Hike to the Gorelnik Waterfalls and Eagle’s Nest Rocks

The hike to the Gorelnik Waterfalls is a varied full-day route in the Almaty mountains. It starts at the high-altitude Medeu ice rink, climbs the stairs to the mudflow protection dam and continues through Gorelnik Gorge.

The main landmarks are the Health Staircase, Apa Katya Cafe, the Lower Waterfall, the Upper Waterfall and the Eagle’s Nest rock formation. The route combines many locations in a single day. Eagle’s Nest is located above the waterfalls and is used by hikers as a viewpoint and rest stop.

The route combines a long ascent, forest trails, mountain streams and open views of the Trans-Ili Alatau peaks. No technical climbing is required in dry, snow-free conditions, but the distance and elevation gain require good endurance.

Key route details

• Area: Almaty mountains, Trans-Ili Alatau

• Gorge: Gorelnik Gorge

• Starting point: high-altitude Medeu ice rink

• Route to the dam: via the stairs

• Lower Waterfall: approximately 5 m

• Upper Waterfall: approximately 20 m

• Elevation of the Upper Waterfall: approximately 2,450-2,500 m

• Elevation of Eagle’s Nest: approximately 2,540-2,560 m

• Distance from Medeu to the Upper Waterfall: approximately 6 km

• Round trip to the waterfall: approximately 12 km

• Full route via Eagle’s Nest: approximately 14 km

• Elevation gain: approximately 800-900 m

• Duration: 6-8 hours, including rest stops

• Difficulty: moderate

The distance may vary slightly depending on the selected trails and turnaround point.

Where is Gorelnik Gorge?

Gorelnik Gorge is located between Medeu and Shymbulak in Maloye Almatinskoye Gorge. Its entrance is above the Medeu mudflow protection dam, close to the road leading to the mountain resort.

The Gorelnik River flows through the gorge. The waterfalls are formed not by the main river but by one of its mountain tributaries. The stream crosses several rocky ledges and forms two cascades, the Lower and Upper Waterfalls.

The lower section of the gorge is covered by spruce forest. Higher up, the vegetation becomes less dense, with open clearings, rocky sections and views of the surrounding peaks.

Starting the hike near Medeu ice rink

The route begins at an elevation of approximately 1,690 metres near Medeu ice rink. The first section climbs the stairs to the mudflow protection dam. The staircase has approximately 840 steps, so the physical effort begins almost immediately.

The upper platform of the dam offers views of the ice rink, cable car and Maloye Almatinskoye Gorge. It is a convenient place for a short break before continuing the ascent.

After the dam, follow the road towards Shymbulak. The distance from the ice rink to the entrance of Gorelnik Gorge is approximately 2-2.5 km, including the staircase ascent.

At the entrance, the route leaves the main road and enters the Gorelnik River valley. An unpaved forest trail begins here.

Trail through Gorelnik Gorge

The first section of the gorge passes through coniferous forest. The trail gradually gains elevation and approaches the river and streams several times.

Benches, rest areas and trail junctions can be found along the way. The main route continues up the valley towards the waterfalls and Eagle’s Nest. Some side trails lead towards Kumbel, Kok-Zhailau and other longer routes.

The ground becomes slippery after rain. Tree roots, rocks and wet grass may make progress more difficult. Trekking poles can make the ascent and descent easier in these conditions.

The waterfalls are approximately 3.5 km from the entrance to the gorge.

Lower Gorelnik Waterfall

The Lower Waterfall is approximately 4-5 metres high. It is located slightly away from the main trail and is visited less often than the Upper Waterfall.

The approach crosses rocks beside the stream. Some sections do not have a clearly defined trail, so choose a safe route carefully.

Despite its modest height, the Lower Waterfall is notable for its location close to the forest and rock walls. The flow becomes considerably stronger after the spring snowmelt and prolonged rainfall.

Do not climb directly over the wet rocks beside the falling water. Return to the main trail before continuing the route.

Upper Gorelnik Waterfall

The Upper Waterfall is located above the Lower Waterfall. It is approximately 20 metres high. The water descends over several rocky ledges, creating a multi-level cascade.

The location sits approximately 2,450-2,500 metres above sea level. The one-way distance from Medeu ice rink via the staircase is approximately 6 km.

The approach follows an unpaved trail and a rocky section. The final metres may be wet and slippery. Avoid climbing the steep slope beside the cascade unless necessary.

The Upper Waterfall is a convenient place for the main rest stop. Choose a dry area away from the stream bed and possible rockfall.

Ascent to Eagle’s Nest

After the Upper Waterfall, the route can be continued to Eagle’s Nest. This is not another waterfall but a rocky area and hiking rest point farther up the gorge.

The ascent takes approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the group’s pace and trail conditions. The point sits at an elevation of approximately 2,540-2,560 metres.

