Whitewater Rafting on the Chilik River

The two large mountain ranges of North Tian' Shan', namely the Kungey Alatau (South) and Zailiyskiy Alatau (North) form the valley of the Chilik River. The exotic Chilik is a very fast and exciting river with many great rapids. Some are as long as eight kilometers. The river has several impressive canyons and many beautiful lakes with transparent water. Since no roads access this canyon, this trip includes a day of trekking from Amanzhol Pass down to the river.

Along your journey you will enjoy breath taking landscapes of snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows, and large forests of famous Tian’ Shan’ fir. The Chilik River has incredibly fast current and almost no flat stretches with many Class IV and IV+ rapids along the way. During the last two days of the trip you will leave mountains as the river travels through a wide hollow.

On your return from the river you will enjoy wonderful Almaty City, the former capital of Kazakhstan.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1:

Meet at the Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan and transfer to the Amanzhol Pass (6 hours). We will camp in tents on the mountain pass.

Day 2:

Trekking to the river. All personal and rafting gear are carried by horses to the put in.

Day 3 and 4:

Rafting the Upper Canyon to the Maibulak River and camp near the Saty Village.

Day 5:

Lay-over day. Today is a day to rest or hike to the beautiful and exotic Kyolsay Lake.

Days 6 and 7:

Rafting the lower canyons of the Chilik. The trip ends on the Bartogaisk Reservoir.

Day 8:

We will trek from the Bartogaisk Canyon to the Charyn River canyon where we will camp.

Day 9:

Depart to the town of Almaty where we will have a chance for some sightseeing. We will stay in a hotel for the night.

Day 10:

Departure to the airport.

Tour Includes:

Local Transport

English speaking guides

One night accommodation in Almaty

Meals

Ecology Dues

Notes:

Scheduled trip date: September 24 - October 3, 2005.

We can run a Chilik River trip at any time of the season with a minimum of six participants. If a specific trip date has fewer than six participants the tour price may be increased.

This is a strenuous and exotic rafting trip since it involves both challenging trekking and rafting!