waterfall may weaken or dry up.

What can you see along the way?

The route passes through Shymbulak and the Tuyuk-Su area. Along the way, hikers can see the Tuyuk-Su mountaineering camp, Black Waterfall and the Memorial to Those Lost in the Mountains.

How long does the hike take?

Allow 3-5 hours for the route, including rest breaks, photos and a visit to the memorial.

Is the route suitable for beginners?

In dry weather, the route may be suitable for active beginners. The final approach requires care because of rocks and wet ground.

Summary

The hike to Black Waterfall offers the chance to see several important locations in Maloye Almatinskoye Gorge in one day. The route runs from Shymbulak through the active Tuyuk-Su mountaineering camp to a seasonal waterfall at an elevation of approximately 2,650 metres.

The Memorial to Those Lost in the Mountains can be visited on the return journey. The total distance is approximately 6.5-7 km, and the hike usually takes 3-5 hours.

The main limitation is the waterfall’s seasonal flow. May and June usually offer the best chance of seeing a stronger cascade.