Eagle’s Nest offers views of Gorelnik Gorge, forested slopes and the surrounding peaks. Flat rocks and open areas provide suitable places for a break and snack.

The trail continues towards Trapezia Pass, the Titov Lakes and Kumbel. These destinations require separate planning. For a one-day waterfall hike, Eagle’s Nest is a convenient final point.

After the break, the group returns to Medeu along the ascent route.

Distance from Medeu to the waterfalls

The one-way distance from Medeu ice rink to the Upper Gorelnik Waterfall is approximately 6 km.

The route can be divided into two sections:

• Medeu ice rink - dam - entrance to Gorelnik Gorge: approximately 2-2.5 km.

• Gorge entrance - Upper Waterfall: approximately 3.5 km.

The round-trip distance to the waterfall is approximately 12 km. Continuing to Eagle’s Nest increases the total distance to around 14 km.

The full route also includes approximately 800-900 metres of elevation gain. Its difficulty should not be judged by distance alone.

What you will see during the hike

The route passes through several natural areas and viewpoints:

• high-altitude Medeu ice rink;

• the staircase and mudflow protection dam;

• panoramic views of Maloye Almatinskoye Gorge;

• Gorelnik River;

• spruce forest;

• Lower Waterfall;

• Upper cascading waterfall;

• Eagle’s Nest Rocks;

• views of Kumbel and the neighbouring peaks.

The first section offers open views of Medeu. The middle section passes mainly through forest, while wider mountain panoramas appear above the waterfalls.

Difficulty and physical demands

The route is moderately difficult. Mountaineering skills are not required in dry, snow-free conditions, but the hike begins with a long staircase and continues with steady elevation gain.

The main physical demands are:

• approximately 840 steps to the dam;

• a distance of up to 14 km;

• up to 900 m of elevation gain;

• rocky approaches to the waterfalls;

• a long return descent;

• slippery ground after rainfall.

The hike may be suitable for active beginners with reasonable physical fitness and hikers who have previously completed routes lasting 5-6 hours.

For people without mountain hiking experience, the Upper Waterfall may be a sensible final point. Continuing to Eagle’s Nest increases the physical demands.

Best time to visit the Gorelnik Waterfalls

The strongest flow is usually seen in spring and early summer when snow is melting in the mountains. The amount of water also increases after prolonged rainfall.

In summer, the trail is usually drier and easier to follow. However, the flow may weaken during hot and dry periods.

In autumn, the route offers cooler weather and a contrast between the coniferous forest and yellowing vegetation. Daylight hours become shorter, so start earlier.

In winter, the waterfalls freeze into ice cascades. Snow, ice and avalanche risk make the trail more difficult. Winter hiking requires suitable experience, traction devices and a check of current conditions.

Clothing and equipment

Recommended items include:

• hiking shoes or boots with good traction;

• clothing suitable for a long ascent;

• a warm layer;

• a windproof jacket or raincoat;

• a hat;

• enough water;

• lunch and snacks;

• trekking poles;

• sunglasses;

• sun protection;

• a personal first-aid kit;

• a fully charged phone;

• a power bank.

Even in summer, the waterfalls and Eagle’s Nest may be cooler than Medeu. Layered clothing is recommended.

Do not rely on streams as a guaranteed source of drinking water. The water may become cloudy after rainfall, and hiking camps may be located farther upstream.

Navigation and safety

The route is relatively easy to follow as far as the entrance to Gorelnik Gorge. Inside the gorge, there are junctions, side trails and separate paths leading to the waterfalls.

Save an offline copy of the route before the hike. Mobile coverage may be unreliable in the forested part of the gorge.

Important safety rules:

• Keep away from the edges of wet rocks.

• Do not climb directly up the waterfall.

• Do not cross a fast-flowing stream at an unsafe location.

• Turn back during a thunderstorm or sudden loss of visibility.

• Do not remain near the stream bed during heavy rain.

• Do not attempt the route in winter without checking avalanche conditions.

• Start the hike in the morning and monitor the return time.

• Take all rubbish with you.

If participants are already tired at the Upper Waterfall, it is better to skip the ascent to Eagle’s Nest. The return route includes a long descent and staircase that also require energy.

Summary

The hike to the Gorelnik Waterfalls is suitable for those looking for a full-day route close to Almaty. The trail begins near Medeu ice rink, climbs the stairs to the dam and passes through a coniferous gorge to two waterfalls.

The distance from Medeu to the Upper Waterfall is approximately 6 km. The round trip to the waterfall is around 12 km. Continuing to Eagle’s Nest Rocks increases the total distance to approximately 14 km.

Main reasons to choose this route include two different waterfalls, a forest trail, mountain panoramas and a convenient final rest point at Eagle’s Nest.