Excursion walks in environs of Taraz.

“Everything in excess is opposed to nature” 

Hippocrates.

The short description of a route of an excursion trip to Aktogai gorge:

Taraz town - settlement Assa – Karatau town - Aktogai settlement - Aktogai gorge.

Distance of the route: 157 km.
Season: from April 1th till September, 30th.
Best time for excursion: April - August.
Advanced reservation: for 48 hours.
Duration of the tour: 1 day.

The detailed program of an excursion trip to mountains Small karatau in Zhambyl province:

Travel advice in Kazahstan.

Transfer: Taraz town - Aisha Bibi settlement - Aktogay settlement (157 km).
Our way from the city of Taraz lies to the south-west and after 32 kilometers we turn north-west and drive along the northern tip of the Karatau ridge. After 36 kilometers we pass Lake Bilikol, which is located 5 kilometers north of the road. Lake Bilikol is located on the northern edge of the Karatau mountains and stretches for 17 kilometers from south to north.
A long cascade of lakes stretched from south to north along the eastern slopes of the ancient Karatau mountains. Before the bridge across the Aktogay River, we turn left and arrive on the right bank of the Aktogay River. From here, on the right rocky bank of the river, our excursion to an interesting place will begin - Aktogai Gorge (north-eastern slopes of Small Karatau).
Here the pure Aktogay River flows through the canyon, which originates from the springs of the northern slope of the Karatau mountain range. Through the course of the river, in soft rocks of white color, intricate grooves and bowls are washed, the shape and variety of which are amazing.
In the channel there is a rounded deep natural pool, where large swimming fish (marinas), Schizothorax intermedius, are visible in the clear dark depth. Behind a peculiar rocky gate opens a spacious gorge, on the slope of which there is an extensive cave, where several species of bats meet. In the cave of the gorge Aktogay is a cluster of guano - the most valuable fertilizer. In this cave found the remains of the material culture of primitive man.
For the first turn of the gorge, which turns to the west, a cave Aktogai opening is visible on the northern slope. The length from the beginning of the walk to the cave is approximately 800 meters. The ascent to the cave from the right bank of the river, which is located at the beginning of the rocky wall - 200 meters.
The inner part of the cave is spacious, with a high arch and slope, about 30 degrees, to the entrance. The height of the cave is about 10 meters, the length is about 60 meters. The cave ends in a narrow corridor at the end of which, in the upper part, there is a narrow opening.
The cave overlooks the gorge, the valley of the river and the mountain spur, which is located on the right bank of the river Aktogai. After visiting Aktogay Gorge, on the way, visit Berkara barrows, which are located on the north side of the Berkara Gorge.
Visit to the holy spring of Aulie-bastau. In the village of Aisha-Bibi, visit the ancient mausoleums of Aisha-Bibi (XII century) and Babaji-Khatun (X century), which are 18 kilometers ahead of the city of Taraz.

Note:
The author program is Alexander Petrov. Copying and introduction - only from the sanction of the author - petrovsra@mail.ru The material for excursion is given by Evgeniy Belousov. http://www.aksuinn.com

Alexander Petrov
photos.